The Department of Geography and Environmental Science is the place within Hunter College where students can learn about climate emergency and other global challenges and their local implications. It is also the place where students can learn about societal responses to those challenges and master analytical tools needed for finding solutions for environmental and social sustainability. The job market in climate change/ sustainability is projected to become the new computer science job market in terms of the expected demand for this expertises in the next five to 10 years. Students can pursue studies in urban geography; globalization; population / immigration / ethnicity; geographic information science; sustainability; earth systems science; environmental policy; and social studies and environmental education. Courses in all of these fields are valuable parts of a general liberal education, developing an awareness of earth phenomena and the role these play in people’s lives. Through integration of content knowledge, applied skills, and internships, our graduates are prepared for both graduate study and immediate employment in the public, private, and non-profit sectors.

Undergraduates can major in geography, environmental studies, or select options within the geography major that prepare them for temporary certification in New York State to teach social studies at grades K-12; and they may minor in geography, environmental studies or geology. The interdisciplinary major in environmental studies allows students to focus on environmental policy and management or earth systems science. Students may also complete a five-year combined BA/MA program in Environmental Studies and Adolescent Education-Earth Science. This accelerated program is designed for highly qualified environmental studies majors who, by their sophomore year, decide to pursue a career in teaching earth science. In addition to comprehensive programs in residence, the department offers field courses in geography and environmental science in Hawaii, Argentina and the Catskill Mountains.

A minor course of study is no longer required at Hunter College. However, students can elect to minor in geography, environmental studies, geology, or any field of their choice. It is recommended, but not required, that the chosen field be related to the student's principal interest(s), and that the student consult with an advisor prior to the selection of a minor course of study. These areas provide preparation for both graduate study and immediate employment. Courses in all of these fields are valuable parts of a general liberal education, developing an awareness of earth phenomena and the role these play in people's lives.

Links:

• Department Tri-Fold Brochure
• Department Undergraduate Descriptive Handout
• Academic Advisors & Hours
• Major in Geography
• Major in Environmental Studies
• BA/MA Environmental Studies & Earth Science
• Spatial Data Science Certificate
• Catalyst Scholarship Program
• Minor in Geography
• Minor in Geology
• Minor in Environmental Studies
• Undergraduate Course Descriptions
• Graduate Course Descriptions