Programs

Undergraduate

Bachelor's

Minors

Certificates

Insight

Geographers use social and natural sciences to creatively study and solve multidisciplinary problems such as climate change and environmental justice, stewardship of natural resources, and sustainable city and rural planning for diverse populations. Human-environment interaction is at the core of geography. Many of our courses address sustainability and climate resilience issues related to wildfire, ecosystem health, global and local food systems, civic engagement, urban development, and environmental policy. The department has a state-of-the-art computer lab for geospatial technology as well as applied field opportunities at the University’s ecological reserve—one of the largest and ecologically diverse in California.

The department offers a Bachelor of Arts degree, four minors, and two certificates. Our engaged faculty and staff guide students in well-rounded and high-impact learning both inside and outside the classroom.

Experience

The Department of Geography and Environmental Studies supports a multitude of hands-on field projects and research opportunities in geography coursework. Students put their learning into action in local or campus projects and have presented prize-winning research at professional conferences. Resources for student research and professional development include a dedicated computer lab where students can learn basic to advanced skills in geographic information science and an internship program with diverse opportunities including city and county planning, geographical information system, and natural resource stewardship.

Staff and faculty provide orientation to students working at the department’s GeoPlace mapping lab, where their work serves campus needs for mapping in teaching and research. Opportunities for active engagement in environmental planning and stewardship occur under faculty leadership at the University’s ecological reserves and in partnership with private and public entities.

Generous support from department alumni has created multiple opportunities for scholarships and awards as well as for career development.

The department’s student club, Latitude 39, is very active and meets regularly both on and off campus. It presents a welcoming environment for any student, new and existing, to meet and socialize. Students have sustained an active geography club that has promoted career training activities, speaker series, field trips, and opportunities for environmental activism on campus and in the community.

Every semester, the department also provides a mandatory academic advising for students. Each student meets with a faculty advisor to receive individually-tailored advising. Faculty and staff in the department focus on student success during and beyond their academic endeavor.

Outlook

Our graduates work in public environmental and planning agencies, tribal organizations, nonprofit organizations, and private consulting businesses. Examples of recent employment are the U.S. Forest Service; CAL FIRE; Caltrans; the City of Chico; Butte, Glenn, and Yuba counties and water districts; and companies where geospatial technical skills are highly valued. Other students go on to complete graduate degrees within and beyond California State University, Chico.

Geography graduates are especially well-positioned for newly emerging green jobs, such as sustainability managers in private industry. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, many geography-related professions are projected to grow at the average growth rate for all occupations during the next decade.

See Course Description Symbols and Terms for an explanation of course description terminology and symbols, the course numbering system, and course credit units.

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Geography and Environmental Studies Department

The Faculty

Emeritus Faculty