Current
Current Undergraduate Programs
Virginia Tech’s Department of Geography offers two degrees: a B.A. in Geography and a B.S. in Meteorology.
FAQ for Geography and Meteorology at Virginia Tech:
1) What might be a good course/s to take if I am thinking about geography/meteorology as a major/minor, but I want to know more?
Geography interested students should consider taking GEOG 1004 (Intro. to Human Geography), GEOG 1014 (World Regions), and 1104 (Intro. to Physical Geography). These are the frontier classes in the geography major and will provide a solid overview of the field. They may be used to meet requirements for the university curriculum for liberal education (CLE). Intro. to Human Geography, World Regions, and Intro. to Physical Geography are also required courses for the major and the minor.
Meteorology interested students should consider taking GEOG 1504 (Survey of Meteorology), a one credit survey class which introduces possible career options in meteorology and will apply to the major but not to the minor. If the survey course works well, then consider enrolling in GEOG 1514 (Intro. to Meteorology), GEOG 2505 (Weather Analysis I), and GEOG 2506 (Weather Analysis II). These are the frontier classes in the meteorology major. They will provide a solid overview of the field and a good base for weather forecasting. These classes are also required courses for the major and the minor
2) What is required for each major? How do I change my major? What does a four year plan look like for a GEOG or MTRG major?
Major checksheets are designed to clarify the requirements of the major. The geography and meteorology major checksheets can be found on the University Registrar’s website under the College of Natural Resources and Environment section. Checksheets can also be picked up in the advising office in 243 Wallace Hall.
3) Where can I find out more about the courses?
Students can find courses descriptions and prerequisites in the undergraduate catalog or timetable of classes.
4) What kinds of minors can I pursue through the department?
Students can select minors in geography (GEOG), meteorology (MTRG), geographic information science (GIS) or Sustainable Natural Environments (SNEN).
Minor checksheets can be found on the registrar’s website here.
To declare a minor, contact Julie Burger (jcburger@vt.edu) or stop by 243 Wallace Hall.
5) What kind of field experiences are available to geography and meteorology majors?
An internship, undergraduate research project, a travel-based field experience or study abroad, or a service learning experience are available to GEOG and MTRG majors. For example, MTRG majors can complete the field experience requirement with the Meteorology Field Course (Storm Chase) or an internship at the National Weather Service.
Students must earn 3 credits, which typically includes a minimum of 150 hours of work. Students can begin the search process by meeting with the undergraduate adviser in 243 Wallace Hall or visiting the CNRE job board postings here. Students must propose the experience to the department for acceptance.
6) What do I do if I wish to double major in meteorology and geography?
Please meet with the undergraduate advisor, Julie Burger (jcburger@vt.edu), in 243 Wallace Hall if you are looking to double major.
7) What scholarships are available to Geography and Meteorology students?
The College of Natural Resources and Environment’s scholarship information and application process can be found here.
8) What jobs and careers are available to B.S. in Meteorology degrees?
Students who receive B.S. degrees in meteorology can obtain employment with the National Weather Service, private meteorological consulting and weather forecasting companies, air quality consulting firms, airlines, TV stations, energy companies, utility companies, universities, state governments, and agricultural firms. Some students choose to enter military careers as weather officers. Positions in teaching and research normally require a graduate degree. Students can begin research about possible jobs using the information at Career Overview or at the American Meteorological Society.
9) What jobs and careers are available to B.A. in Geography degrees?
Students who receive B.A. degrees in geography can obtain employment in government-related agencies doing GIS work, environmental planning, cartography, the census bureau, private businesses, and nonprofits. Positions in teaching and research normally require a graduate degree. Students can begin to research about possible job opportunities using the information from the American Association of Geographers (AAG) website or USA Jobs.
For more information or questions about the undergraduate program, please contact:
Julie Burger
Academic Advisor
Department of Geography
243 Wallace Hall
Phone: (540)-231-6886
jcburger@vt.edu