Geography and Environmental Science

It's your time to discover 

Biology and Health Sciences

Aquinas College is one of only two liberal arts colleges in Michigan to offer a geography major. Our geography faculty have expertise in the traid of geography: physical geography, human geography, and geographic techniques. Since 2006, 100% of graduates applying to geography graduate programs recieved assistantships or fellowships and the software our department uses is the same software used by local, state and federal agencies, so our students are prepared to enter the field.

Students will leave the Geography and Environmental Science department with an understanding of interactions between the atmosphere, landforms, weather, and ecosystems. They will learn the skills of analysis required of professionals in the field and even produce their own research. 

Explore Geography and environmental Science AQ

 

See the academic catalog for more specific information on degrees and courses

Majors

Minors

Environmental Science Major (BS)

Geography Major (BS )

Geography Minor

Environmental Science Minor

 

Goal 1: The Department's graduates should understand and analyze environmental relationships.

  • Outcome 1.1: They will understand the interactions of environmental components
  • Outcome 1.2: They will understand and interpret the lithosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere and biosphere. 
  • Outcome 1.3: They will understand and interpret the interrelationships between landforms, weather, water and ecosystems. 

Goal 2: The Department's graduates should use basic scientific tools and techniques.

  • Outcome 2.1: They will be able to perform qualitative and quantitative analysis and interpret the results. 

Goal 3: The Department's graduates should be able to read and understand research literature and engage in productive research activities.

  • Outcome 3.1: They will demonstrate and integrate an understanding of the scientific method. 
  • Outcome 3.2: They will explain and critically evaluate research within the discipline.
  • Outcome 3.3: They will understand and apply basic measurement techniques used within the discipline.
  • Outcome 3.4: They will design and implement a research plan.

Goal 4: The Department's graduates should demonstrate professional communication skills. 

  • Outcome 4.1: They will write using appropriate spelling, grammar, and composition skills.
  • Outcome 4.2: They will construct and present professional-level presentations of their research. 

Name Title Department Phone
Richard McCluskey Associate Professor, Department Chair Geography (616) 632-2192
James Rasmussen Associate Professor Geography (616) 632-2180
April Shirey Adjunct Professor Geography

Career Preparation based on leadership

Students gathered around a young tree in reflective vests

Honor Society

Gamma Theta Upsilon is an international honor society in geography. Members share an interest in geography, and have met a set of academic requirements. Aquinas' Delta Pi chapter of GTU plans several activities throughout the year.

Students with awards posing with an older woman

Student Awards

Students in the Geography Environmental Science Program have won several awards including the Sister Jean Paul Tilmann Award and Paul Bieneman Award for their passion for the field. They have also presented at major conferences.

student with shovel in garden

Internships

Geography and Environmental Science students have gained practical experience through a variety of internship opportunities over the past several years.

small cement pond in garden

Tree Story App

Learn about the trees on the Aquinas College campus, located in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Discover the history of our trees, their present status, and future plans for sustainably managing this arboreal resource.

Foggy campus scene

Student Research

 

Check out the current and past research that Aquinas students do with faculty to further the world's knowledge.Read More about Student Research

 

Students and professor looking intently at cards on a table

The Juan Olivarez STEM Scholars Program

Build the Skills, Confidence and Connections you need to succeed

Get settled into Aquinas College before traditional orientation and join a cohort of STEM students, faculty and professionals with the STEM Scholars ProgramLearn More

 

IMAGINE THE POSSIBILITIES

Jobs of AQ Geography and Environmental Science graduates:

  • urban planner
  • dam inspector
  • property tax assessor
  • environmental educator
  • GIS director
  • college professor (at Dartmouth, Delta State, and Massey University (New Zealand).

Occupational Employment and Wages - May 2022

Employment estimate and mean wage estimates for Geographers:

Employment Mean hourly wage Mean annual wage
1,360 $42.77 $88,960

 

Percentile wage estimates for this occupation:

Percentile 10% 25% 50% 75% 90%
Hourly Wage $27.61 $32.42 $42.74 $50.66 $58.20
Annual Wage $57,430 $67,430 $88,900 $105,360 $121,060

For more information see: Bureau of Labor Statistics

Employment estimate and mean wage estimates for Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health:

Employment Mean hourly wage Mean annual wage
77,270 $40.30 $83,820

 

Percentile wage estimates for this occupation:

Percentile 10% 25% 50% 75% 90%
Hourly Wage $22.56 $28.39 $36.77 $48.40 $62.87
Annual Wage $46,920 $59,060 $76,480 $100,670 $130,770

For more information see: Bureau of Labor Statistics

 

Student Profiles

Graduate School

Since 2006, 100% of graduates applying to geography graduate programs have been awarded assistantships or fellowships.

Graduation cap decorated with gold stars reading "To all the stars that taught me how to shine"

Alumni Profiles

AQ grads are thankful for the small class sizes that allow them to form personal relationships with professors.