Geography (GEOG)
About Geography
Geography is a broad, holistic discipline; both a natural and a social science because it examines people and their environment and serves as a bridge between physical and cultural processes. Human geography is concerned with the political, economic, social, and cultural processes and resource practices that create spatial patterns and define particular places. Physical geography integrates disciplines such as climatology, geomorphology, geology, biology, hydrology, ecology, soil science, and even marine science.
Whether considering greenhouse gas emissions, the spread of disease, or threats to biodiversity, geographers are interested in where things happen, why, and with what consequences. Our graduates go on to careers in environmental consulting, social agencies, or non-governmental organizations. Skills in Geographic Information Science (GIS) are very marketable. Students are well prepared for graduate work in social sciences, urban planning, and environmental studies at leading schools.
The Department of Geography offers programs for students pursuing B.A., B.Sc., and B.A. & Sc. degrees.
For a list of B.Sc. programs in Geography, refer to the Programs tab on this page.
To learn more about the B.A. & Sc. programs in Geography, refer to Geography.
To learn more about the B.A. programs in Geography, refer to Geography
Program Prerequisites
There are no prerequisites for admission to B.Sc. Geography programs beyond the B.Sc. degree entrance requirements.
Interfaculty and Interdepartmental Geography-Related Programs
Interfaculty Program in Sustainability, Science and Society – Bachelor of Arts and Science (B.A. & Sc.)
The Department of Geography also offers the B.A. & Sc. interfaculty programs in Sustainability, Science and Society in partnership with Bieler School of Environment. To learn more about these programs, refer to Undergraduate & Professional > Bachelor of Arts and Science > Browse Academic Units and Programs > Sustainability, Science and Society.
Bachelor of Arts & Science students interested in this program should contact the Geography Undergraduate Advisor:
Michelle Maillet
Email: advisor.geog@mcgill.ca
Program Website: mcgill.ca/sss/
Advising Website: mcgill.ca/geography/undergraduate/advising
Earth System Science Interdepartmental Major – Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.)
Earth System Science is a new interdisciplinary field that seeks to understand how our planet - including humans - functions as an integrated whole. By combining scientific fundamentals with observational data, numerical modeling, and the theoretical tools of complex systems, Earth System Science provides a rigorous basis for understanding the processes behind the climate and sustainability crisis. This interdepartmental program is offered by the Departments of Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences, Earth and Planetary Sciences, and Geography. For more information about this program, refer to Undergraduate & Professional > Science > Browse Academic Units and Programs > Earth System Science (ESYS).
Bachelor of Science students interested in this program should contact the Earth System Science Program Advisor:
William (Bill) Minarik
Telephone: 514-398-2596
Email: william.minarik@mcgill.ca
Website: mcgill.ca/earthsystemscience
Field Study Semesters
The following are opportunities for filed study offered by the Faculty of Science. For more information, refer to the Science Internship & Field Studies Office or the McGill Abroad Office.
McGill East Africa Field Study Semester
The MEAFSS program introduces students to East Africa specifically with a view to increasing their understanding of the local environment as well as the goals, circumstances, challenges, and opportunities of people living in the areas visited. For more information, see mcgill.ca/africa.
McGill Barbados Field Study Semester
The Barbados program is offered on McGill's Caribbean campus at the Bellairs Research Institute. Students participating in the MBFSS learn about the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations, with a focus on the sustainable development of Barbados and Small Island Developing States (SIDS). For more information, see mcgill.ca/bfss.
McGill Panama Field Study Semester
The Panama program is a joint venture between McGill University and the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (STRI) and addresses Latin America's social and tropical environmental issues. For more information, see mcgill.ca/pfss.
Location
Department of Geography
Burnside Hall, Floors 3 to 7
805 Sherbrooke Street West
Montreal QC H3A 0B9
Email: undergrad.geog@mcgill.ca
Website: mcgill.ca/geography
Earth System Science - Administrative Unit
Burnside Hall, Room 305
805 Sherbrooke Street West
Montreal QC H3A 0B9
Telephone: 514-398-4951
Email: undergrad.geog@mcgill.ca
Website: mcgill.ca/earthsystemscience
Geography Undergraduate Advisor
Michelle Maillet (Academic Associate)
Burnside Hall, Room 322
Email: advisor.geog@mcgill.ca
Website: https://www.mcgill.ca/geography/undergraduate/advising