Geography at Aquinas College
Explore Geography at Aquinas
Ever wondered why cities grow the way they do, how weather shapes landscapes, or what stories maps can reveal about a place? In the Geography program at Aquinas, you’ll explore the world through patterns, movement, and place. As one of the only two liberal arts colleges in Michigan to offer a Geography major, Aquinas gives you hands-on experience across the full triad of Geography: physical geography, human geography, and geographic techniques. You’ll build strong analytical skills and conduct original research. And to top it all off, you’ll use the same mapping and spatial analysis software as local, state, and federal agencies, meaning that you’ll graduate ready for professional work or advanced study.
It's Time to map your future
Why Choose Aquinas for your Geography Degree?
Because it's beautiful here!
When you study the natural world, you don't want to exit your dorm to find dizzying traffic lights and commotion. Aquinas is a serene campus with two creeks, thousands of trees, and possibly too many squirrels—the perfect location to study geography. Our Campus Safety office even rents out hammocks!
And make no mistake, you won't lose out on the opportunities of the city. The heart of Grand Rapids is just around the corner. You can walk out your front door or jump on The Rapid bus line and, in minutes, delight your appetite in the vibrant restaurant scene or explore hundreds of miles of local trail networks on foot or bike.
When the time is right, you'll want the balance of nature and bustling city to get the best research and internship experiences.
Albertus Magnus
Renovated and expanded in 2019-20, the Albertus Magnus Hall of Science is home to Aquinas' science programs, including classroom space, state-of-the-art laboratories, and the largest lecture hall on campus.
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.
What will you learn in the Geography program?
The mission of the Geography and Environmental Science Department at Aquinas College is to provide students with knowledge of geography and environmental studies befitting their goals: for the general education students that they understand basic tenets of physical geography, human geography, and/or environmental studies; for the education certification students that they obtain the content knowledge necessary for their teaching careers; and for the geography and environmental studies majors that they possess the knowledge and skills necessary for them to succeed in their post-baccalaureate careers.
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.
Student Organizations and Real-World Experience
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.
Student Awards
Students in the Geography Environmental Science Program have won several awards, including the Sister Jean Paul Tilmann Award and the Paul Bieneman Award, for their passion for the field. They have also presented at major conferences.
Internships
Geography and Environmental Science students have gained practical experience through a variety of internship opportunities over the past several years.
Student Research
Check out the current and past research that Aquinas students do with faculty to further the world's knowledge.
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
Foster Planet Walk
The Foster Planet Walk was created in 1996 through a generous grant from Anthony J. Foster, M.D. '73 and Linda Nemec Foster, MFA '72, who attended, met, and later graduated from Aquinas College.Explore
What's the future for Geography majors?
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Jobs of AQ Geography and Environmental Science graduates:
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To learn more about careers like this, make an appointment with the Advantage Center.
Occupational Employment and Wages - May 2023
Employment estimates and mean wage estimates for Geographers:
| Employment | Mean hourly wage | Mean annual wage |
|---|---|---|
| 1,460 | $44.45 | $92,460 |
Percentile wage estimates for this occupation:
| Percentile | 10% | 25% | 50% | 75% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hourly Wage | $28.78 | $33.94 | $43.69 | $53.00 | $61.03 |
| Annual Wage | $59,850 | $70,600 | $90,880 | $110,240 | $126,940 |
For more information, see: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Graduate School
Since 2006, 100% of graduates applying to geography graduate programs have been awarded assistantships or fellowships.
Alumni Profiles
AQ grads are thankful for the small class sizes that allow them to form personal relationships with professors.
News from Geography
Immersive learning allows students to explore the culture of indigenous people in Michigan. Seven years after its founding, the Juan Olivarez STEM Scholars Program continues to provide participants with the resources, community support and skill building workshops they need to succeed at Aquinas College.
AQ Cultural Learning Trip with Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians
Program Builds Skills, Confidence and Connections among STEM Students
