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Geography

Geography is the integrative study of places, environmental processes and human activities across the globe. Think about it -- everything happens somewhere! 

In 1998, 2003, 2008, and 2013 the Geography MA and PhD programs were designated a  University System of West Virginia Board of Governors Program of Excellence. This award is given to a small select group of academic programs in universities in the state of West Virginia in recognition of their extensive and high quality contribution to higher education in the state.

The geography program provides students with the knowledge and skills needed to analyze the variation in human activity that exists among places, regions and countries. This knowledge allows geographers, for example, to explain why some places are more or less developed than others, to suggest ways in which development can be planned and to examine the relationship between the natural environment and human activities. 

Careers in Geography 

Our graduates are qualified for careers  in both the private and public sectors. In industry, geographers are hired as geographic information system analysts, business location researchers, environmental impact consultants, market analysts and cartographers. In government, geographers can work as local urban planners, regional and state economic development specialists, environmental and resource development analysts, land-use planners, international development agency advisors, teachers and trainers, researchers, cartographers and geographic information system analysts. Some graduates may also use their training to pursue careers as environmental or community activists in nonprofit organizations. Finally, many geography students go on to graduate school to obtain further training, most commonly in geography or planning, but also in fields as diverse as law, information science and environmental studies.

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