Geography - City and Regional Planning

  • Minor

Geography is an interdisciplinary, problem-solving field that bridges the natural and social sciences. It is the spatial science focused on understanding where phenomena are located, how they got there, where they are going, and why. City and regional planning uses the tools, techniques, and strategies of land use planning and zoning, site plan review, and the law to develop public policy to efficiently, sustainably, and imaginatively manage our land use practices to preserve the health, safety and welfare of the public.

Program Offerings at Grand Valley

A Bachelor of Science (B.S.) and Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in geography are offered. Courses include research and conference opportunities. The following concentrations are available:

  • City and regional planning
  • Environmental geography
  • Geographic techniques
  • Regional and global studies

Coursework

Topical areas of study include:

  • GIS, remote sensing, and cartography
  • Planning
  • Globalization
  • International development
  • Land use change analysis
  • Environment and conservation

Career Options

Our majors find meaningful and well-paid employment in a wide variety of fields. Moreover, they are very competitive for graduate school admission. Visit www.gvsu.edu/geography for details.

Why Study Geography - City and Regional Planning at Grand Valley?

  • Students acquire hard skills in research and analysis that lead to well-paid employment and that enhance graduate school admission.
  • Students become competent in the use of geospatial technologies (GIS, remote sensing, cartography, spatial statistics).
  • Planning is one of the top 10 hot jobs in the country.
  • Exciting international jobs - Area Analyst, for example, a fusion of language studies, regional and global studies, and competence in geospatial technologies.
  • There are many opportunities to become involved (internships, Association of Student Geographers, GTU Honor Society, and more).

For More Information

Department of Geography and Planning
www.gvsu.edu/geography
(616) 331-3065
Admissions Office
www.gvsu.edu/admissions

“I focused on acquiring expertise in geospatial technologies while in the department. Every job I had while in college was a result of my geography major. I worked for the Forest Service, the Community Research Institute and several other jobs before graduation. I was accepted into graduate school and have a paid research assistantship. The geography degree at GVSU is very focused on research and my work through projects, research methods, and the capstone has helped me land my spot in graduate school.”

AARON KATES
GEOGRAPHY ALUMNUS

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