Physical & Human Geography
Physical & Human Geography Major (HBA)
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
Develop Your Academic & Research Skills
Apply Theory to Practice
Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)
Plan for Your Future Career
Year 2
Choose Your Courses Wisely
Develop Your Academic & Research Skills
Apply Theory to Practice
Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)
Plan for Your Future Career
Year 3
Choose Your Courses Wisely
Develop Your Academic & Research Skills
Apply Theory to Practice
Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)
Plan for Your Future Career
Year 4
Choose Your Courses Wisely
Develop Your Academic & Research Skills
Apply Theory to Practice
Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)
Plan for Your Future Career
Choose Your Courses Wisely
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Explore different kinds of courses; this will also help with fulfilling breadth requirements and electives.
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Use Degree Explorer and the UTSC Calendar to plan your courses and program of interest.
Develop Your Academic & Research Skills
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Schedule an appointment with your Program Librarian in both Geography and Environmental Science for assistance with your research assignments.
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Writing support is available at the CTL Writing Centre.
Apply Theory to Practice
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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)
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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.
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Explore other relevant student clubs on campus.
Plan for Your Future Career
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Volunteer with organizations to expand your interests — you can check listings on CLNx (>Jobs & Recruitment).
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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.
- 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
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Explore the Research Resource guides for Geography and Environmental Science online through the library.
Apply Theory to Practice
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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)
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Check CLNx (>Jobs & Recruitment) for relevant Work Study or volunteer positions on campus to gain experience.
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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
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Check CLNx (>Jobs & Recruitment) for relevant summer, part-time or Work Study positions.
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Speak to professors and program advisors about graduate school.
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Explore careers through the Academic Advising & Career Centre’s (AA&CC) Job Shadowing and In The Field programs.
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Sign up for DSL’s ALL-IN Leadership Program.
Year 3
Choose Your Courses Wisely
- At least 1.5 credits from the following: CITB01H3, GGRB02H3, GGRB05H3, GGRB13H3, GGRB18H3/ESTB02H3, GGRB21H3, GGRB28H3, GGRB55H3.
- 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
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At least one additional 0.5 credit from GGR or CIT courses.
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At least one additional 0.5 credit from EES courses.
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Ensure you have fulfilled your breadth requirements.
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Use Degree Explorer to ensure you are on track to graduate.
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Register your “Intent to Graduate” on ACORN by the deadline.
Develop Your Academic & Research Skills
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Attend events and conferences through your academic department, student groups and the AA&CC to further develop your skills and your network.
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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
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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)
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Build your network and explore professional associations.
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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.
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Share ideas and lived experiences about critical issues with students in other parts of the world through Global Commons.
Plan for Your Future Career
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Meet with your Program Supervisor/Advisor regarding applying to graduate studies; get your Personal Statement reviewed in the AA&CC.
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Attend the AA&CC’s Get Hired job search conference in April/May.
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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)
Contacts
- Departmental ContactArifa Akhter Nitolarifa.nitol@utoronto.caHL 226416-208-4847https://www.utsc.utoronto.ca/geography/
- Geography LibrarianSarah Shujahsarah.shujah@utoronto.caARC main floor416-287-7491https://utsc.library.utoronto.ca/librarians
- Academic Advising & Career CentreAC213416-287-7561https://utsc.utoronto.ca/aacc/
- Department of Student Lifestudentlife.utsc@utoronto.caSL157416-208-5129https://www.utsc.utoronto.ca/studentlife/
- Geography and City Studies Students' Associationhttps://www.utsc.utoronto.ca/geography/getting-involved
Did You Know?
Geography is experiencing a resurgence as an academic discipline for addressing issues of global significance.