Geography Bachelor’s Degrees in NYC: Exploring Places, People, and Environments
Geography is the study of places, people, and environments, focusing on how they interact and shape the world. Students in this field explore physical landscapes, human activities, and global systems to understand the connections between them. A geography degree combines theory and practical skills, preparing students for careers in urban planning, environmental management, and data analysis. This program fosters a deep understanding of spatial relationships, sustainability, and the impact of human actions on the planet. New York City offers unique opportunities for geography students, with its diverse population, urban development, and proximity to various ecosystems providing a rich learning environment.
CUNY Graduate School and University Center
The CUNY Graduate School and University Center offers a comprehensive geography program focusing on urban studies, global systems, and environmental issues. Students gain access to advanced research facilities and collaborations with experts.
Curriculum Details:
- Specializations: Students can choose from three specializations: Environmental and Geological Sciences, Geography, and Environmental Psychology, allowing them to focus on their specific research interests.
- Comprehensive Curriculum: The program includes core courses such as “The Nature of Scientific Research” and “Earth Systems I & II,” covering topics like the origin and evolution of Earth, solid earth processes, and the interplay between human activities and Earth’s systems.
- Address: 365 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10016
- Phone: (212) 817-7000
- Website: www.gc.cuny.edu
- Directions: Located near the Empire State Building, accessible via the 34th Street-Herald Square subway station.
CUNY Hunter College
CUNY Hunter College provides a strong geography curriculum that emphasizes geographic information systems (GIS), urban planning, and sustainability. The campus supports hands-on learning and community projects.
Curriculum Details:
- Interdisciplinary Curriculum: Students begin with core courses in physical sciences, then choose a concentration in either Environmental Policy and Management or Earth Systems Science, allowing for advanced study tailored to their interests.
- Hands-On Learning Opportunities: The program emphasizes practical experience through laboratory work, field studies, and internships, preparing students for careers in environmental science, policy, and management.
- Address: 695 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10065
- Phone: (212) 772-4000
- Website: www.hunter.cuny.edu
- Directions: Situated near the Lexington Avenue-68th Street subway station.
CUNY City College
The geography program at CUNY City College includes courses on physical geography, human-environment interaction, and spatial data analysis. Students benefit from the college’s historic campus and diverse academic environment.
Curriculum Details:
- Bachelor of Engineering in Earth System Science and Environmental Engineering: This undergraduate program integrates mathematics, chemistry, physics, and biology with core engineering courses, providing a comprehensive foundation in environmental engineering principles.
- Master of Science in Earth Systems and Environmental Engineering: The graduate program offers concentrations in areas such as Water Resource Engineering Management, Climate and Remote Sensing, Geoinformatics and GIS, and Energy, allowing students to specialize in their areas of interest.
- Address: 160 Convent Avenue, New York, NY 10031
- Phone: (212) 650-7000
- Website: www.ccny.cuny.edu
- Directions: Accessible via the 137th Street-City College subway station.
CUNY Lehman College
CUNY Lehman College offers a geography program that blends theoretical knowledge with field studies. Topics include urban landscapes, environmental challenges, and GIS applications.
Curriculum Details:
- Interdisciplinary Curriculum: The program integrates natural sciences such as biology, chemistry, hydrology, climatology, oceanography, and geology with social sciences, including economics and politics, as well as humanities like philosophy and ethics. This comprehensive approach equips students to understand Earth’s processes, evaluate alternative energy systems, and address environmental challenges.
- Practical Experience: Students engage in laboratory work, field studies, and internships, providing hands-on learning opportunities that prepare them for careers in environmental science, policy, and management.
- Address: 250 Bedford Park Boulevard West, Bronx, NY 10468
- Phone: (718) 960-8000
- Website: www.lehman.edu
- Directions: Reachable by the 4 train to Bedford Park Boulevard-Lehman College station.
Montclair State University
Montclair State University provides a dynamic geography program with specializations in urban studies, climate change, and geospatial technologies. The campus encourages interdisciplinary learning and research.
Curriculum Details:
- Earth and Environmental Science programs cover climate change, environmental remediation, contaminant identification, and water resource management through undergraduate, graduate, and certificate programs.
- Hands-on learning and research opportunities prepare students for careers in environmental consulting, government agencies, and education, with options for teacher certification and advanced studies.
- Address: 1 Normal Avenue, Montclair, NJ 07043
- Phone: (973) 655-4000
- Website: www.montclair.edu
- Directions: Accessible by NJ Transit Montclair-Boonton Line to Montclair Heights station.
College of Staten Island CUNY
The College of Staten Island offers a geography program that focuses on regional analysis, environmental sustainability, and mapping technologies. Students engage in local projects and internships.
Curriculum Details:
- Specialization Options: Students can choose to focus on either geology or environmental science, gaining expertise in their area of interest.
- Practical Skill Development: The curriculum emphasizes laboratory and field techniques, preparing graduates for careers in geoscience and environmental science sectors, as well as for advanced studies.
- Address: 2800 Victory Boulevard, Staten Island, NY 10314
- Phone: (718) 982-2000
- Website: www.csi.cuny.edu
- Directions: Accessible by Staten Island Railway and bus routes from the Staten Island Ferry terminal.
William Paterson University of New Jersey
William Paterson University provides a geography program featuring GIS, environmental geography, and urban development studies. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on experiences and career readiness.
Curriculum Details:
- Interdisciplinary Curriculum: Combines foundational courses in natural sciences with advanced studies addressing environmental concerns, fostering a holistic understanding of human-environment interactions.
- Practical Experience: Includes fieldwork, laboratory research, and a capstone Senior Environmental Practicum, equipping students with hands-on skills to analyze and address real-world environmental issues.
Address: 300 Pompton Road, Wayne, NJ 07470
Phone: (973) 720-2000
Website: www.wpunj.edu
Directions: Accessible via NJ Transit buses or by car using Route 46.
Hofstra University
Hofstra University offers a geography degree with courses in global studies, urban planning, and sustainable development. Students benefit from small class sizes and personalized attention.
Curriculum Details:
- Bachelor of Science (BS) in Geology: This program requires coursework in mathematics, chemistry, physics, biology, and/or computer science, providing a strong foundation in the natural sciences.
- Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Geology: Tailored for students aiming for careers in science education (when combined with an education degree), science journalism, law, or business, this program offers a flexible curriculum that integrates geology with other disciplines.
- Address: 100 Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY 11549
- Phone: (516) 463-6600
- Website: www.hofstra.edu
- Directions: Located near the Hempstead Train Station on the Long Island Rail Road.