Geography


Geography is the study of places, exploring both the physical features of the earth and the relationship between people and their environments.

Overview

Geography is the study of places, exploring both the physical features of the earth and the relationship between people and their environments.

The study of geography develops an understanding of the principles of ecological and physical systems; of the cultural, social, economic, and political forces acting on those systems; and of the management, planning or scientific tools necessary to meet environmental challenges and opportunities.

At a Glance

Degree options
Bachelor of Arts (BA), major or honours
Minor

Curriculum

At Mount Allison, the Geography program explores courses in both human and physical geography, and is designed for students interested in the study of social sciences at various spatial and temporal scales.

The Geography program develops an understanding of:

  • the principles of ecological and physical systems
  • the cultural, social, economic and political forces acting on those systems
  • the social implications of environmental change, and the application of planning theory and methodology to build healthy, more resilient communities.

Geography students take a combination of courses in both Environmental Science and Environmental Studies, as well as options pertaining to planning, urban studies, and environmental social justice.

Geography is available as:

  • BA major (60 credits)
  • BA honours (72 credits)
  • Minor in any degree (24 credits)

Not sure about the difference between a major, a minor, an honours, and a certificate?

Faculty Spotlight

Dr. Leslie Kern
Associate professor, Geography and Environment
Program director, Women's and Gender Studies

» Dr. Leslie Kern outlines ways cities sideline women and other minority groups in new book

Careers

Whether you're entering the job market or continuing your education, your Mount Allison degree will stand out.

Mount Allison has been recognized by Maclean's as the top primarily undergraduate university in Canada more times than any other university.

With experiential learning and career development opportunities available in every degree, you'll also graduate with hands-on learning and real-world experience.

Our graduates also boast extraordinarily high acceptance rates to top graduate programs and professional schools such as law and medicine.

Popular career paths for Geography graduates include:

  • GIS map making
  • public policy analyst
  • urban recreation/transportation planner
  • urban/regional planner
  • demographer
  • community development specialist
  • municipal adviser
  • resource management specialist
  • environmental consultant/planner
  • international development worker
  • climatologist
  • environmental law specialist
  • international development worker

Alumni Spotlight

Tammy Wilson ('93)
Bachelor of Arts, Geography
Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), Town of Bridgewater

» Tammy Wilson ('93) spends career leading communities on Nova Scotia's iconic South Shore

Testimonials

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The Geography program at Mount Allison provides great opportunities to work with a variety of disciplines and pursue many interests while thinking spatially and critically about a wide range of ideas. I loved that this program allowed me to incorporate my Women’s and Gender Studies minor into my major, to gain practical skills like GIS, and to work closely with professors and other students on in-depth research projects.


Amelia
Moore
'19
Geography, minors in French and Women's and Gender Studies
Salmon Arm, BC

Extras

Experiential learning

Geography will often take you outside the classroom to learn through lab work, field study, and library and archival searching.

Field trips to locations across the Maritime region and throughout North America have become an increasingly important part of this program.

You are also encouraged to become actively involved in research, either through independent summer research projects or as a research assistant to a faculty member.

ECAB Lab

The ECAB (Environmental Change & Aquatic Biomonitoring) Lab research integrates a wide-range of methods from ecology, biomonitoring, and paleolimnology to understand the effects of human activities and natural processes on freshwaters.

There are opportunities for students to get involved in field and lab-based research as part of the ECAB Lab.

/current-students/department-geography-and-environment

Bachelor of Arts

Admission Requirements

Our admissions decisions are based on your academic record, leadership skills, a high level of commitment, and the potential for personal growth. The drop down menu below will help you find information on what pre-requisites are recommended for a Bachelor of Arts.

Academic Awards

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Mount A is #2 in student awards


Maclean’s ranks Mount Allison second in student and faculty awards in its latest University Rankings. To date, 56 Mount Allison students have become Rhodes Scholars — one of the best per capita records in Canada.

Next Steps

Be part of Canada's best undergraduate university