Geography

Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Explore human and physical landscapes and their interconnections on the surface of the earth.

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Degree

Bachelor

Length

4 years

Faculty/School

Irving K. Barber Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences

Why study Geography at UBC Okanagan?

A unique academic discipline because of its ability to integrate ideas and methods from many disciplines, the geography program at UBC Okanagan emphasizes the development of theory, methodology and the practical application of geographical concepts and tools to environmental, economic, social and cultural problems, with emphasis on issues pertinent to southern BC and Canada.

Geography examines human and physical landscapes and their interconnections on the surface of the Earth.

Degree Options

At UBC Okanagan, you can complete a Bachelor of Arts (BA) with a major or minor in geography.

Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Sample Courses

These are examples of courses you can enrol in during your studies. To plan your academic journey, please visit undergraduate academic planning.

GEOG 108 - Introduction to Physical Geography I
GEOG 109 - Introduction to Physical Geography II
GEOG 128 - Human Geography: Space, Place, and Community
GEOG 129 - Human Geography: Resources, Development, and Society

GEOG 271 - Geographic Data Analysis
GEOG 272 - Cartography and Remote Sensing
GEOG 200 - Atmospheric Environments
GEOG 207 - Introduction to Biogeography

GEOG 301 - Mechanisms of Global Change
GEOG 307 - Advanced Biogeography
GEOG 317 - The Physical Environment of British Columbia
GEOG 351 - Urban Social Geography
GEOG 310 - Environment and Resources

GEOG 414 - Applied Climatology
GEOG 436 - Coastal Geomorphology
GEOG 437 - Terrain Analysis
GEOG 423 - Development of Environmental Thought
GEOG 435 - Wine Geographies

Plan your academic journey by exploring the undergraduate academic planning guide designed for Irving K. Barber Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences students.

Explore customized Program Plans designed to support your journey to graduation and beyond.

Careers and Outcomes

UBC degrees are respected by employers around the globe. Program graduates will have the skills to pursue a career in a variety of fields like,

  • Air photo interpreter
  • Cartographer
  • Climatologist
  • Community development specialist
  • Cultural resource specialist
  • Demographer
  • Ecotourism manager
  • Emergency management officer
  • Environmental impact assessment specialist
  • Environmental quality specialist
  • Forestry technician
  • Geomorphologist
  • Hazardous waste planner
  • Heritage planner
  • Housing specialist
  • Hydrologist
  • Land developer/surveyor
  • Land economist
  • Land-use analyst
  • Map curator or editor
  • Parks planner
  • Park warden
  • Photogrammetric technician
  • Real estate analyst
  • Recreational and tourism planner
  • Remote sensing analyst
  • Resource economist or planner
  • Soil assessment technician
  • Transportation planner
  • Urban/regional planner/technician
  • Water resources manager
  • Water use analyst
  • Weather and climate specialist
  • Wildlife manager
  • Waste management specialist

Admission, Fees, Applying

You could soon be studying at one of the world’s top universities. Be sure to review the content below to prepare for attending UBC Okanagan.

Experiential Learning

Expand your horizons while studying abroad, conducting meaningful research, or working in the community with your UBC colleagues.

Learn more about Co-op, Go Global and Undergraduate Research Awards opportunities at Experiential Education.

Your coursework offers opportunities to visit Kelowna-area field locations, including studying mountain hazards at a facility in the Canadian Cordillera.

In third or fourth year you can undertake a supervised investigation as part of a directed studies course, which will result in a written report of your findings.

Work closely with classmates and professors while getting firsthand field experience in locations such as the Canadian Rockies, where students can participate in courses such as management of mountain hazards.

Global and Close-Knit

At UBC Okanagan, you gain all the benefits of attending a globally ranked, top 5% university while studying in a close-knit learning community. 50% of graduates, from all across the globe, choose to stay in the region.

Discover the Okanagan

A diverse natural region with sandy beaches, beautiful farms, vineyards, orchards and snow-capped mountains, the Okanagan is an inspirational landscape perfect for those seeking leisure or outdoor adventure.

UBC's Okanagan campus borders the dynamic city of Kelowna, a hub of economic development with a population of more than 150,000 people— the fourth fastest-growing population in Canada.