Bachelor of Science in Geography
Coming fall 2026
Map the future. Shape the world.
Explore how data, technology, and field experience combine to solve the world’s most pressing environmental and planning challenges.
Starting fall 2026, the Bachelor of Science in Geography at Virginia Tech gives students the power to understand and shape the connections between people, places, and our planet.
This degree builds on Virginia Tech’s long tradition of geographic study, now offering students three new options designed to match their interests and career goals: Applied Climate Science, Environmental Geography, and GIScience & Technology.
Each option blends geospatial tools, environmental analysis, and hands-on learning to prepare students for high-demand careers that make a difference, from climate resilience and resource management to urban planning, environmental stewardship, and data analytics.
Through applied research, lab projects, and field experiences, students gain the skills to make data-driven, science-based decisions that protect communities and environments around the world.
Challenge yourself
Why choose a Bachelor of Science in Geography?
- Customize your path. Choose from three specialized options: Applied Climate Science, Environmental Geography, or GIScience & Technology.
- Lead with technology. Build advanced skills in geographic information systems (GIS), remote sensing, spatial analysis, and environmental modeling.
- Understand complex systems. Explore the relationships between people, places, and natural environments through climate, geography, and spatial science.
- Solve problems that matter. Apply geographic thinking to flooding, disaster response, urban growth, and climate adaptation.
- Join a top-ranked environmental college. Study within the College of Natural Resources and Environment, one of the nation’s leaders in environmental stewardship education.
What you'll learn
Students gain depth in the natural and social sciences while mastering geospatial and analytical tools to model and solve complex systems
Coursework covers:
- Spatial analysis and algorithms in GIS
- Remote sensing and environmental monitoring
- Climate science and applied meteorology
- Environmental systems and resource management
- Cartography and geovisualization
- Programming in Python for geospatial applications
Career outcomes
Graduates are in demand across industries that rely on geographic insight and environmental data. Career paths include:
GIS and remote sensing analyst
Uses technology to collect, analyze, and interpret geographic data from various sources, such as satellites and aerial imagery. They use specialized software to create maps, perform spatial analysis, and build databases to visualize patterns, solve problems, and support decision-making in fields like environmental conservation, urban planning, and engineering.
Climate scientist or environmental modeler
Uses computer simulations to study past, present, and future climate and environmental conditions. They analyze complex data on atmospheric composition, ocean currents, and greenhouse gases to create models that predict climate trends and inform policy.
Conservation and resource management specialist
Protects and manages natural resources like land, water, and wildlife through planning, scientific study, and policy implementation. These specialists balance human needs with conservation goals to ensure sustainable use for current and future generations.
Spatial data scientist or systems developer
A spatial data scientist analyzes geographic data to find insights, while a systems developer builds and maintains software applications.
Environmental planner or policy analyst
An environmental planner focuses on land use and project implementation. While a policy analyst researches, analyzes, and advises on environmental issues to shape new laws and regulations, focusing on the why and what of environmental protection from a legislative and systemic standpoint.
Federal, state, and local government researcher
Analyzes data to support policy development, program evaluation, and decision-making across all levels of government. These researchers work in various fields like public health, environmental science, economics, and national security, using data collection, analysis, and reporting to inform government strategies and ensure resources are used effectively.
How You'll Learn
Learning goes beyond the classroom through fieldwork, lab projects, and global experiences that prepare students for a rapidly changing world:
- Field study and internships with agencies such as the U.S. Geological Survey, FEMA, and local planning offices.
- Study abroad opportunities in destinations such as New Zealand, Scotland, and Antarctica.
- Undergraduate research with faculty in environmental data analysis, climate systems, and resilience planning.
- Access to high-tech GIS and spatial data labs that simulate professional environments.
Ready to explore your world?
Starting in fall 2026, choose your path in Geography at Virginia Tech and earn a B.A. in Geography or a B.S. in Geography with options in Applied Climate Science, Environmental Geography, or GIScience & Technology.
