Where to study Geography in California?

Hey y'all, from California here. Just wanted to get some recommendations on the best colleges for pursuing a degree in Geography, if anyone knows? I've tried looking up rankings online, but I feel like it's better to hear from actual students/alumni. Thanks!

You're right in seeking recommendations from students and alumni as they have first-hand experience. That said, I can provide information from what I've heard and seen about universities well-regarded for their geography programs in California.

The first one I would mention is UC Berkeley. Their geography program is stellar and offers a dynamic interdisciplinary approach to understanding spatial patterns of the Earth's environment and human landscape. In this program, students can focus on areas like urban development, geopolitical issues, and environmental policy.

A second outstanding college for geography is UC Santa Barbara. Not only do they offer an outstanding geography undergraduate program, they are also very well-known for their Geographical Information Systems (GIS) research. It's a great place for students especially interested in the intersection of geography and technology.

Finally, UCLA also has a solid geography department with a strong focus on human-environmental relations and geospatial sciences. The program at UCLA offers opportunities for undergraduate research, which is a huge bonus if you're considering academia or research in the long term.

All these universities integrate both physical geography and human geography, so you’d gain a comprehensive understanding of the discipline. You may want to check out the specifics of the coursework and faculty at each place to see where your interests align. Also, you might want to visit these campuses or connect with current students or recent graduates through LinkedIn as they would be able to give you first-hand information and tips about their experience in the programs.

Good luck as you explore these options and others for your studies in geography!