Over 90
We have had over 90 research presentations in the last five years at academic conferences.
Bachelor of Arts in Geography
How do we shape the physical world around us through our interactions with the environment? Geography at the University of St. Thomas asks you to examine the world around you from varied perspectives.
Why Study Geography at St. Thomas?
Our interdisciplinary approach to geography means you utilize knowledge from the physical and social sciences, as well as the humanities, throughout your time at St. Thomas. We promote collaborative research between students and faculty, internships, student research grants and service learning. You graduate with strong problem solving, critical thinking, data analysis, communication and collaboration skills, making you a versatile employee for any industry. Our graduates are working in multiple sectors including government, private business and education.
See the World Through a New Lens
Course Requirements
You start by taking human geography, exploring several different effects on the world from a geographic perspective. You then complete coursework focusing on how globalization influences the unique character and culture of other countries. You supplement your geography knowledge with classes in geology, remote sensing and global health. It culminates with a capstone research project with a local community organization.
Four-Year Plan
We recommend connecting with a member of our faculty to plan your career at St. Thomas since geography is an interdisciplinary and flexible program.
Degrees Awarded
- Bachelor of Arts in Geography
- Minor in Geography
Internships and Research
All students work closely on real-world projects with community partners, such as the Nature Conservancy, Great River Greening and the Parks and Trails Council of Minnesota. Many of our students also complete internships to gain practical experience. Past internships have been with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Brightside Produce, St. Paul Regional Water Service and Three Rivers Park District.
Course Requirements
Course Requirements
You start by taking human geography, exploring several different effects on the world from a geographic perspective. You then complete coursework focusing on how globalization influences the unique character and culture of other countries. You supplement your geography knowledge with classes in geology, remote sensing and global health. It culminates with a capstone research project with a local community organization.
Four-Year Plan
Four-Year Plan
We recommend connecting with a member of our faculty to plan your career at St. Thomas since geography is an interdisciplinary and flexible program.
Degrees Awarded
Degrees Awarded
- Bachelor of Arts in Geography
- Minor in Geography
Internships and Research
Internships and Research
All students work closely on real-world projects with community partners, such as the Nature Conservancy, Great River Greening and the Parks and Trails Council of Minnesota. Many of our students also complete internships to gain practical experience. Past internships have been with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Brightside Produce, St. Paul Regional Water Service and Three Rivers Park District.
Curious About the World Around Us
Our faculty, students and alumni are traveling the world, applying their knowledge and skills to address complex issues.
Dr. Paul Lorah
Dr. Lorah’s research interests primarily focus on the economic value of the wilderness and national parks, and using geographic information systems to model environmental quality and effectiveness of federal land management policies. He is an active conservationist as well, collaborating with students to write multiple grants that have resulted in over $200,000 for various conservation projects such as an oak forest restoration project.
Alice Ready and Emma Rinn
Alice and Emma used drones to discover how aerial images can gather data and support the work of the Minnesota Nature Conservancy. Collaborating with Dr. Paul Lorah, Emma and Alice gathered and analyzed data that will continue to provide information to the Nature Conservancy for years to come. Alice and Emma also became registered commercial drone pilots with the Federal Aviation Administration.
Career Paths
We give you the tools you need to succeed in a variety of careers and industries. Here are a few potential paths you can go down with a degree in geography.
- Professor
- County Planner
- GIS Consultant
- Military Intelligence Officer
- Director of Market Analysis
- Transportation Planner
In-Depth Knowledge. Practical Experiences.
You have access to numerous opportunities for mentorship, research and more inside and outside of the classroom with our program.
Grants
Students have earned multiple grants over the last few years, including two Sustainability Scholars Grants and two McNair Scholars Awards.
Collaborative Research
We promote research projects to all students in our program, and faculty are always eager to get you involved with what they are studying.
Faculty with Real Experience
Dr. David Kelley
Dr. Kelley is interested in environmental analysis, landscape evolution and environmental management.
Dr. Paul Lorah
Dr. Lorah focuses on the economic value of national parks and the wilderness.
Vast Knowledge. Versatile Skills.
The interdisciplinary nature of our program will develop your knowledge and skills in various fields.
Connecting Locally
As part of a community art grant and the SOLV Initiative in the College of Arts and Sciences, geography students have been surveying the Midway Neighborhood to examine its environment and its impact on its citizens as the surrounding area undergoes economic development.
Lead Change for the Future
Students have led efforts to write several grants generating over $200,000 for sustainability initiatives.
Make an Impact
Our students are actively involved in collaborative research projects with faculty, using their knowledge and skills to make a difference in society.
See the World
There are multiple opportunities to go abroad in our program. For example, students recently had the opportunity to participate in doing fieldwork at a Roman archaeological site on an island off the coast of Croatia.
Where You Want To Be
Geography students blend the natural and social sciences, along with the humanities, to better understand how humans shape the physical world through their interactions with the environment. They gain a versatile skill set that is applicable to any industry.
Take the Next Step
There is more to learn about St. Thomas; including our ranking as a Best Value School by U.S. News & World Report, the many classroom and extracurricular activities that will be part of your student experience and so much more. Schedule a visit to see our beautiful campus or start your application today.