The Bachelor of Arts degree program in Geography focuses on our interdependent world and our fragile habitat. The major nourishes a sense of responsibility and provides tools for the solution of environmental, regional, and international problems. The program provides a depth of study to ensure the satisfaction of having mastered a discipline. Students have the opportunity to focus on one of the major areas of study, or tracks, within the department, and to master methods and techniques which can provide the foundation for a successful career.
A Bachelor of Arts degree in Geography, Sustainability Studies, or Urban Studies provides marketable skills and broad viewpoints on environment and society that enables graduates to move beyond entry-level positions. Graduates from the Department are prepared for a variety of occupational settings including all levels of government, non-profits and the private sector. Students are urged to familiarize themselves with campus career resources such as Liberal Arts Career Services and Texas Career Engagement. We strongly recommend that all students sign up for Handshake, the LACS career management system. UT's Office of Sustainability also has an exceptional career development online resource. The Department of Geography and the Environment also offers the opportunity to receive academic credit for internship courses (URB 360 or SUS 379L) that combine an internship and coursework.
Sustainability involves meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. The three pillars of sustainability are basic human needs, diverse natural environments, and the quality of human life including recognizing cultural values and human rights. Geography is an appropriate major for those interested in sustainability, as it includes study of the natural environment, human use of the environment, human impacts on the environment, and social and cultural values and ideals as they involve the environment, while at the same time providing training in practical techniques such as geographic information science and remote sensing and opportunities for internships and capstone experiences. The Sustainability track in Geography emphasizes advanced study of past, present, and future interactions between nature, society, and development. As such, it contributes to a general liberal arts education for future leaders and innovators in government, the private sector, education, and non-governmental organizations. It also provides excellent background for student pursuing graduate education in law, medicine, public affairs, business, interdisciplinary environmental studies, and geography.
