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

Image of wildfire smoke covering a mountain in Maui

Inside the Inferno: What the Maui Fires Mean for Hawaii—and the World

As wildfires devastated Hawaii, Geography Professor Lisa Benton-Short explained how climate change fanned the disaster’s flames.

Dmitry Streletskiy and Dean Paul Wahlbeck seated on a stage talking with a Columbian College of Arts and Sciences logo

Climate Change and the Thawing Permafrost

Professor Streletskiy talks climate change and the thawing permafrost with CCAS Dean Paul Wahlbeck.

Professor Rain with students on streets of DC.

Professor Rain takes Geography Students to the Streets of DC

From bike lanes to bus stops, the geography majors in David Rain’s capstone class are traveling throughout the District to understand curbside use.