About

George Washington University's Department of Geography and Environment is dedicated to achieving excellence in research and learning through the study of relationships between the physical world and its occupation and modification by humans. Students and faculty investigate questions of sustainability, urbanization and migration, mapping and more.

Students have interned at management firms, nonprofits, national parks and environmental associations. They have presented at the American Association of Geographers and visited the United Nations as part of the GW UN 360 program. And they have participated in fieldwork projects in Argentina, Germany, Morocco and Colombia.

The department has earned honorable mention for the American Association of Geographers Program Excellence Award in recognition of our creative application of sustainability and GIS, student job placement rates and faculty growth. We are also proud to hold a level three certification from the GW Green Office Network.
 


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"The small student-faculty ratio led me to receive more faculty time and interaction, helping me to hone my research skills and interests. I believe this was a major factor into my acceptance into a highly regarded PhD program after graduation."

Susan Wolfinbarger
MA ’06


Geography in the News

Geo story

Mapping the Migrant Journey

Geography researchers are mapping asylum-seekers' journeys at the U.S.-Mexico border to study how border policies affect safety and security, aiming to inform immigration reforms.

Hurricane Milton

Q & A: How Climate Change Fuels Extreme Weather Events like Hurricanes

Professor Benton-Short highlighted the role of climate change in intensifying natural disasters and the need for communities to adapt to increasing extreme weather events.

student voices

Student Voices: An Open Letter to the World Food Forum

Geography master's student Nick Smaldone joined a group and represented the Global Food Institute at the global forum in Rome, Italy.