About

George Washington University's Department of Geography 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 of Geography 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

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An Inside Look at New York City's Department of City Planning

Laura Smith, MA ’06, discusses how her childhood love of maps led to her current work planning New York City’s economic development.

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The National Mall: Geography and America’s Front Yard

The National Mall is the United States’ most important public space. Professor Lisa Benton-Short looks at the Mall as a symbol of the American story.

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Geographers Redefine Immigration Trends

For generations, many people believed that most immigrants to the United States were people with limited education or training who came for economic opportunity