Physical & Human Geography Major (HBA)
Admissions Category: Social Sciences & Humanities
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. 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:
, , , Geographic Information Sciences,
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
- 2.0 credits as follows: , , , .
- Explore different kinds of courses; this will also help with fulfilling breadth requirements and electives.
- Use and the to plan your courses and program of interest.
Develop Your Academic & Research Skills
- Schedule an appointment with your in both Geography and Environmental Science for assistance with your research assignments.
- Writing support is available at the .
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 (>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鈥檚 (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 鈥 you can check listings on (>Jobs & Recruitment).
- Attend the UTSC Get Experience Fair in September and register with to explore opportunities.
Year 2
Choose Your Courses Wisely
- 1.5 credits from: , ,, , .
- At least 1.5 credits from the following: , , , , /, , .
- Use 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 for Geography and Environmental Science online through the library.
Apply Theory to Practice
- Attend the in January to meet with potential employers looking to hire students for summer and full-time positions.
Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)
- Check (>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鈥檚 Student Exchange Program; you can earn transfer credits and are eligible for funding.
Plan for Your Future Career
- Check (>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鈥檚 (AA&CC) Job Shadowing and programs.
- Sign up for DSL鈥檚 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 to ensure you are on track with your degree.
Develop Your Academic & Research Skills
- Enter to win the UTSC Library or .
- 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 鈥 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鈥檚 First Year Experience Program. Complete the ISC鈥檚 Global Citizenship Certificate and consider Global Learning opportunities, like a .
- 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 .
- Check for Networking events and Employer Information Sessions to attend.
- Attend the 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 to ensure you are on track to graduate.
- Register your 鈥淚ntent to Graduate鈥 on by the deadline.
Develop Your Academic & Research Skills
- Attend events and conferences through your academic department, student groups and the 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 ; 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鈥檚 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 .
Plan for Your Future Career
- Meet with your Program Supervisor/Advisor regarding applying to graduate studies; get your Personal Statement reviewed in the .
- Attend the AA&CC鈥檚 Get Hired job search conference in April/May.
- Attend a Jobs for Grads orientation for a job search 鈥渃rash course鈥; check 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 (/ctl)
- DSL - Department of Student Life (/studentlife)
- GCSA - Geography and City Studies Student Association (https://www.facebook.com/GCSAutsc)
- SCSU - Scarborough Campus Students Union (https://www.scsu.ca)
Contacts
Departmental Contact
Arifa Akhter Nitol
E-mail: arifa.nitol@utoronto.caLocation: HL 226
Phone: 416-208-4847
Geography Librarian
Sarah Shujah
E-mail: sarah.shujah@utoronto.caLocation: ARC main floor
Phone: 416-287-7491
Academic Advising & Career Centre
Phone: 416-287-7561
Department of Student Life
Location: SL157
Phone: 416-208-5129
Geography and City Studies Students' Association
Did You Know?
Geography is experiencing a resurgence as an academic discipline for addressing issues of global significance.