In high school, your geography class probably focused on maps and landforms. You likely learned about different countries and continents – their location and features.
Geography as a major or minor is much more than that. The study of geography in college involves identifying spatial patterns. Students analyze the relationship between physical features of an area and the characteristics and behavior of the people, plants and animals who lived there in the past and who live there in the present. Geographers are interested in the relationship between humans and environments as they exist now, existed in the past, and may or should exist in the future.
Students in our program get a broad exposure to both physical geography and human geography, as well as geographic information systems, the technology used across industries and professions that involve spatial analysis. Students can focus on GIS by majoring in geography and minoring in GIS.
UWM geography students have access to engage in research and projects at the Cartography and Geography Information Science Center (CGIS) and they can use the resources of the American Geographical Society Library, one of the largest collections of geographical materials in the world housed here at UWM.
Prospective Students (not yet enrolled at UWM)
Prospective students, contact our admissions counselor at let-sci@uwm.edu or 414-229-7711.
Current Students
General questions such as how to declare, how to change a major, general education requirements, etc. should be directed to the college advising office at ls-advising@uwm.edu or 414-229-4654.
Specific questions about Geography, such as research opportunities, internship opportunities, major requirements, etc., should be directed to Zengwang Xu.
Undergraduate Programs
At the undergraduate level, students can choose a major leading to either a Bachelor of Science degree (typically physical geography) or a major leading to a Bachelor of Arts degree (typically human geography). A broad geography minor is also available as is a minor in geographic information science.
Ready to Declare?
Select the declaration that’s right for you, and you will find more instructions on how to declare and what to expect.
Recommended Resources for Geography Students
Campus Resources
UWM offers a wide range of on-campus resources, such as academic support and mental health resources. Students also find community within our student centers.
