Top Geography Schools: Which Ones Are the Best?

Hey guys, I'm really passionate about geography and I'm starting to search for colleges. Which schools have the best geography programs? I'm not only looking for well-ranked universities but also those with great faculty, resources, and opportunities in geography.

Hello! It's fantastic that you're passionate about geography and are looking for schools with strong programs in this field. Here are some top colleges and universities in the United States known for their geography programs:

1. University of California, Berkeley: UC Berkeley's Department of Geography is highly regarded, offering a comprehensive undergraduate program, as well as master's and Ph.D. programs. The faculty includes experts in various sub-fields of geography, and the department frequently hosts guest speakers and special events.

2. University of Wisconsin, Madison: UW-Madison is known for its strong Geography Department, which a range of courses and research opportunities for undergraduates, as well as graduate programs. The Robinson Map Library at the university contains a wide range of maps and other documents reflecting the geography of Wisconsin and other areas, and is an excellent resource for geography students.

3. Clark University: Clark is a smaller university, but its Graduate School of Geography is considered one of the best in the country. Undergraduate students studying geography benefit from access to the same renowned faculty members and sophisticated research facilities.

4. University of Colorado, Boulder: CU Boulder offers a robust geography program with undergraduate and graduate degrees. The faculty is highly regarded, and the university's location provides unique opportunities for fieldwork in the surrounding environments.

5. Pennsylvania State University: Penn State's Department of Geography boasts a diverse and skilled faculty who focus on various aspects of the discipline, from human and physical geography to geographic information systems (GIS) and remote sensing. They offer undergraduate and graduate degree programs, as well as a strong GIS online program which is both accessible and flexible.

6. The Ohio State University: OSU has a well-regarded geography department that offers undergraduate and graduate degrees. The faculty is engaged in diverse research areas and often helps students get involved in their projects.

7. University of Minnesota: The UMN Department of Geography, Environment, and Society offers a wide range of courses and research opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students, along with access to resources like the John R. Borchert Map Library.

Keep in mind that it's essential to visit and research these schools to find the best fit for you based on not only their geography programs but also factors like location, cost, size, and campus culture. Reach out to current students, faculty, and alumni to get a better understanding of each institution, as you want to be sure that you'll be in an environment where you can thrive personally as well as academically. Best of luck with your college search!