Geography and Geographic Information Sciences (GIS)

image of a colorful map with green, orange and yellow sections

Geographers study the spatial dimensions of human activities and physical landscapes. The discipline of Geography focuses on the interrelationships between humans and their environments, linking the physical and social sciences.

Geographers use a variety of tools, but much of their work revolves around developing and analyzing various forms of spatial data and information, with a special emphasis on satellite imagery, vector graphics, historical, and paper maps.

Possessing the ability to "think spatially," along with a diverse toolkit of quantitative and qualitative methods, geographers have a wide variety of employment options. Department alumni have taken positions in business, government agencies, academia, and non-profit organizations. The job market is especially strong for those with skills in Geographic Information Systems and Science (GIS).

The Department of Geography at UC offers PhD, MA, MS (Online), BS and BA degrees, and Graduate and Undergraduate Certificates in GIS.

All students are encouraged to develop individualized programs meeting their specific needs, in consultation with their academic adviser. For more information on courses and requirements for the BA/BS program, please visit the Undergraduate Program site. For more on the PhD and MA programs, please visit the Graduate Program site.

Important Department Contacts

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Check out UC's latest innovations

March 23, 2026

In an era of constant innovation, UC’s College of Arts and Sciences (A&S) raises the bar high as they host the second annual Discovery in Action Showcase on March 31, 2026. This event will feature projects that will be presented by faculty, researchers and students representing the Portman Center, UC Field Center, the Arts and Sciences Co-Op program, various language studies, and many of the other areas of study that fall under the umbrella of Arts and Sciences.

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Goodbye, Crosley Tower

January 26, 2026

Demolition is set to begin on one of the University of Cincinnati’s most iconic buildings. UC students, faculty and alumni reflect on Crosley Tower's polarizing architecture and its legacy of research.