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Human Geography

Human Geography Major (HBA)

Program Overview

The Human Geography program at UTSC is at the cutting edge of explorations into the spatiality of human activity and social inequalities. Human Geography is well placed to explore aspects of globalization, the complex relationships between society and the natural environment, as well as the social and economic issues of human land use and settlement. Students of Geography will find that it is an exciting and innovative program of study that can lead to a wide variety of careers in government, civil society and the private sector.

 

Complementary Programs: Major and Minor Programs in City StudiesEnvironmental StudiesEnvironmental ScienceGeographic Information SciencesInternational Development Studies

Check out future career opportunities and skills acquired from completing this program:

Competencies & Skills
  • Manipulate and map geographic data
  • Understand natural and social processes
  • Spatial aspects of social marginalization
  • Activism and resistance as spatial phenomena
  • How land and environment are understood
  • produced and contested
  • Knowledge of capitalist processes
Careers for Graduates
  • Policy Analyst
  • Urban Planner
  • Research or Outreach Coordinator in NGOs
  • Sustainability Coordinator
  • Mapping/Data Analyst in Planning/ Construction
  • GIS Analyst in Transportation Services
  • Development Worker in Non-Profits
  • Tourism Information Officer in Travel Services
Further Education
  • Geography
  • Urban Planning
  • Education
  • Sustainability/Environment
  • Public Service & Administration
  • Marketing

Program Pathway

Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | Year 4

Year 1
Choose Your Courses Wisely

     FOUNDATIONS OF HUMAN GEOGRAPHY:


Develop Your Academic & Research Skills
  • GGRA02H3 and GGRA03H3 are designed to introduce you to geographic concepts such as space, scale, place, the body, and human/environment relations. You will develop critical thinking, reading, writing and research skills.
  • Use the library and CTL Writing Centre for support with your assignments.
  • Get writing support at the CTL Writing Centre.

Apply Theory to Practice
Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)
Plan for Your Future Career

Year 2
Choose Your Courses Wisely

THEORY AND CONCEPTS IN HUMAN GEOGRAPHY:


Develop Your Academic & Research Skills
Apply Theory to Practice

 


Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)
Plan for Your Future Career
  • Gain experience by applying for a summer, part-time or Work Study position via CLNx (>Jobs & Recruitment).
  • Get to know your professors and program advisors – you may need to use them as a reference for grad school.
  • Explore careers through the AA&CC’s Job Shadowing and In the Field Programs.

 



Year 3
Choose Your Courses Wisely

 METHODS:


Develop Your Academic & Research Skills
Apply Theory to Practice
  • Contribute your writing skills to Canadian Geographic, the country’s fourth most-read magazine. They take on interns throughout the year at their head office in Ottawa. Editorial interns write for the magazine, website and blog, fact-check articles, research and develop stories.

Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)
Plan for Your Future Career

Year 4
Choose Your Courses Wisely

 APPLICATIONS:

  • 2.5 additional credits at the C- or D-level in Applications GGR courses.
  • 0.5 credit at the D-level in Advanced Applications GGR courses; check the UTSC Calendar for more details.
  • Use Degree Explorer to ensure you are on track to graduate.
  • Register your “Intent to Graduate” on ACORN by the deadline.

Develop Your Academic & Research Skills
  • Explore independent research courses such as GGRD01H3 and GGRD31H3.
  • Conduct a 12-24 week research project at universities overseas through the Mitacs Globalink Research Award; provides $6000 for senior undergraduate and graduate students.

Apply Theory to Practice
  • Expand your professional network and consider interning at Science Horizons which supports green jobs for youth by providing wage subsidies to eligible employers to hire interns in environmental and clean technology sectors (Canada.ca >Science Horizon).

Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)
  • Connect with Geography’s professional associations.
  • Participate in the AA&CC’s Partners in Leadership program to learn and network with an alumni mentor about transitioning into the work field or further education.
  • Use CLNx to search for Internships.

Plan for Your Future Career
  • Attend the AA&CC’s Get Hired job search conference in April/May.
  • Meet with your Program Supervisor/Advisor regarding applying to graduate studies; get your Personal Statement reviewed in the AA&CC.
  • Attend the Jobs for Grads orientation for a job search “crash course” and for access to full-time job listings.

Glossary

  • AACC - Academic Advising and Career Centre (www.utsc.utoronto.ca/aacc)
  • CCR - Co-Curricular Record (https://clnx.utoronto.ca/ccr/overview.htm)
  • CLNx - Career Co-Curricular Learning Network (https://clnx.utoronto.ca/home.htm)
  • DSL - Department of Student Life (https://www.utsc.utoronto.ca/studentlife)
  • GCSA - Geography and City Studies Student Association (https://www.facebook.com/GCSAutsc)
  • ISC - International Student Centre (https://www.utsc.utoronto.ca/utscinternational)
  • SCSU - Scarborough Campus Students Union (https://www.scsu.ca)


Contacts

  • Departmental Contact
    Arifa Akhter Nitol
    arifa.nitol@utoronto.ca
    HL 226
    416-208-4847
    utsc.utoronto.ca/geography/humangeography
  • Human Geography Librarian
    Sarah Shujah
    sarah.shujah@utoronto.ca
    HL 337
    416-287-7491
    https://utsc.library.utoronto.ca/librarians
  • Academic Advising & Career Centre
    AC 213
    416-287-7561
    https://utsc.utoronto.ca/aacc/
  • Department of Student Life
    studentlife.utsc@utoronto.ca
    SL157
    (416) 208-5129
    https://www.utsc.utoronto.ca/studentlife/
  • Geography and City Studies Students Association (GCSSA)
    https://www.utsc.utoronto.ca/geography/getting-involved
  •  

Did You Know?


Geographers are well-positioned to understand and tackle local and global problems in an increasingly complex world.