Academics
Discover Your Place
Undergraduate degrees
The Department of Geography offers three bachelor's degree options to undergraduates: a Bachelor of Science in geography, Bachelor of Arts in geography and a Bachelor of Science in meteorology.
-
Home Item
Bachelor of Science in Geography , homeStarting fall 2026 — study the connections between people, places, and our planet — building on Virginia Tech’s long tradition of geographic study, offering students three new options designed to match their interests and career goals: Applied Climate Science, Environmental Geography, and GIScience & Technology.
-
General Item
Bachelor of Arts in GeographyStudy the patterns and processes connecting places and regions across the globe. Learn about societies and cultures, environmental systems, human-environment relationships, international development, and geospatial science, while utilizing cutting-edge technology.
-
General Item
Bachelor of Science in MeteorologyStudy weather forecasting and atmospheric sciences with a significant focus on using geospatial technology to study how landforms affect weather patterns. Learn to predict severe weather and assess its impacts on both humans and the environment.
Graduate Programs
The Department of Geography offers two programs for students seeking a master's degree: a Master of Science in geography and an accelerated Master of Science. Students can also earn a Ph.D. in geospatial and environmental analysis or a graduate certificate in geospatial science.
-
General Item
Master of Science in GeographyThe M.S. in geography is a two-year program with emphasis on research and collaboration between faculty members and graduate students. There are thesis and non-thesis options.
-
General Item
Accelerated M.S.The accelerated M.S. in geography allows students to earn a master's degree in one year, as long as it is the year immediately following the completion of their bachelor's degree. Students apply to the program in their third year of undergraduate study and courses selected in the final year can count toward both degrees.
-
General Item
Doctoral GEA ProgramThe doctoral geospatial and environmental analysis program focuses on geographic information systems, the global positioning system, remote sensing, and imagery analysis. Environmental analysis in this program is broadly defined from rural/natural to urban/human environments. The program can be a collaboration with other departments in the College of Natural Resources and Environment.
Explore Your Future in Geography
The Department of Geography supports student success through experiential learning, flexible academic pathways, and dedicated advising. From required hands-on experiences in geography and meteorology, to courses organized around five Pathway concepts, to personalized guidance from undergraduate advisor Julie Burger, students have the resources and support to build meaningful and well-rounded academic journeys.
-
General Item
Hands-on LearningAn undergraduate hands-on learning experience is required to earn a bachelor’s degree in each of its majors: geography and meteorology. Choose from four main types of hands-on learning.
-
General Item
PathwaysChart your pathway through geography. The Department of Geography offers a diverse set of engaging courses organized around five key Pathway concepts.
-
General Item
Undergraduate AdvisingMeet Julie Burger, the undergraduate academic advisor for the geography department and a member of the Advising and Career Center team for the College of Natural Resources and Environment.