Geography and GIS

About this opportunity

Navigate the world. Plan the future.

The Geographical Sciences offer multi-faceted opportunities for students interested in diverse people, places, and environments. Many of our students pursue our degree programs or Honors theses with our faculty “to make a difference” by “solving problems in the real world.”

• Climate and environmental dynamics: understanding and managing environmental problems and community resilience
• Transportation systems: evaluating and designing transit structures for mobility, efficiency, and quality of life
• Urban sustainability: examining and planning livable and equitable cities for environmental and human wellbeing
• Community and economic development: evaluating and planning vibrant neighborhoods, cities, and economies
• Geospatial technologies: mapping and analyzing social and environmental dynamics across multiple scales and diverse places

ASU’s School of Geographical Sciences and Urban Planning offers multiple Bachelor’s degree programs and diverse learning opportunities for undergraduate students.

• Geography (BA)
• Geography (BS)
• Geography: Meteorology-Climatology (BS)
• Geographic Information Science (BS)
• Urban Planning (BSP)

We also offer minors and certificates in Geography and Planning, as well as Geographic Information Sciences and Atmospheric Sciences. 

Special activities for our majors and friends include the Geography Club and Honors Society and the Student Planning Association, the Youth Mappers and Sun Devil Weather and Climate groups, along with internships and other opportunities.

Any Barrett students who are pursuing degrees or programs in Geography or GIS should contact the FHA, Kelli.Larson@asu.edu. If you are interested in our courses or degree programs, please also reach out. 

Thesis

Given the highly interdisciplinary nature of Geographical Sciences, opportunities for thesis projects are highly varied. Consistent with the Barrett requirements, Honors students mostly work with a two-person committee (Thesis Advisor, or First Reader, and a Second Reader). A Third Reader is optional but not required.

To check out potential advisors in SGSUP, you can check out our faculty here. Or reach out to Kelli.Larson@asu.edu with your interests or to schedule a meeting, and she can help direct you to faculty with relevant expertise.

For more information on the Honor’s Thesis Projects, talk to an FHA or see the Barrett Handbook.

Recommended Timeline

Students will need to ensure that they follow the Barrett Honors College requirements and deadlines. For students pursuing honors theses in Geography, the following is a recommended timeline:

• Freshman and Sophomore years: Focus on your general studies requirements and meeting faculty. Reach out to our advising team to inquire about course offerings and faculty expertise. Also, make an appointment with Kelli.Larson@asu.edu to discuss your interests.  

• Junior year: Complete a thesis workshop, and meet with the Faculty Honors Advisor, Kelli.Larson@asu.edu. Narrow down your thesis project ideas and identify a Thesis Advisor (First Reader) and ideally the Second Reader. Prepare for your Honors Thesis Prospectus.

• Senior year: Work with your Thesis Advisor (First Reader) submit an Honors Thesis Prospectus and confirm your Second Reader early in fall term. Enroll in 492 (typically in fall) and 493 (spring) as you work on your Honor’s Thesis and Defense.

Other Honors Opportunities

Several courses in SGSUP provide Honors contracts or credit, and many of our faculty oversee undergraduate research as well. To learn more, contact Kelli.Larson@asu.edu