Geography integrates social and natural sciences in a way that no other field does. Geographers solve pressing social and environmental problems in our globalized and rapidly changing world. We tackle issues related to both the human and physical aspects of climate change, natural disasters, disease spread, water resources, transportation, urban sprawl, forest and ecosystem degradation, and many more. As a geography major, you can learn to apply cutting-edge skills in geospatial information systems (GIS), satellite image analysis, modeling, qualitative and quantitative analysis, and laboratory and field techniques. Students can tailor their studies toward the areas of human, environmental, or geospatial analysis, but will gain valuable knowledge in all three areas. That integrative background, along with a tool kit of valuable analytical skills, will prepare students for a wide variety of employment opportunities across private, public, and government sectors. If you want to travel, study abroad, and learn about cultures, customs, landscapes, and political systems, geography truly is your passport to the globe. Geography majors take fundamental courses in the areas of human geography, world regions, and physical geography, as well as courses in mapping and GIS. Students also choose from major courses in areas such as sustainability, water resources, global conflict, weather, environmental problems, medical geography, mountain geography, remote sensing, policy and planning, and the geography of local and world regions.
Career options
September 2025
Virginia Tech
925 Prices Fork Road,
BLACKSBURG,
Virginia,
24061, United States
Before you can be considered for freshman admission, you must complete:
3 units of math (includes algebra I, geometry, and algebra II)
2 units of laboratory science (chosen from biology, chemistry or physics)
additional academic units (foreign language is highly recommended)
Some majors have other requirements, such as an additional year of advanced math or lab science. Most students who are selected for admission have completed more than the minimum requirements and have at least a B+ grade point average.
English Language Requirements:
Students taking the IELTS must obtain a score of at least 6.5, with no sub-score below 6.5 to be considered for admission to Virginia Tech. Students taking the PTE must obtain a score of at least 53. Depending on the type of TOEFL used, Virginia Tech expects students to have scores of: Internet-based test: at least 80, with no section sub-score less than 16; Computer-based test: at least 233; Paper-based test: at least 550. Application Deadline: Fall - January 15 (Regular Decision).
*There may be different IELTS requirements depending on your chosen course.
