Geography (BA) in Canada at VIU Canada

Program Overview for Geography (BA) in Canada:

Geography is the study of earth spaces and places. Geographers are concerned with the distribution and patterning of physical and human phenomena in earth space, including the nature and magnitude of human impact on natural environments.

Protecting sustainable environments and managing the earth’s valued resources – land, water, and air – are of vital interest to geographers.

The geographic concepts of place and landscape provide a framework for understanding the role of culture in the evolution and development of urban and rural landscapes.

When examined from a spatial (geographic) and temporal (historical) perspective, political, social, and economic processes enable students to appreciate and understand the dynamic processes associated with the development of local and regional landscapes.

Geography is the study of space and places on earth. Geographers pay attention to the distribution and patterns of physical and human phenomena in terrestrial space, including the nature and extent of human influence on the natural environment. Protecting a sustainable environment and managing the earth's precious resources (land, water, and air) are vital for geographers.

The geographical concept of place and landscape provides a framework for understanding the role of culture in the evolution and development of urban and rural landscapes. Observe political, social, and economic processes from the perspective of space (geography) and time (history), allowing students to appreciate and understand the dynamic processes related to the development of local and regional landscapes.

Geography has two areas of expertise: sustainable resource management or urban and social sustainability, and a general course designed to broaden understanding of natural and human geography. Theoretical and applied courses in each stream are designed to strengthen oral, written, and visual presentation communication skills and provide a variety of transferable skills, especially in spatial analysis, remote sensing, and geographic information systems (GIS).

Students will face the challenge of thinking critically, analyzing problems, and seeking solutions to conflicts, especially in natural resource management and urban and social management. 

Geography minor courses can be flexibly customized to suit educational and/or career goals better. Geography is a subject that can be taught in the British Columbia secondary education system. 

VIU’s dedicated, industry-standard GIS laboratory is equipped with the latest software packages, and the program provides ample opportunities to apply these computer-based tools and technologies. The active interaction between small class teaching and teachers and students enhances the learning experience of each student.

The eligibility for Geography (BA) in Canada for both domestic and international student is:

Students are eligible for admission to University Academic programs if they meet one of the following conditions:

• graduation from a B.C. secondary school, or equivalent, with a minimum “C” grade in either English 12 or English 12 First Peoples;
• visiting student from a college or university (a “Letter of Permission” from the home institution is required);
• a transfer student from a college or university (at least 24 transferable university-level credits completed);
• English 12 with a minimum "C+" grade or equivalent.
• A minimum "C+" grade in one of Principles of Mathematics 11, Applications of Mathematics 11, Foundations of Mathematics 11, Pre-calculus 11, or equivalent. A mathematics assessment and placement examination is available for applicants without this admission requirement.

These are the test eligibilities for the Geography (BA) to qualify.

The international student tuition fees and costs for Geography (BA) in Canada.

The job market is still in high demand for graduates with strong academic and applied geographic, regional, national, and international research backgrounds. This is especially true for graduates with skills in geographic communications, spatial analysis, and GIS. A recent Canadian-based HR research report indicated that GIS activities would soon exceed $ 1 billion per year.

The salary for entry-level jobs in the GIS field is much higher than the standard for college students seeking full-time job opportunities after graduation. 

Some graduates may wish to pursue postgraduate courses in different fields such as geography or education, urban planning, natural resource management, law, or public administration.

The main advantage of the Honours degree in Geography is that it will help students see themselves as professionals in the discipline. It so will better prepare them for graduate or professional programs.

The research project provides an opportunity for putting the required communication, research, and analysis courses into holistic practice; and is becoming a standard expectation for entrance into most graduate programs.

VIU is already well established as an institution that provides a breadth of experience suitable for post-program success. The Honours program establishes these standards as a way to strengthen the transition to graduate and professional situations.