Geography Program
Information for Prospective Students
Whether helping local citizens monitor water quality in community waterways, or advising on environmental health priorities in Western Africa, our students don’t just learn about geography — they experience it. Geography encompasses diverse topics, ranging from natural hazards to weather processes. Geography students learn about the effects of humans on natural and built-up environments, and investigate how physical geography can impact the larger environment.
In addition to preparing you for a rewarding career, a geography degree equips you for a more informed life in a world where everything you do affects someone or something — not just locally, but globally.
The Saint Mary’s approach
Saint Mary’s is home to the only Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science, Geography degree program in Nova Scotia. This rigorous program provides students with skills, training, and valuable, real-world experience. In fact, 95% of our graduates are working in a geography-related field or pursuing advanced education within six months of graduation.
Choose a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science
Students have the option to major in Geography through the Science degree program (B.Sc.) or the Arts degree program (B.A.) at Saint Mary’s. Students typically pursue human or cultural geography through the Arts program (B.A.) and physical geography through either the Arts (B.A.) or Science program (B.Sc.).
Hands-on learning
Our students regularly work with local organizations to put their geography skills and knowledge into practice. Students can enhance and diversify their learning through field trips, directed studies courses and study abroad programs.
Sample courses offered:
- Concepts in Geographical Information Systems (GIS)
- Environmental Management
- Integrated Coastal Zone Management
- Geographic Perspectives on Culture
- Social Geography of the City
- Geography of Transportation
Future career opportunities:
- Fisheries/wildlife officer
- Cartographer
- GIS technician
- Resource database manager
- Climatologist
- Surveyor
- Emergency manager
- Urban planner
What our students are saying:
“The department is filled with knowledgeable professors who are at the cutting edge of their respective research fields...they encouraged me to seize opportunities for personal growth and learning that I would not otherwise have taken. They provided me with the knowledge and the opportunity to study what I love!”
- Amber Silver (B.A. Honours Geography)
“The hands-on aspect of this program is outstanding. In my second year I was already working as a paid research assistant, something I never would have thought possible so early in my academic career.”
- Christa Skinner (M.Sc. student at Saint Mary’s)
