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Geography. There’s a map for that.
Geography at Carolina brings a unique perspective to the study of some of our world’s most pressing issues. Geographers bring together physical science, social science, and the humanities to study patterns and processes across the earth’s surface. From analyzing regional dynamics of climate change to investigating new global structures of work and labor, Carolina faculty and students conduct cutting-edge research at one of the top geography departments in the country.
Explore our programs, see where our alumni are now, and find out how geography can help you get where you’re going.
Careers
James Ellsmoor
BA, Class of ’16
Founder, Island Innovation
“UNC Geography was my entry point into understanding the world and trying to make it a greener place. Now I am using these skills to implement sustainable development projects in island communities around the world.”
Tony Liu
BA, Class of ’17
Producer, On Being Studios
“The Geography Department at UNC fostered my curiosity while imparting in me the intellectual toolkit I still use in my career as a podcast producer. The faculty supported me each step of the way in both my academic and career journeys, and I think of them often when reflecting about my time as an undergraduate.”
Cameron Taylor
BA, Class of ’10
Malaria Technical Coordinator, The Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) Program
“The UNC geography department exposed me to undergraduate research experiences and opportunities that laid the foundation for my career. I started working with malaria data during the summer of my junior year (2009) in Malawi and ten years later I am still doing it today.”
What can I do with a Geography degree?
Explore Our Programs
All Are Welcome
The Geography Department at UNC Chapel Hill is committed to promoting diversity and a climate of inclusiveness in our student body, faculty, and staff. We have a particular focus on historically underrepresented groups, but also are attentive to the broader questions of diversity that include attention to economic status, gender, sexuality and ability.
Read our full faculty statement on diversity and our diversity committee’s mission statement. See also our June 2020 statement on anti-racism and our December 2018 and November 2019 statements on the confederate monument known as Silent Sam.
Events
News
Dr. Havice earns 2021 University Teaching Award
Elizabeth Havice earns 2021 Tanner Awards for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching. For more information, please follow this link.
Lentz’s book “Contested Territory” awarded the 2021 Benda Prize
Prof. Lentz’s book “Contested Territory” was awarded the 2021 Harry J. Benda prize by the Association of Asian Studies. Awarded annually, the Benda prize recognizes an outstanding first book in any discipline on Southeast Asia. “Contested Territory” offers a new … Continued
PhD candidate Manny Hernandez was featured on p.1 of the December 2020 AAG Climate Specialty Group newsletter to spotlight his achievements in climatology
PhD candidate Manny Hernandez was featured on p.1 of the December 2020 AAG Climate Specialty Group newsletter to spotlight his achievements in climatology.