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

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A Single Geography Class Inspires Career in Coffee

Cameron Waggener, BA ’17, began his career by opening the Washington, D.C., area’s first bicycle coffee shop.

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Applying GPS Technology to Conservation in Colombia

Sarah Cassius, BA ’19, spent a summer interning in Medellin, Colombia, where she applied her geography background to help conserve land.

Drs David Rain and Lisa Benton-Short with Karen and Rys Young in the new computer lab, Samson Hall 304.

New Research Space

Thanks to a generous donation from Karen & Rys Young BA '16, the Department of Geography now has a secondary computer lab in Samson Hall (SAMS 304).