Shape the cities and environments of tomorrow

From the classroom to real-world projects, start making your mark now.
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Step into the future: programs that empower you to innovate and transform the world around us.

In the Department of Geography and Environmental Studies (part of the Faculty of Arts), learning happens in and out of the classroom. Our programs and applied learning opportunities will give you tools to solve societal challenges and create more liveable communities. As a student of the department, in addition to classwork and computer labs you’ll:

  • Use Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and other geotechnology tools
  • Engage and collaborate with community partners 
  • Participate in local and international field trips
  • Conduct community and field research
  • Explore the urban environment

As a graduate, you’ll come away with in-demand skills that can be applied to a wide range of careers including urban planning, renewable energy and academics.

Everything you need to help you on your journey

30+

Awards & Scholarships to help fund your education

50%

Undergrad classes with a lab or tutorial component

15+

Research labs to accelerate your professional potential

Academics with real-world applications

Prepare for a dynamic career with programs that integrate knowledge with technical and practical skills

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Full time programs

Explore our full-time undergraduate and graduate programs and start planning for a rewarding future with real impact. 

Environmental and Urban Sustainability (BA Hons)

If you want to build greener, more livable cities, you’ll need to understand and tackle today’s pressing environmental issues. Classes like Environment and Sustainability, Weather and Climate or Nature in Fragments give you the foundation you need to make it happen.

Geographic Analysis (BA Hons)

How is location data used? How can we characterize and understand how people interact with their environment? Harness the power of spatial information in courses like Location, Location, Location, Geographic Information Science and Geographic Entrepreneurship and Consulting, all while training for a career in a direct entry co-op program.

Spatial Analysis (MSA)

Through innovative courses, practicum placements, and a major research paper (1 year), or thesis (2 years), learn to master GIS and advanced geospatial technologies to support and guide decision-making in government and industry.

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Continuing education

Already working in the field or want to supercharge your degree? Expand your knowledge and build your resume with continuing education programs tailored just for you.

Certificate in Applied Digital Geography and GIS

Master the principles of digital geography and geographic information systems (GIS) used in decision-making by industry, governments and more. Learn to understand geographic databases, how to identify GIS applications and address legal and ethical issues–everything you'll need to further your career in this rapidly growing field.

Certificate in Crime Analytics

Learn the tools you need to help protect communities and corporations from harm, at your own pace. Understand the science of crime analysis with the goal of improving tactical and strategic decision-making in law enforcement. In only one year, you’ll earn credentials you can use to start building a career as a civilian intelligence analyst or crime analyst.

Research that matters

Leverage faculty research projects with real world significance to build your experience and credentials.

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Research centres and groups

Explore research centres, groups and labs established by our faculty members and find a topic that interests you.

Research themes

Deepen your knowledge by joining faculty-led research teams studying everything from the Economies of Space and Place, Geographic Information Science, and more.

Featured research

Expand your knowledge and gain experience helping solve real-world challenges in faculty-led research.

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“Together, our students, staff and professors are engaged in the crucial challenges and opportunities facing our world today; learning, testing and applying a breadth of theories, methods, tools and technologies… I invite you to explore our community—our programs, people and activities—perhaps even join us as we take one step at a time towards a future with space and place in mind.”

— Dr. Tor Oiamo, PhD, Associate Professor and Chair        

What’s on at the Geography and Environmental Studies department

From inspiring talks to student wins–check out what’s going on at the Geography and Environmental Studies department right now.