Geographers study the Earth and the relationships between Earth and people. They are interested in learning more about the natural and the human worlds in order that this knowledge can be applied to guide environmental decisions. Geographers seek to generate scientific information about the environment and combine it with an understanding of human needs to work toward societal decisions which are both environmentally sensitive and compatible with the greater goals of society. Geography at OSU focuses on sustainability and wise management of the environment and resources, with an international orientation aimed at enhancing global awareness. The Geography option offers undergraduates an interdisciplinary curriculum that includes specializations in fields such as geographic information systems, climate and water science, planning and resource evaluation, and the geography of regional and international conflict. The curriculum gives students a rigorous education in spatial analysis and prepares them to apply geographic analysis to practical questions and to communicate effectively. Courses in basic sciences, statistics, and earth sciences provide a broad background. Students also acquire depth of knowledge through upper level elective coursework.

Career Opportunities Career opportunities are bright because OSU geography graduates are well prepared in issues concerning natural resources, the physical environment, land use planning and the latest computer mapping and analysis techniques. Such graduates fill planning and resource management positions in federal, state, city, and county agencies. Others work as specialists in cartography, remote sensing, or geographic information systems. Recent OSU graduates are employed by: U.S. Department of Interior Oregon Department of Environmental Quality U.S. Forest Service Remote sensing firms Bureau of Land Management U.S. National Park Service Consulting firms U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Washington Department of Ecology Oregon GIS Service Center Forest industry firms Mapping firms Peace Corps