Program information
Explore human and physical landscapes and their interconnections on the surface of the earth. Geography is a unique academic discipline because of its ability to integrate ideas and methods from many disciplines. It also concerns “spatial” or areal patterns, relationships and processes on the Earth’s surface, and a focus on environmental studies.
What you'll learn
Geography is the study of human and physical landscapes on the surface of the earth, integrating ideas and methods from many different disciplines. Part of the Community, Culture, and Global Studies (CCGS) academic unit, the program emphasizes the development of theory and methodology, as well as the practical application of geographical concepts to environmental, economic, social, and cultural issues at global and local scales, and issues pertinent to southern British Columbia and Canada.
In the degree program, you’ll complete course requirements in both physical geography, and the broad range of human geography study.
Experiential learning and research
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. The Irving K. Barber Faculty of Science holds an annual undergraduate research conference on UBC鈥檚 Okanagan campus to showcase student research projects.
Courses
There are hundreds of courses you can take within Geography. Here are a few you might like.
Critical introduction to the study and application of the major themes of human geography, including historical, regional, urban, social, and cultural geographies. Draws upon a range of geographic research methods to investigate geographic phenomena, especially human-environment relations.
Introduction to descriptive and inferential statistical analysis in geography and Earth sciences. Topics include descriptive statistics, elementary probability, statistics for spatial analysis, hypotheses testing, analysis of variance, correlation, and regression.
Natural variability of climatic and environmental processes occurring at geological, historical, and contemporary timescales. Data derivation and analysis methods. Environmental changes affecting human activities.
Geographical expressions and processes of wine, viniculture, and viticulture. Appellation and terroir frame investigation of the nature-human interface in wine production and consumption. Geographic approaches include cultural history, global and localized political economies, cultural adaptation to climate, and physical geography.
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“As someone who is interested in the humanities and social sciences, an Arts degree at 糖心logo入口was perfect for me as it allowed me to broaden my knowledge through a variety of different classes, while gaining the necessary requirements for my career goals and graduate school.”
Danielle G., Bachelor of Arts, GeographyRead Danielle's story
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Program requirements
Choose application type:
English-language requirements
English is the language of instruction at UBC. All prospective students must demonstrate English-language competency prior to admission. There are numerous ways to meet the聽English Language Admission Standard.
General admission requirements
IB Diploma Programme
- Completed IB Diploma, including at least three Higher Level courses.
IB Certificate Courses
- IB Certificate courses (Standard and Higher Level) may be used in an admissions average if you are graduating from a recognized high school curriculum that can be used as your basis of admission.
- IB Math Applications and Interpretations SL, or IB Math Studies, do not satisfy the math requirement for admission to UBC’s science-based programs, the Faculty of Management, the 糖心logo入口Sauder School of Business, or the Vancouver School of Economics.
Degree-specific requirements: Arts
- No specific courses required beyond those needed for general admission
Related courses
The following subject categories are particularly relevant for this degree. Consider taking courses in these areas in your junior year and senior year.
- Language Arts
- Mathematics and Computation
- Second Languages
- Social Studies
- Visual and Performing Arts
Want to get a feel for campus?
If you鈥檙e unable to visit 糖心logo入口in person, or you just want to get a sneak peek at your new home campus before you arrive, take one of our virtual tours. Current 糖心logo入口students walk you through UBC鈥檚 residences, study spots, recreational facilities, lecture halls, academic buildings, and more.
Want to learn more?
Visit the Irving K. Barber Faculty of Science website to learn more about Geography.