Geography

Welcome to the Geography Department

Geography is the study of the world and how it works. It looks at the Earth’s natural features, the places people live, and the connections between people and the environment. Geographers study places at many scales, from local communities to the entire planet.

What do geographers study?

Geographers are interested in big questions about the world around us, including:

How we can protect the environment and use natural resources in sustainable ways
How culture, history, and society shape cities, towns, and rural areas
How natural processes and human activities change landscapes over time

Geographers study these topics by looking at patterns, places, and change across space and time.

Geography is for everyone. It helps us understand who we are, where we live, and how we are connected to others. Whether students focus on physical geography (the natural world) or human geography (people and societies), geography helps explain how our planet works and why places are different from one another.

Vancouver Island University offers a:

Geography instructors are committed to student-centred learning. Small classes where an instructor knows your name and asks how your weekend went allow you to learn and ask questions in a supportive setting.

VIU’s Geography program blends theory with hands-on learning to help students understand the world and develop practical skills. Students strengthen their communication skills and learn how to analyze information, solve problems, and think critically about places and environments.

Students receive training in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Remote Sensing, which involve working with maps, satellite images, and aerial photographs. This work takes place in a dedicated computer lab and is an essential part of learning how geographers study and interpret the Earth.

Students who complete a BSc Major in Geoscience are eligible to apply to Engineers and Geoscientists British Columbia (EGBC) and become registered professionals. Additional coursework may be required.

Those who choose to transfer to another post-secondary institution in British Columbia, after one or two years of study at VIU, are encouraged to consult the BC Transfer Guide for additional information.

For further information about Geography programs at VIU, contact the Chair of the Department, GeoChair@viu.ca.

Geography course descriptions
A comprehensive list of all the courses offered in the Geography program.
Course offerings schedule
Some of our courses are not offered every semester or every year. Examine the list of course offerings planned to complete your degree efficiently.
Directed studies
We have a directed studies policy that applies when a student requests a course as an individual directed study, or a faculty member proposes to offer a special course for a small cohort of students (up to 5) that is not part of their regular workload assignment.
Field experience
Field experience is the highlight of their program for many students. Many of our courses include some experience in the field, and some are focused on gaining field experience. All students enrolled in the B.A. Major in Geography are required to complete GEOG 467 – Field Studies in Geography I. This course is delivered locally every spring.