Human Geography Major (HBA)
Admissions Category: Social Sciences & Humanities

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 Studies, Environmental Studies, Environmental Science, Geographic Information Sciences, International 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 4Choose Your Courses Wisely
FOUNDATIONS OF HUMAN GEOGRAPHY:
-
Explore different kinds of courses; this will also help with fulfilling breadth requirements and electives.
-
Use Degree Explorer and the UTSC Calendar to plan your courses and program of interest.
Develop Your Academic & 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
-
Build your Co-Curricular Record (CCR) by getting involved on and/or off campus; apply to Work Study, or other part-time and summer jobs on CLNx (>Jobs & Recruitment).
-
Join the Geography & City Studies Student Association (GCSA) to connect with other students in your field of study.
Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)
-
join the Geography & City Studies Student Association (GCSA) and attend their events and program. See what other student clubs exist on campus and how to get involved.
-
Get involved in DSL’s Imani Academic Mentorship Program for black youth in the East Scarborough community.
Plan for Your Future Career
-
Volunteer with organizations to expand your interests — you can check listings on CLNx.
-
Attend the UTSC Get Experience Fair in September and register with SCSU’s Volunteer Network Program to explore opportunities.
Year 2
Choose Your Courses Wisely
THEORY AND CONCEPTS IN HUMAN GEOGRAPHY:
- GGRB02H3 and 1.5 credits from: GGRB05H3, GGRB13H3, GGRB18H3/ESTB02H3, GGRB21H3, GGRB28H3.
- Use Degree Explorer and meet with your Program Advisor or Supervisor to ensure you are on track.
Develop Your Academic & Research Skills
-
Book an appointment with your program librarian for in-depth library research assistance.
-
Explore the Geography Research Resource guide.
Apply Theory to Practice
-
Attend the Summer & Full-time Job Fair in January to meet with potential employers looking to hire students for summer and
full-time positions. -
Run for an elected position in the Geography and City Studies Student Association.
Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)
-
Join a Community Action Project through DSL to apply academic learning and take action for social change through engagement opportunities in the community.
-
Join a Community Day Event through DSL to volunteer with various East Scarborough community organizations.
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:
- 1.0 credits from Methods courses: GGRA30H3, GGRB03H3, GGRB30H3, GGRB32H3, GGRC31H3, STAB23H3.
- Use Degree Explorer to ensure you are on track with your degree.
Develop Your Academic & Research Skills
- Consider competing for the UTSC Library Undergraduate Research Prize or Poster Forum.
- Apply for the Summer Research Exchange Program through the International Student Centre to research at an international partner university; earn credit and receive funding!
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)
- Volunteer to be a First Year Peer Advisor in DSL’s First Year Experience Program.
- Complete the International Student Centre’s (ISC) Global Citizenship Certificate; consider Global Learning opportunities, like a Summer Abroad.
- Connect with an Indigenous community during the Indigenous Experiential Journey Trip (through DSL).
Plan for Your Future Career
- Speak with AA&CC staff to plan a potential career path.
- Check CLNx for networking events and information sessions to attend.
- Attend the UTSC Graduate & Professional School Fair in September to learn about admission requirements and application process.
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
-
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.