Geography is the scientific study of place, spatial relationships and location patterns. Geographers study the character of places and the interaction among them (examples include New York and New London, Maryland and Mongolia, Africa and Asia).

Geographers also examine relationships across space: relationships between weather in eastern Africa and turbulence above the Atlantic Ocean, big business and small towns, the depth of mountainside snow and the growth of trees. Geographers study location patterns like patterns in the spread of AIDS, the expansion of Wal-Mart Stores Inc. and the invasion of exotic species such as zebra mussel. Geography's broad nature allows students great flexibility to pursue their interests. To all of these areas geographers bring a common spatial, scientific perspective.

Geographers use a common set of tools that include maps and a new set of computerized tools. Remote sensing, geographic information systems (GIS) and quantitative methods have increased the power of geographers to analyze vast amounts of digital information and have revolutionized the way many geographers do their work.

Skilled geographers are in high demand in a wide variety of fields including landuse planning, environmental management, industrial and business location, transportation, cartography and urban and regional planning. Our graduates have valuable skills and insights to offer employers, and they pursue exciting, important careers.