University of Richmond

Why Geography?

The discipline of geography seeks to understand the transformation of the earth in relationship to both human and environmental processes and serves as a bridge between the natural and social sciences.  Spatial theories (scale, location, place, and connectivity) allow geographers to critically analyze change in the cultural, physical and economic landscape.

Students find geography’s interdisciplinary nature combines well with other programs and fields of study such as international studies, environmental studies, biology and economics. 

Students become geographers for a variety of reasons:    

Global need
Geographical theory and geospatial technology are increasingly important on a threatened planet facing a warming climate, growing populations, dwindling resources, and increasingly complex information flows.

Interdisciplinarity
Geography’s interdisciplinary nature is ideal for addressing complex problems as diverse as global warming, economic inequality, and territorial conflict.

Geographical understanding
Geographical understanding is a critical component of sound foreign policy, effective environmental stewardship and successful international business.

Technology
The Global Positioning System (GPS), Remote Sensing and Geographical Information Systems (GIS) are increasingly prevalent worldwide.  The Spatial Analysis Laboratory allows faculty to teach students to use these tools efficiently and to critically analyze their products and processes.

Job Opportunities

  • The U.S. Department of Labor identified Geospatial Technology as one of 14 high growth, high demand, and economically vital sectors of the U.S. economy.
  • Geotechnology is one the three most important emerging and evolving fields (along with nanotechnology and biotechnology). Nature 2004.
  • “The use of geospatial technology is changing the way business is conducted throughout the world.” Science 2005.

Internationalization
Within the nation’s “hottest school” for international studies (Newsweek 2007), Geography’s global curriculum contributes to internationalization and is a core discipline in our partner institutions abroad.  Geography students are encouraged to study internationally.

Tradition
The discipline of geography has its roots in the Greek and Roman worlds, and counts Eratosthenes, Ptolemy, and Humboldt as some of its most influential early thinkers.

Geographers work in a variety of fields such as:

Environment
•    Environmental management
•    Conservation of biodiversity
•    Natural resource management
•    Pollution management
•    Climatology
•    Natural hazard perception

Policy
•    Foreign policy
•    National security
•    Immigration policy
•    Non-governmental organizations

Development
•    Urban planning
•    Transportation
•    Emergency and disaster planning
•    Tourism
•    Real estate development
•    Resource exploration

Economics
•    International business
•    Socially responsible business
•    Green investment
•    Carbon credits and certification