Program Length
- 4 Years
Credential
- Bachelor Degree
Options
- Honours
- Major
- Minor
Fully Available at
- Nanaimo
Partially Available at
- Cowichan
- tiwšɛmawtxʷ (Powell River)
Are you interested in studying how human activities and behaviours shape physical landscapes and examining why humans create unique spaces and places on the Earth’s surface? Or how natural processes shape the Earth’s surface to create different physical landscapes? A Geography degree is for you!
VIU’s Geography program can be taken as a major or minor with options that allow you to specialize in sustainable resource management or urban and social sustainability as well as a general option.
Geographers pursue careers in many different fields, including education, planning, business, government agencies and non-profit organizations.
The Geography (BA) Program
Geography is the study of the relationships between people and the planet. It is naturally interdisciplinary, bridging the social and natural sciences and drawing on a wide range of perspectives. As students in the program, you will learn to think critically and holistically about pressing and complex socio-environmental issues that span place, scale, and time: from climate change to biodiversity loss to economic inequality. You will develop skills crucial to this work, including expertise in mapping and GIS technologies.
Across courses, you will investigate questions such as: How do land use practices, resource extraction, and urban expansion shape landscapes? How do physical processes like erosion, flooding, and drought interact with social vulnerability? How can data-driven spatial analysis support decision-making in areas like disaster response and conservation? How does inequality shape the distribution of environmental contaminants, economic prosperity, and community health? How might we intervene to create more socially, economically, and ecologically sustainable futures?
The B.A. Major in Geography is designed to broaden an understanding of physical and human geography. Theoretical and applied course work will strengthen communication skills in oral, written and visual presentations, and provide a range of transferable skills, notably in the areas of socio-spatial analysis, remote sensing, and geographic information systems (GIS). Students will be challenged to think critically, analyze problems, and seek resolutions to social-environmental conflicts. The program offers one concentration, Environment, Society and Sustainability, that allows interested students to highlight this interdisciplinary expertise in addressing multidimensional challenges facing human society. The program also offers a B.A. Minor in Geography, which provides the flexibility to tailor a program that best suits educational and/or career goals.
Across these offerings, VIU geography students will have the opportunity to
- Use VIU’s dedicated, industry-standard GIS lab, featuring the most up-to-date software and computing packages.
- Engage in fieldwork within and beyond Nanaimo
- Do original research on a topic that interests you
- Learn from experts with a range of academic and industry qualifications
Requirements for a Major
Students must fulfill all the Institutional B.A. degree requirements, including Degree English Requirements and courses listed below:
| Years 1 and 2 | Credits |
|---|---|
| GEOG 100 - (Geographies of the World) | 3 |
| GEOG 101 - (Environmental Geography) | 3 |
| GEOG 211 - (Atmospheric Environments) | 3 |
| GEOG 212 - (Earth Environments) | 3 |
| GEOG 221 - (Statistical Methods in Geography) | 3 |
| GEOG 228 - (Maps and Mapping) | 3 |
| GEOG 240 - (Human Environments) | 3 |
| GEOG 290 - (Regions of Canada) | 3 |
| Year 1 and 2 Credits | 24 |
| Years 3 and 4 | Credits |
|---|---|
| GEOG 324 - (Research Methods in Geography) | 3 |
| GEOG 328 - (Geographic Information Systems) | 3 |
| GEOG 467 - (Field Studies in Geography I) | 3 |
| Seven upper-level GEOG electives courses* | 21 |
| Year 3 and 4 Credits | 30 |
* Note: To complete a Concentration in Environment, Society, and Sustainability within the Major, four of the seven upper level GEOG elective courses must be chosen from this list:
| Concentration in Environment, Society, and Sustainability | Credits |
|---|---|
GEOG 330 - (Space, Place, and Culture) or GEOG 333 - (Environment and Society) | 3 |
| GEOG 350 - (Natural Resource Management) | 3 |
GEOG 363 - (Health Justice) or GEOG 364 - (Climate Justice) | 3 |
| GEOG 452 - (Applications in Environment, Society, and Sustainability) | 3 |
Requirements for a Minor
Students must fulfill all the Institutional B.A. degree requirements, including Degree English Requirements and courses listed below:
| Years 1 and 2 | Credits |
|---|---|
| GEOG 100 - (Geographies of the World) | 3 |
| GEOG 101 - (Environmental Geography) | 3 |
| GEOG 211 - (Atmospheric Environments) | 3 |
| GEOG 212 - (Earth Environments) | 3 |
| GEOG 221 - (Statistical Methods in Geography) | 3 |
| GEOG 228 - (Maps and Mapping) | 3 |
| GEOG 240 - (Human Environments) or, GEOG 290 - (Regions of Canada) | 3 |
| Year 1 and 2 Credits | 21 |
| Years 3 and 4 | Credits |
|---|---|
| Twelve credits of GEOG courses numbered 300 and above. | 12 |
| Year 3 and 4 Credits | 12 |
Labour market demand for graduates with strong academic and applied backgrounds in geographic studies remains high – regionally, nationally, and internationally. This is particularly true of graduates with skills in geographic communication, spatial analysis, and GIS. Recent Canadian-based human resource studies report that GIS activity will soon surpass $1-billion annually. Remuneration for entry-level jobs in the field of GIS is well above the norm for undergraduates seeking full-time employment opportunities upon graduation.
Some graduates may wish to pursue post-graduate studies in Geography, or in such diverse fields as education, urban planning, natural resource management, law, or public administration.
Domestic Fees
Tuition and Other Mandatory Student Fees
When applying to the program, applicants will be charged a non-refundable application fee.
When applying to graduate, students will be charged a non-refundable graduation and alumni fee.
Some courses have additional fees to pay for extraordinary class–related expenses.
| Fees for One Year* | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tuition (30 credits x $173.12 per credit) | 5,193.60 |
| Student Activity fee (8 months x $20.78 per month) | 166.24 |
| Student Services fee (8 months x $22.94 per month) | 183.52 |
| VIU Students' Union fee (8 months x $50.08 per month) | 400.64 |
| Health and Dental Plan fee ($285.00 per year) | 285.00 |
| Approximate cost for books and supplies for one year | 1,500.00 |
| Total | 7,729.00 |
The VIUSU Health and Dental Plan fee is assessed for all students enrolled in 6 credits or more per term, or in Trades/Vocational programs of 5 months or longer.
All fees are subject to change without prior notice and are expected to increase by 2% each year on April 1.
International Fees
Tuition and Other Mandatory Student Fees
When applying to the program, applicants will be charged a non-refundable application fee.
When applying to graduate, students will be charged a non-refundable graduation and alumni fee.
Some courses have additional fees to pay for extraordinary class–related expenses.
| Fees for One Year* | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tuition (30 credits x $832.09 per credit) | 24,962.70 |
| Student Activity fee (8 months x $20.78 per month) | 166.24 |
| Student Services fee (8 months x $22.94 per month) | 183.52 |
| VIU Students' Union fee (8 months x $50.08 per month) | 400.64 |
| Health and Dental Plan fee ($285.00 per year) | 285.00 |
| Approximate cost for books and supplies for one year | 1,500.00 |
| Total | 27,498.10 |
The VIUSU Health and Dental Plan fee is assessed for all students enrolled in 6 credits or more per term, or in Trades/Vocational programs of 5 months or longer.
All fees are subject to change without prior notice and are expected to increase by 2% each year on April 1.
The Geography Honours (BA) Program
The main advantage of the Honours degree in Geography is that it will help you see yourself as a professional in the discipline, and so will better prepare you for graduate or professional programs. The research project provides an opportunity for you to put the required communication, research, and analysis courses into holistic practice; and is becoming a standard expectation for entrance into most graduate programs. VIU is already well established as an institution that provides a breadth of experience suitable for post-program success. The Honours program strengthens your transition to graduate and professional situations.
Program Outline
Students must fulfill all the Institutional B.A. degree requirements, including Degree English Requirements and courses listed under Year 1-4:
| Years 3 and 4 | Credits |
|---|---|
| GEOG 324 - (Research Methods in Geography) | 3 |
| GEOG 328 - (Geographic Information Systems) | 3 |
| GEOG 467 - (Field Studies in Geography I) | 3 |
| GEOG 491 - (Research Project) | 6 |
| Nine upper-level GEOG electives courses* | 27 |
| Year 3 and 4 Credits | 42 |
* Note: To complete a Concentration in Environment, Society, and Sustainability within the Major, four of the nine upper level GEOG elective courses must be chosen from this list:
| Concentration in Environment, Society, and Sustainability | Credits |
|---|---|
GEOG 330 - (Space, Place, and Culture) or GEOG 333 - (Environment and Society) | 3 |
| GEOG 350 - (Natural Resource Management) | 3 |
GEOG 363 - (Health Justice) or GEOG 364 - (Climate Justice) | 3 |
| GEOG 452 - (Applications in Environment, Society, and Sustainability) | 3 |
Recommended Electives
Students are encouraged to discuss elective options with the department chair.
Further Studies
Students will be well positioned to apply for admission to graduate programs in Geography.
They may also proceed to other professional training in a range of fields: environmental policy, natural resource management, education, urban planning, geospatial technologies, etc.
Completion Requirements
BA Honours Geography students need an average GPA of 3.67 (A-) on all 3rd and 4th year courses taken within the discipline in order to graduate from an Honours program.
Admission Requirements
The requirement for admission is a GPA of at least a 3.67 (A-) on the most recent 45 credits of study. There is limited space in the Honours program and not all students who meet the requirement will be admitted to the Honours program in Geography.
Students can obtain a Geography Department Honours Application form from the Department Chair. In addition to completing this form, students will also need to complete a Research Project Request Form for submission to the Chair. The Chair will contact the Degree Advisor with confirmation of acceptance, or to obtain confirmation of the appropriate GPA and course planning requirements.
Start Date and Application Deadline
Students may apply any time after completion of 45 credits, and prior to March 31st in the year preceding their final year of study. Successful students will be connected with a senior project advisor.
Domestic (Canadian)
| Program Start Date | Accepting Applications | Campus | |
|---|---|---|---|
| to | Nanaimo | ||
|
Next Intake(s):
The Bachelor of Arts Program has four intakes per year; September, January, May, and June.
Application Fee:
46.98
Accepting Late Applications:
Yes
Testing Required:
No
Admissions Officer:
Name: Zoe Doiron Phone: 250.746.3512 Email: Zoe.Doiron@viu.ca
Comments:
Questions about becoming a student can be directed to the Office of Future Students at 250.740.6672 or email Connect@viu.ca. |
|||
| to | tiwšɛmawtxʷ (Powell River) - Partially Available | ||
|
Anticipated intake for someone applying today:
Application Fee:
$46.98
Accepting Late Applications:
Yes
Waitlist:
No
Testing Required:
No
Admissions Officer:
Name: Erin Johnson Phone: 604.485.8033 Email: Erin.Johnson@viu.ca
Comments:
Please consult Student Services/Advising at 604.485.2878 or email tc.students@viu.ca for more information on program or admission requirements. |
|||
| to | Cowichan - Partially Available | ||
|
Next Intake(s):
The Bachelor of Arts Program has four intakes per year; September, January, May, and June.
Application Fee:
46.98
Accepting Late Applications:
Yes
Testing Required:
No
Admissions Officer:
Name: Zoe Doiron Phone: 250.746.3512 Email: Zoe.Doiron@viu.ca
Comments:
Questions about becoming a student can be directed to the Office of Future Students at 250.740.6672 or email Connect@viu.ca. |
|||
| to | Nanaimo | ||
|
Next Intake(s):
The Bachelor of Arts Program has four intakes per year; September, January, May, and June.
Application Fee:
46.98
Accepting Late Applications:
Yes
Testing Required:
No
Admissions Officer:
Name: Zoe Doiron Phone: 250.746.3512 Email: Zoe.Doiron@viu.ca
Comments:
Questions about becoming a student can be directed to the Office of Future Students at 250.740.6672 or email Connect@viu.ca. |
|||
| to | Cowichan - Partially Available | ||
|
Next Intake(s):
The Bachelor of Arts Program has four intakes per year; September, January, May, and June.
Application Fee:
46.98
Accepting Late Applications:
Yes
Testing Required:
No
Admissions Officer:
Name: Zoe Doiron Phone: 250.746.3512 Email: Zoe.Doiron@viu.ca
Comments:
Questions about becoming a student can be directed to the Office of Future Students at 250.740.6672 or email Connect@viu.ca. |
|||
| to | Nanaimo | ||
|
Next Intake(s):
The Bachelor of Arts Program has four intakes per year; September, January, May, and June.
Application Fee:
46.98
Accepting Late Applications:
Yes
Testing Required:
No
Admissions Officer:
Name: Zoe Doiron Phone: 250.746.3512 Email: Zoe.Doiron@viu.ca
Comments:
Questions about becoming a student can be directed to the Office of Future Students at 250.740.6672 or email Connect@viu.ca. |
|||
| to | Cowichan - Partially Available | ||
|
Next Intake(s):
The Bachelor of Arts Program has four intakes per year; September, January, May, and June.
Application Fee:
46.98
Accepting Late Applications:
Yes
Testing Required:
No
Admissions Officer:
Name: Zoe Doiron Phone: 250.746.3512 Email: Zoe.Doiron@viu.ca
Comments:
Questions about becoming a student can be directed to the Office of Future Students at 250.740.6672 or email Connect@viu.ca. |
|||
| to | Nanaimo | ||
|
Next Intake(s):
The Bachelor of Arts Program has four intakes per year; September, January, May, and June.
Application Fee:
46.98
Accepting Late Applications:
Yes
Testing Required:
No
Admissions Officer:
Name: Zoe Phone: 250.746.3512 Email: Zoe.Doiron@viu.ca
Comments:
Questions about becoming a student can be directed to the Office of Future Students at 250.740.6672 or email Connect@viu.ca. |
|||
| to | Cowichan - Partially Available | ||
|
Next Intake(s):
The Bachelor of Arts Program has four intakes per year; September, January, May, and June.
Application Fee:
46.98
Accepting Late Applications:
Yes
Testing Required:
No
Admissions Officer:
Name: Zoe Doiron Phone: 250.746.3512 Email: Zoe.Doiron@viu.ca
Comments:
Questions about becoming a student can be directed to the Office of Future Students at 250.740.6672 or email Connect@viu.ca. |
|||
International
| Program Start Date | Accepting Applications | Campus | |
|---|---|---|---|
| to | Nanaimo | ||
|
Anticipated intake for someone applying today:
Next Intake(s):
The Bachelor of Arts program has one intake each Fall and one intake each Spring.
Application Fee:
$156.06
Accepting Late Applications:
Yes
Waitlist:
No
Testing Required:
No
International Admissions Officer Contact:
Name: Elham Akhoundi Phone: 250.740.6400 Email: elham.akhoundi@viu.ca
Comments:
For prospective international applicants, please send your inquiries to WorldVIU@viu.ca. |
|||
| to | Nanaimo | ||
|
Anticipated intake for someone applying today:
Next Intake(s):
The Bachelor of Arts program has one intake each Fall and one intake each Spring.
Application Fee:
$156.06
Accepting Late Applications:
Yes
Waitlist:
No
Testing Required:
No
International Admissions Officer Contact:
Name: Elham Akhoundi Phone: 250.740.6400 Email: elham.akhoundi@viu.ca
Comments:
For prospective international applicants, please send your inquiries to WorldVIU@viu.ca. |
|||
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