Bachelor of Arts in Human Geography Degree Program Guide

Human Geography degree program guide header

Human geography focuses on the relationships between human societies and the built and natural environments in which they operate. How do we build healthy, sustainable communities? How do our built environments reflect and reinforce our cultural beliefs? How do we prepare for and respond to a changing natural environment? Human geographers seek to answer these important questions in diverse urban and rural contexts.

Students have the opportunity to learn about topics of real-world concern. They are challenged to think about how individuals, households, institutions and communities interact with and experience environments. Our professors have a wide range of interests, including cities, communities, hazards, housing, health & wellbeing, resources and sustainability. Their research takes them to all corners of Canada, as well as to many other regions of the world.

Academic Requirements for Human Geography Majors

Course Requirements
  • EAS 100 - Planet Earth
  • HGEO 100 - Introduction to Human Geography and Planning
  • A minimum of 30 units to a maximum of 48 units at the senior level in HGEO courses, including:
    • HGEO 399 - Research Methods in Human Geography
  • 9 units selected from:
    • EAS 221 - Introduction to Geographical Information Systems and Remote Sensing
    • HGEO 240 - Cities and Urbanism
    • HGEO 250 - Sustainable Development and Environmental Management
    • HGEO 252 - Human Dimensions of Environmental Hazards
  • 3 units selected from
    • HGEO 341 - Social and Cultural Geography
    • HGEO 342 - The Spatial Economy
  • A minimum of 6 units from 400-level HGEO courses
Additional Notes
  • Approved cross-listed courses:
    • EAS 221 - Introduction to Geographical Information Systems and Remote Sensing
    • PHIL 355 - Environmental Ethics
    • SOC 251 - Population and Society
  • In previous Calendars, the course designation of HGP was used for HGEO and PLAN courses. HGP courses can be used in place of HGEO or PLAN courses provided they have the same course numbers. For example, HGP 381 can be used in place of either HGEO 381 or PLAN 381. Similarly, HGEO or PLAN courses of the same number can be used in place of HGP courses for those following earlier versions of the Calendar

Academic Requirements for Human Geography Minors

Minor Requirements
  • A minor in Human Geography requires a minimum of 15 units to a maximum of 42 units at the senior level in HGP or HGEO courses including at least 6 units at the 300- or 400-level.
  • HGEO 100 - Introduction to Human Geography and Planning is required.
  • 6 units selected from:
    • HGEO 240 - Cities and Urbanism
    • HGEO 250 - Sustainable Development and Environmental Management
    • HGEO 252 - Human Dimensions of Environmental Hazards
  • 3 units selected from:
    • HGEO 341 - Social and Cultural Geography
    • HGEO 342 - The Spatial Economy

The University of Alberta Calendar will always contain the most up-to-date degree requirements for your program, and your requirements are determined by the calendar year you were admitted in.

What kinds of courses can Human Geography students take?

  • HGEO 100 - Introduction to Human Geography and Planning
  • HGEO 240 - Cities and Urbanism
  • HGEO 250 - Sustainable Development and Environmental Management
  • HGEO 252 - Human Dimensions of Environmental Hazards
  • HGEO 341 - Social and Cultural Geography
  • HGEO 342 - The Spatial Economy
  • HGEO 343 - Geographies of Health and Health Care
  • HGEO 450 - Resource Management and Environmental Policy
  • HGEO 452 - Human Dimensions of Environmental Change
  • HGEO 470 - Geographical Information Systems (GIS) for Social Science
  • HGEO 499 - Human Geography Field School

What kinds of careers can you pursue with a Human Geography degree?

There are many different fields and career paths that students can pursue with a Human Geography degree. From government and public policy to community engagement, graduates are equipped with critical thinking, analytical and interpersonal skills to name a few, that are assets in today’s job market. Although there is a list of career options below, it is important to understand that careers are not linear. Intentionally engaging in a variety of activities and following your curiosities will open new opportunities that you might not have expected. To learn more about how you can put your Arts degree to work, stop by the HUB Career Centre (8917 HUB Mall) for more information.

  • Policy Analyst
  • Geographical Information Systems (GIS) Analyst
  • Economic Development Officer
  • Environmental Consultant
  • Conservation Officer
  • Sustainability Coordinator
  • Educator (Professor, Secondary or Primary)
  • Public Engagement Specialist
  • Event Planner
  • Survey Administrator
  • Community Development Officer
  • Housing Coordinator
  • Social Researcher
  • Cultural Resource Manager
  • +More!

Interested in gaining work experience related to your career goals? If so, apply to Arts Work Experience to gain full-time, PAID, work experience before you graduate!

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