Overview
The study of geography develops an understanding of the principles of ecological and physical systems; of the cultural, social, economic, and political forces acting on those systems; and of the management, planning or scientific tools necessary to meet environmental challenges and opportunities.
At a Glance
Curriculum
Why study geography at 91AV?
At 91AV, the Geography program explores courses in both human and physical geography, and is designed for students interested in the study of social sciences at various spatial and temporal scales.
The program examines human-environment relationships and a wide range of sustainable ways of knowing and living.
The program focuses on:
- spatial relationships
- an understanding of the principles of ecological and physical system and the cultural, social, economic and political forces acting on those systems
- the social implications of environmental change, and the application of planning theory and methodology to build healthy, happy, more resilient communities
Geography is available as:
- BA major (60 credits)
- BA honours (72 credits)
- Minor in any degree (24 credits)
Not sure about the difference between a major, a minor, an honours, and a certificate?
Program highlights
Experiential learning
Geography will often take you outside the classroom to learn through lab work, field study, and library and archival searching.
Field trips to locations across the Maritime region and throughout North America have become an increasingly important part of this program.
You are also encouraged to become actively involved in research, either through independent summer research projects or as a research assistant to a faculty member.
ECAB Lab
The ECAB (Environmental Change & Aquatic Biomonitoring) Lab research integrates a wide-range of methods from ecology, biomonitoring, and paleolimnology to understand the effects of human activities and natural processes on freshwaters.
There are opportunities for students to get involved in field and lab-based research as part of the ECAB Lab.
Geography students take a combination of courses in both:
As well as options pertaining to:
- planning
- urban studies
- environmental social justice
Major areas of concentration in our courses include:
- community resilience
- economic transactions
- gendered spaces
- diversity of cultural territories
GENS 1401 — The Physical Environment
This course introduces the general principles of Physical Geography and the Environment, emphasizing the physical world at a variety of spatial and temporal scales. This course introduces the four fundamental spheres of Physical Geography: the hydrosphere, lithosphere, atmosphere and biosphere. It examines basic processes in the physical environment such as the seasons, layers of the atmosphere, the earth's energy budget and interactions with atmospheric processes. It also investigates weather and its interplay within the hydrological cycle, the fundamentals of climatology, the three basic rock types, tectonic activity and weathering of the earth's surface.
GENV 1201 — The Human Environment
This course introduces the study of the human population and the spatial dimensions of environmental change. It examines how people interact with the environment and the core forces which shape these interactions, including population, culture, technology, and geography.
GENS 2441 — Geographic Information Systems
This course surveys several aspects of traditional cartography, examines one or more Geographic Information Systems, and explores the role of maps in conveying geographic information.
GENV 2811 — Urban Social Geography
This course introduces the central concepts in urban geography by considering the historical and contemporary role of cities in the global landscape. It also investigates the shifting attitudes towards city life and city dwellers from the Industrial Revolution to the present day with an emphasis on social issues in the post-industrial city. Throughout this examination it emphasizes the place and development of Canadian cities.
GENS 2881 — Traditional Ecological Knowledge
This course investigates the ways in which Indigenous scientific knowledge and ways of knowing and Western scientific knowledge and ways of knowing complement one another. It discusses Indigenous research methodologies and considerations. Students also learn from Mi'kmaq and/or Wolastoqiyik Elder(s).
GENV 3321 — Geography of Japan
This course examines Japan's geography since 1860, emphasizing the importance of international trade and new technologies and their roles in forming new geographic relationships for Japan with other parts of East Asia and with the West.
GENV 3531 — The Planning Process
This course examines community responses to the necessity and challenge of growth. Discussion focuses on the contributions of planning to the process of development and to the outcomes and opportunities which parallel this process.
Faculty Spotlight
Dr. Corrine Cash
Associate Professor, Geography and Environment
What can I do with a geography degree?
Through experiential learning, faculty-supervised research, and close mentorship, students gain practical skills and critical thinking abilities to address today’s most pressing environmental and social issues.
Recognized by ²Ñ²¹³¦±ô±ð²¹²Ô’s as Canada’s top undergraduate university, 91AV’s strong academic reputation helps graduates stand out as they pursue diverse career paths.
Many go on to graduate studies in environmental management, geography, ecology, and planning, while others move directly into careers in conservation, environmental consulting, policy analysis, and other environment-related fields.
Popular career paths for Geography graduates include:
- GIS map making
- public policy analyst
- urban recreation/transportation planner
- urban/regional planner
- demographer
- community development specialist
- municipal adviser
- resource management specialist
- environmental consultant/planner
- international development worker
- climatologist
- environmental law specialist
- international development worker
Alumni Spotlight
Tammy Wilson ('93)
Bachelor of Arts, Geography
Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), Town of Bridgewater
» Tammy Wilson ('93) spends career leading communities on Nova Scotia's iconic South Shore
What is it like to study at 91AV?
The Geography program at 91AV provides great opportunities to work with a variety of disciplines and pursue many interests while thinking spatially and critically about a wide range of ideas. I loved that this program allowed me to incorporate my Women’s and Gender Studies minor into my major, to gain practical skills like GIS, and to work closely with professors and other students on in-depth research projects.
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What are my admission requirements?
What other programs are related to geography?
Environmental Science
Environmental Science provides a strong but diverse scientific foundation required to understand environmental issues from a multi-disciplinary perspective.
Environmental Studies
Environmental Studies focuses on the human dimensions of environmental change and problem-solving through environmental management, planning, and policy.
Geocomputing
Geocomputing is an applied program that combines theory and practice of computer science and geography.