- Senior technical systems analyst, Provincial Health Services Authority
- Geospatial analyst and cartographer, Roy Northern Land and Environmental
- GIS and air photograph specialist, Ä¢¹½´«Ã½Geographic Information Centre
- Geography laboratory technician, Douglas College
- Air quality specialist, WSP in Canada
- Master of Urban Planning student, McGill University
Get a post-graduate work permit for up to three years if you are a full-time Ä¢¹½´«Ã½international student graduating from a bachelor’s degree program and meet all .
Want to learn more?
Visit the Faculty of Science website to learn more about Geographical Sciences.
Program information
Study the fundamental interactions between life – including human societies – and the Earth’s atmosphere, hydrosphere, and geosphere. You’ll build on a broad base in the basic sciences by completing course in areas such as biogeography, climatology, geographic information science, geomorphology, or hydrology.
Program overview
- Campus
- Vancouver
- Program length
- 4 years
- Honours This option has additional requirements compared to those required in a Major specialization. Students must maintain high academic standing and may have to write a graduating thesis.
- No
- Co-op Co-op is an optional program where students alternate between academic terms and paid work terms. It’s an opportunity to gain relevant job experience while completing your degree.
- Yes
- Faculty
- Faculty of Science
- Degree
- Bachelor of Science
What you'll learn
The Geographical Sciences program focuses on the fundamental interactions between life – including human societies – and the Earth’s atmosphere, hydrosphere, and geosphere. You will build a strong foundation in geosciences disciplines by completing at least two of five upper-year concentrations in biogeography, climatology, geographic information science, geomorphology, or hydrology.
For interests in environmental, cultural-historical, urban, economic, or regional geography, the BA program (with majors in Environment and Sustainability, and Human Geography) is appropriate. Technical courses are incorporated into both the BA and BSc programs.The Department of Geography has cartographic, computing, and technical services as well as computer labs specifically for the use of undergraduate students.
Experiential learning and research
Field-based research is an integral component of the Geographical Sciences specialization. You will take field trips in nearly all upper-level courses and complete technical training.
Campus features
The Department of Geography has cartographic, computing, and technical services as well as computer labs specifically for the use of undergraduate students.
Program advantages
UBC’s Department of Geography is ranked in the world’s top 10 academic departments. As a student in Geographical Sciences you will participate in field research in nearly all upper-level courses to prepare for a career in the geosciences. You’ll have the option of a combined honours degree in climatology or geology.
Courses
There are hundreds of courses you can take within Geographical Sciences. Here are a few you might like.
Energy and water in the Earth-Atmosphere system, global climates and climate change, ecosystem properties and processes, human impacts.
Physical principles underlying weather and climates. Thermal, moisture, and wind climates from the scale of plants and animals to the globe. Daily weather systems and climate change.
Field sampling, instrumentation, surveying, mapping techniques, and data analysis; mandatory multi-day field camp in May or June.
Investigation of vegetation dynamics integrating theory and research to address contemporary issues of global environmental change. Students will conduct fieldwork and learn to analyze data and interpret results.
Outcomes
A BSc in Geographical Sciences can lead to employment as a geological technician, geoscientist, surveyor, environmental consultant, cartographer, or GIS specialist. The specialization equips you with the knowledge necessary for success in fields related to geographic science.
With appropriately selected electives, this degree forms a suitable basis for completing the academic requirements for registration as a professional geoscientist, which is legally required of all people practising geoscience in Canada.
Program graduates
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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 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 Ä¢¹½´«Ã½Sauder School of Business, or the Vancouver School of Economics.
Degree-specific requirements: Science
- IB Math Analysis and Approaches SL or HL, or IB Math Applications and Interpretations HL (IB Math Applications and Interpretations SL, or IB Math Studies, are not acceptable)
- One of IB Biology, IB Chemistry, or IB Physics
- Grade 11 or equivalent Chemistry, and
- Grade 11 or equivalent Physics (may be waived with grades of 5 in IB Chemistry and in your IB Mathematics course)
Note: Grade 11 Chemistry and Physics requirements listed are only relevant to students who are not completing the equivalent IB Diploma Chemistry and/or Physics courses.
For students studying outside of Canada, some examples of courses that may be accepted as Grade 11 equivalents are junior-level courses for American students, and IGCSE and O Level for those following British-patterned curricula.
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
- Sciences
Want to get a feel for campus?
If you’re unable to visit Ä¢¹½´«Ã½in 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 Ä¢¹½´«Ã½students walk you through UBC’s residences, study spots, recreational facilities, lecture halls, academic buildings, and more.
Related programs
Want to learn more?
Visit the Faculty of Science website to learn more about Geographical Sciences.
Get a post-graduate work permit for up to three years if you are a full-time Ä¢¹½´«Ã½international student graduating from a bachelor’s degree program and meet all .
Want to learn more?
Visit the Faculty of Science website to learn more about Geographical Sciences.