Physical & Human Geography

Admissions Category: Social Sciences & Humanities

https://www.utsc.utoronto.ca/geography/

Program Overview

Physical Geography is the study of the science of spaces; it examines the structures of the world around us- both natural and man-made, as well as the formative processes of these. Students will learn about landforms, weather, geological and hydrological processes, and the interactions of all of these to form physical landscapes. Human Geography is concerned with the spatial patterns of humans and human activity over spaces and places. Students will explore the complex relationships between society and the natural environment as well as the social and economic problems of human land use and settlement. This program connects these two aspects of Geography to give students a complex understanding of the world around us, explains spatial phenomena, and helps them to apply spatial theories and techniques in a variety of real-life situations.

Complementary Programs:

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

Interpretation of conceptual and data-based information
Projection of socio-economic trends
Design and conduct social surveys
Analyze and use statistical methods
Conduct field studies and observe interactions
Manipulate and map geographic data
Understand natural and social processes

Careers for Graduates

Geoscientist in Energy and Natural Resources
Environmental Geoscientist
Environmental Protection
Data/GIS Analyst
Geospatial Applications Developer
Natural and Cultural Heritage Interpreter
Policy Analyst
Sustainability Coordinator

Further Education

Geography
Urban Planning
Sustainability or Environment
Architecture
Education
Geographic Information Systems
Project Management
Insurance & Risk Management
Geoscience

Program Pathway

Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | Year 4

Year 1
Choose Your Courses Wisely

2.0 credits as follows: EESA01H3, EESA06H3, GGRA02H3, GGRA03H3.
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

Schedule an appointment with your Program Librarian in both Geography and Environmental Science for assistance with your research assignments.
Writing support is available 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).
Continue exploring ways to get involved in your community on an issue that you are interested in.

Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)

Volunteer in East Scarborough through Department of Student Life’s (DSL) Community Action Projects and Alternative Reading Week.
Join the Geography & City Studies Student Association (GCSA) to connect with other students in your field of study.
Explore other relevant student clubs on campus.

Plan for Your Future Career

Volunteer with organizations to expand your interests — you can check listings on CLNx (>Jobs & Recruitment).
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

1.5 credits from: EESB02H3, EESB03H3,EESB04H3, EESB05H3, EESB15H3.
At least 1.5 credits from the following: CITB01H3, GGRB02H3, GGRB05H3, GGRB13H3, GGRB18H3/ESTB02H3, GGRB21H3, GGRB28H3.
Use Degree Explorer and consult with your Program Advisor to plan your courses and program.
Earn your language breadth requirement by participating in the Explore Program's 5-week intensive French Language immersion program.

Develop Your Academic & Research Skills

Explore the Research Resource guides for Geography and Environmental Science online through the library.

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.

Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)

Check CLNx (>Jobs & Recruitment) for relevant Work Study or volunteer positions on campus to gain experience.
Study at an international host university for one term to one year through the ISC’s Student Exchange Program; you can earn transfer credits and are eligible for funding.

Plan for Your Future Career

Check CLNx (>Jobs & Recruitment) for relevant summer, part-time or Work Study positions.
Speak to professors and program advisors about graduate school.
Explore careers through the Academic Advising & Career Centre’s (AA&CC) Job Shadowing and In The Field programs.
Sign up for DSL’s ALL-IN Leadership Program.

Year 3
Choose Your Courses Wisely

At least 1.0 credit at C- or D-level from EES courses.
At least 1.0 credit at C- or D-level from GGR or CIT courses.
Use Degree Explorer to ensure you are on track with your degree.

Develop Your Academic & Research Skills

Enter to win the UTSC Library Undergraduate Research Prize or Poster Forum.
Apply for the Summer Research Exchange Program to research at an international partner university; earn credit and receive funding! Visit ISC for details.

Apply Theory to Practice

Run for an elected position in the GCSA.
Enrol in a Geography Experiential Learning – Field & Internship Course at the Faculty of Arts and Science over the Summer. These courses are also open to UTSC students.

Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)

Volunteer to be a First Year Peer Advisor in DSL’s First Year Experience Program. Complete the ISC’s Global Citizenship Certificate and consider Global Learning opportunities, like a Summer Abroad.
Connect with an Indigenous community during the Indigenous Experiential Journey Trip; visit DSL for more details.

Plan for Your Future Career

Plan a career path with a staff member at the AA&CC.
Check CLNx for Networking events and Employer 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

At least one additional 0.5 credit from GGR or CIT courses.
At least one additional 0.5 credit from EES courses.
Ensure you have fulfilled your breadth requirements.
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

Attend events and conferences through your academic department, student groups and the AA&CC to further develop your skills and your network.
Apply for the Academic Travel Fund, through DSL, to conduct research, present at a conference, or engage with the academic community internationally.

Apply Theory to Practice

Getting ready to graduate? Consider an internship at Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry; they offer a variety of rewarding internship opportunities for postsecondary school students and recent graduates.

Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)

Build your network and explore professional associations.
Participate in the AA&CC’s Partners in Leadership program to learn and network with an alumni mentor about transitioning to work or further education.
Share ideas and lived experiences about critical issues with students in other parts of the world through Global Commons.

Plan for Your Future Career

Meet with your Program Supervisor/Advisor regarding applying to graduate studies; get your Personal Statement reviewed in the AA&CC.
Attend the AA&CC’s Get Hired job search conference in April/May.
Attend a Jobs for Grads orientation for a job search “crash course”; check CLNx for Internships and Job opportunities for new grads.

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)
CTL - Centre for Teaching and Learning (https://www.utsc.utoronto.ca/ctl)
DSL - Department of Student Life (https://www.utsc.utoronto.ca/studentlife)
GCSA - Geography and City Studies Student Association (https://www.facebook.com/GCSAutsc)
SCSU - Scarborough Campus Students Union (https://www.scsu.ca)