What Programs Does the UBC Department of Geography Offer?

Updated

The UBC Department of Geography offers undergraduate degrees leading to a BA or BSc, plus MA, MSc, and PhD programs at the graduate level. Undergraduates choose from three broad fields — Human Geography, Environment and Sustainability, and Geographical Sciences — with specific degree options, a minor, and a certificate available within them. Below is how the programs are organized so you can match them to your interests.

Undergraduate Programs

The department divides its undergraduate program into three fields: Human Geography, Environment and Sustainability, and Geographical Sciences. The specific credentials listed are:

Program Credential
Human Geography BA
Environment & Sustainability BA
Geographical Sciences BSc
Atmospheric Science BSc
Urban Studies BA

In addition to the degree programs, undergraduates can pursue:

  • Minor in GIS & Geographical Computation — for students who want a technical complement to their main degree.
  • Certificate in Climate Studies and Action — a focused credential in climate topics.

If your interest is people, cities, and policy, the BA routes (Human Geography, Environment & Sustainability, Urban Studies) fit. If you want a science-based path, the BSc options (Geographical Sciences, Atmospheric Science) are the relevant ones. The minor and certificate let you add a specialization without switching your primary degree.

Graduate Programs

Graduate study in the department leads to an MA, MSc, and/or PhD:

  • MA Geography
  • MSc Geography
  • PhD Program

The MA and MSc are master's-level research degrees; the PhD is the doctoral program. The department also lists admissions, courses, computing resources, funding, and advising as part of its graduate offerings, so prospective students can check those pages for application and support details.

How to Decide Between Options

  • Choose a BA field if your questions center on human geography, sustainability, or urban studies.
  • Choose a BSc field if you prefer geographical sciences or atmospheric science.
  • Add the GIS minor or Climate certificate if you want a defined technical or thematic skill set alongside your degree.
  • Go graduate if you're aiming for research training at the master's or doctoral level.

The department describes itself as one of the top geography departments in the world, with a stated emphasis on a critical and ethical approach to the natural environment and society's relationship with it — useful context if research culture matters to your choice.