Geography, BSc
Physical geographers study patterns and processes on the Earth’s surface, and how human activities affect natural systems.
The Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Geography degree provides a broad background on the fundamentals of physical geography (climate, snow and ice, water, soils, ecosystems). It provides you with specialized expertise in geospatial analysis, geographic information systems (GIS), remote sensing, statistics, and field measurement methods that are critical skills for professional geoscientists and environmental consultants.
120 credits, 4 Years,
Part-time available
Program Details
This program builds your understanding of the interactions between Earth’s atmosphere, lithosphere (crust and upper mantle), hydrosphere (total amount of water) and the biosphere. You’ll discover how the planet's oceans, rivers, lakes, mountains, glaciers, forests, ecosystems, and weather and climate are interconnected.
The Geography (BSc) degree program focuses on geography as an earth science. Foundational courses in your first two years include biology, physics, chemistry, math, and coding.
In the third and fourth years, you’ll take courses on weather and climate, snow and ice, mountains, hydrology, geomorphology, soils and weathering, and geomatics. Electives in anthropology, environmental science, and natural resources management provide breadth and flexibility for students to follow their interests.
Field schools in southern California and British Columbia provide you with hands-on experience and the opportunity to apply your knowledge and skills in a wide variety of outstanding natural environments.
Career Paths
- Meteorologist
- Government researcher
- Environmental consultant
- Geoscientist
- Hydrologist
- GIS analyst
- Field technician
- Planning
- Climatologist
Why at UNBC
- Our nationally and internationally renowned faculty are experts in glaciers, hydrology, climate, remote sensing, mapping, and geographic information systems
- Develop highly valued field, technical, analytical, and writing skills
- Gain practical knowledge sought by a wide variety of employers
- Learn in a wide variety of settings, including lecture and seminar rooms, computer labs, wet and dry labs, and the Quesnel River Research Centre in Likely, B.C.
- Field trips to local, regional, and international destinations
'En Cha Huná
UNBC’s motto, from the Dakelh (Carrier) Elders, reminds us that all people have a voice and a viewpoint. Interpreted as “respecting all forms of life,” 'En Cha Huná encapsulates the spirit of academic freedom, respect for others, and willingness to recognize different perspectives.
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Admission Requirements
High School Requirements (applicable for B.C. and Yukon)
Overall average of 65% minimum in the following:
- English Studies 12 or English First Peoples 12
- Pre-Calculus 12 (minimum 60%)
- Approved Academic Grade 12 Course
- Approved Academic Grade 12 Course
- Additional Grade 12 Course (Elective or Academic)
Other requirements: Life Sciences 11 or Anatomy & Physiology 12**; Physics 11
**Anatomy & Physiology 12 can be counted as one of the Approved Academic Grade 12 courses.
Domestic Admission Requirements
View the full list of Approved Academic Grade 12 Courses
More high school admission requirements (including out-of-province, International Baccalaureate and Advanced Placement)
Transfer Requirements
- Have attempted at least 15 credit hours of post-secondary transferrable coursework from a recognized institution
- Be in good academic standing at the transfer institution
- Have a 2.0 GPA from the most recent 30 credits prior to transfer
- For the purposes of verifying any outstanding first-year prerequisites, high school transcripts may be requested
International Admission Requirements
International Student Requirements
- Meet UNBC's English language requirements
- Meet the international admission requirements by country or meet the admission with a General Certificate of Education (or equivalent)
- Complete the required high school course equivalencies outlined in the Domestic tab prior.
Transfer Requirements
- Have attempted at least 15 credit hours of post-secondary transferrable coursework from a recognized institution
- Be in good academic standing at the transfer institution
- Have a 2.0 GPA from the most recent 30 credits prior to transfer
- For the purposes of verifying any outstanding first-year prerequisites, high school transcripts may be requested
Tuition and Fees
(30 credit hours, 10 courses)
| Domestic | International | |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition* | $5,870 | $24,770 |
| Student Fees* | $1,185 | $1,185 |
| Books* | $1,700 | $1,700 |
* Tuition, fees and books are subject to change and vary among programs.
Scholarships, Bursaries and Awards
View the hundreds of available scholarships, bursaries, and awards.
- 1 in 4 students receive a UNBC financial award.
- $3,500,000 in financial awards given each year.