Central to Mapping the Future.
CCSU’s BA in Geography prepares students for careers in urban planning, environmental
sustainability, social science teaching, business/tourism, and Geographic Information
Sciences (GIS). Students receive a holistic, liberal education that integrates the
study of human activity and the natural environment. Graduates have developed the
skills for jobs that address real life community concerns, environmental issues, and
systems that impact people’s economic, political, social, and spatial needs. Students
train for and excel in careers with a conscience.
Program Features
- Coursework that challenges and improves students’ understanding of topics leading
to well-paid positions after graduation
- Specialized tracks allow students to pursue education in individual interests while
still learning employable skills
- Opportunities for hands-on applied field work, internships, and courses abroad
- Faculty who are experts in their field guide, mentor, and advise students throughout
the program
- Small department with a welcoming environment
- Small class sizes
- Financial aid and scholarships available
- Free on-campus child care available
Environmental Geography & Sustainability, BA
Students gain an understanding of the impact of human interactions on the environment.
Graduates are prepared for careers in resource management, environmental & sustainable
planning, outdoor/environmental education, environmental assessment/monitoring/restoration,
and air/water/soil pollution prevention.
General/Regional Geography, BA/BS (BS Certifiable for Elementary Education):
Provides a broad overview of the discipline of Geography and what it has to offer.
BS is designed for students pursuing a career in teaching. BA is a great option for
those who want a little bit of everything Geography has to offer.
Geographic Information Science, BA
Prepares students for careers in Geographic Information System (GIS) Mapping and Remote
Sensing (RS), as well as their applications in fields like planning, marketing, crime
mapping, health, environmental protection, and natural resources management.
Planning, BA
Equips students for jobs as town or city planners with municipalities, as regional
planners for regional councils of government, and for positions at state agencies,
non-profits, and private consulting firms. Introduces students to the historical,
legal, and applied contexts of planning in the United States and Connecticut, as well
as subfields of planning, such as transportation planning, urban design, environmental
planning, and economic development.
Tourism, BA
Prepares students to work in municipal, state, and federal agencies for positions
such as planning, parks and recreation, ecotourism/nature-based tourism, cultural/historical
tourism, and tourism development.
After I graduate, I will be traveling to Madagascar as part of a volunteer program
called International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ). The trip will be for about 12 weeks and
during that time I will be scuba diving to help collect data on coral reefs for researchers
that work to preserve and protect their habitat. Studying Geography, especially GIS
since what I will be doing is pretty much the front lines of it all; has made me more
and more excited to not only learn about the world but to go out and experience it
first hand as well.
– Matthew Tattersall
The Association of American Geographers has an excellent career overview that is very
much applicable for the kinds of employment that our students land in after graduation.
Some occupations that could be held by graduates are:
- Geospatial Information Scientists/Technologists
- Geosphysical Data Technicians
- Geographic Information Systems Technicians
- Cartographers and Photogrammetrists
- Urban and Regional Planners
- Transportation Planners
Source:
aag.org/jobs-careers
By the time of graduation, students will demonstrate proficiency in the following
areas:
- Demonstrate knowledge of the basic concepts of physical and human geography.
- Use geographic theories, principles and data to solve spatial problems
- Apply basic research skills, including the ability to critically evaluate the research
of others
- Show competent skills in oral or written expressions regarding the clarity, logic
and effectiveness of arguments.
- Synthesize and produce graphic displays of spatial data (i.e., maps, graphs and database).
- Describe the nature of Geography as an academic discipline, including familiarity
with its history and recognition of its major subfields.
- Demonstrate knowledge and skills that are sufficient to allow one pursue advanced
study in geography and/or find employment in a geography-related field.
