Geography BA

About this programme

UC Berkeley Geography is at the forefront of addressing the world’s most pressing crises. From the intensifying climate emergency and widening racial and economic inequalities to the global rise of authoritarianism, the degradation of ecosystems, and the housing crisis, our department uses geography not only to understand the world but to reshape it — toward justice, sustainability, and collective belonging. Berkeley's undergraduate program in Geography is uniquely broad and diverse, giving students a comprehensive understanding of the discipline while allowing them to specialize in their areas of greatest interest. As a truly interdisciplinary major, Geography covers everything from cultural, economic, political, and historical geography to biophysical, urban, and regional studies, alongside crucial skills like cartography, quantitative methods, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), remote sensing, and fieldwork. We encourage our students to explore opportunities beyond the classroom, including study abroad, internships, and field research. Our faculty are as varied and interesting as their courses, and they eagerly work directly with students on independent research projects. Our graduates go on to make a real difference in the world, with alumni working as geospatial data scientists, transportation and housing policy managers, and environmental planners at places like NASA, Google, and the City and County of San Francisco.