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Geography and Urban Studies Major

Bachelor of Arts in Geography and Urban Studies

Explore the complex relationship between environments and societies with the Bachelor of Arts in Geography and Urban Studies in the College of Liberal Arts at 51³Ô¹ÏÍø. Develop the expertise to identify, understand and respond to real-world urban problems and global challenges. Gain comprehension around urban politics, planning and policymaking.Ìý

This 123-credit undergraduate program provides the tools to address environmental, economic, social and political issues that are central to the well-being of people in an urbanizing world. Strengthen your writing, communication and research skills and learn technical skills in geographic information systems (GIS). Your courses and research will expand your knowledge of subjects like

  • geographic theory,
  • health and the environment,
  • planning and policymaking,
  • social and environmental justice,
  • urban processes and more.

Design your career path by developing a personalized curriculum that focuses on one or more of the following themes.

  • Geographic methods
  • Globalization
  • Social justice
  • Sustainability

The Geography and Urban Studies BA prepares students for careers in consulting, government and nonprofit sectors. Many of our students advance to graduate studies in environmental studies, geography, law or urban planning.ÌýGraduates are equipped to enter a number of growing fields. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) forecasts a by 2026. The BLS also forecasts a , which is the average growth rate for all occupations.

Students can also earn the Geographic Information Systems Undergraduate Certificate.Ìý

Students engaged in a classroom.

Classes & Curriculum

The Geography and Urban Studies Major is a 123-credit undergraduate program that can be completed over four years of full-time study. Geography and Urban Studies electives give students the opportunity to develop an area of emphasis around their particular interests. Examples of required and elective courses students take in the program include the following.

  • African Americans in Philadelphia
  • Cities
  • Fundamentals of Geographic Information Systems
  • Research Design in Geography and Urban Studies
  • Space and Place
  • Spatial Statistics
  • Sustainable Cities
  • Urban Systems in a Global Economy

Students are required to complete an individualized research project in the Senior Research Seminar course. .

Related Graduate Degrees

Related Graduate Certificate

4+1 Accelerated Degree Program

°Õ³ó±ðÌýGeographic Information Systems PSM accelerated degree is open to all students.ÌýIt combines advanced training in geographic information systems (GIS) core skills with professional development and business ethics to prepare students to enter the GIS workforce. Students can apply for the accelerated degree between second semester sophomore year and first semester senior year.

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°Õ³ó±ðÌýGeography and Urban Studies MA accelerated degree is open to Geography and Urban Studies and Environmental Studies majors. It prepares students for further graduate study, as well as for professional positions related to urban and economic development, environmental sustainability and social justice. Students can apply as early as the second semester of their sophomore year for entry in their junior year, or they can apply as late as the second semester of their junior year for entry during their senior year.Ìý

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Double Major

If you plan to become a teacher, you may double major through 51³Ô¹ÏÍø’s . The double major combines the Geography and Urban Studies Major with a major in social studies education. .

Certificate Programs

The College of Liberal Arts has for you to expand your knowledge and diversify your 51³Ô¹ÏÍø education. Certificates can complement bachelor's programs, allowing you to specialize in an area and highlight your exposure to disciplines outside of your major.

Tuition & Fees

In keeping with 51³Ô¹ÏÍø’s commitment to access and affordability, the Bachelor of Arts offers a competitive level of tuition with multiple opportunities for financial support.

are set annually by the university and are affected by multiple factors, including program degree level (undergraduate or graduate), course load (full- or part-time), in-state or out-of-state residency, and more. You can view the full .

These tuition costs apply to the 2025–2026 academic year.

Pennsylvania resident: $19,608.00 per year
Out-of-state: $35,232.00 per year

Our Academic Advisors

Advising support is provided by the College of Liberal Arts Center for Academic Advising. You can find more information on the CLA Academic Advising webpage ().

Joyce K. Salzberg Center for Professional Development

Dedicated advisors at the Joyce K. Salzberg Center for Professional Development in the College of Liberal Arts are available to guide students through their academic careers and with their career paths beyond 51³Ô¹ÏÍø. They can help you choose a major, navigate your curriculum, identify internship opportunities, explore career opportunities and determine your post-graduation plans. .

Program Contact

For questions regarding the Geography and Urban Studies Major, contact the following staff member.

Liz Janczewski is the coordinator and program contact.
Phone: 215-204-3386 
Email:

The following staff member leads the Geography and Urban Studies Department.

Kevin Henry is the chair.
Email:

University Honors Program

The College of Liberal Arts participates in 51³Ô¹ÏÍø’s Honors Program. .Ìý

Students who meet certain academic and extracurricular criteria may become members of the following honor societies.Ìý

  • is a national society that honors academic excellence during a student's first year at college.
  • is an international society that enables members to realize their potential through the advancement of academics, leadership and service.Ìý
  • is open to juniors and seniors in the College of Liberal Arts. To qualify for Phi Beta Kappa, a student must maintain a high grade point average in a broad, rigorous program of study in the liberal arts, including mathematics and foreign languages.

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Student Clubs & Organizations

Supplement your College of Liberal Arts coursework and enhance your undergraduate experience at 51³Ô¹ÏÍø with more than 300 student clubs and organizations. You’ll have opportunities to meet and network with other students, get involved with the community, grow your interests, and develop résumé-boosting skills and experiences.

The following student organizations may be of interest to students in the Geography and Urban Studies Major program.

  • is an international geographical honor society that recognizes and supports geography’s next generation of leaders. Students are nominated based on GPA.
  • The focuses on geographic information systems, urban agriculture, sustainability and social justice through guest speakers and group outings.

Learn more about 51³Ô¹ÏÍø’s student clubs and organizations.

Study Away

College of Liberal Arts undergraduate students are encouraged to study away for an academic year, semester or summer. Enrich your 51³Ô¹ÏÍø experience by immersing yourself in new cultures, histories and perspectives in countries such as China, Germany, Ghana and Italy, as well as at 51³Ô¹ÏÍø’s Rome and Tokyo campuses.

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Accreditation

51³Ô¹ÏÍø’s departments and programs are accredited by the .

Additional Program Information