Department of Geography

Ranked among the top departments in the discipline by the National Research Council, the Department of Geography has faculty members whose expertise spans the discipline of geography.

Choose Your Course of Study

We are the only university in South Carolina to offer bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in geography. The Department of Geography offers two undergraduate degrees, a B.S. and a B.A, as well as a minor for students from other programs who wish to enhance their degrees. Graduate students in our department can pursue one of three graduate degrees, M.A., M.S., or Ph.D.

Engage in Research

Our faculty is active in research, which means our students, both graduate and undergraduate, have ample opportunity to participate and to present research during their time here. South Carolina is ranked a top tier research university, which opens doors for our students to pursue a wide range of research interests.

Learn Beyond the Classroom

Since classical times, geography has been a discipline of explorers and travelers. Geography takes you outside the classroom, offering opportunities to apply and to enhance what you've learned in the field. Our students can be found measuring trees at Congaree National Park, mapping historic buildings in downtown Columbia, and launching weather balloons from campus. Both graduate and undergraduate students have been recipients of prestigious awards to study and conduct research abroad, including Fulbright, Boren, and Rhodes Scholarships. We encourage our students to study abroad, either through semester- and year-long study abroad programs, or through shorter courses, like our department's annual Maymester in Chile. We also encourage students to take advantage of the many public lectures, forums, and events sponsored by the department, including Geography Awareness Week, GIS Day, and the annual Julian V. Minghi Distinguished Lectureship.

Unique in South Carolina

Challenge the conventional. Create the exceptional. No Limits.