Geography - Physical Geography (Bachelor of Arts and Science)

Are you curious about the landforms and landscapes that make up the Earth's surface? What about the effect of the environment on human health? Are you concerned about the human dimensions of climate change, and the extent and effects of deforestation? The changing patterns of agricultural and urban land use?

Are you an inquisitive person? If yes, then the Major Concentration Geography - Physical Geography is your match!

The program provides you with strong training in systematic areas of physical geography (geomorphology, hydrology, soil biogeochemistry, biogeography and climatology). You'll explore the science of how physical, chemical, and biological processes interact at various spatial and temporal scales to produce distinct environments on the planet, and study different suites of ecosystem services while investigating sustainability challenges for human communities that depend on them.

Included are field courses that provide hands-on exposure to environmental data collection, as well as courses in quantitative techniques, such as GIS and Remote Sensing.

• Canadian citizenship or Canadian permanent residency
• 23 years of age or older by the start of classes (21 years of age for the Faculties of Management and Music)
• No high school, college or university level studies within the last five years that would constitute a basis for admission
• Two letters of reference
• Mature Student Statements:
  • Letter of Intent, including description of all educational experiences
  • Complete resume of employment and other activities, highlighting points relevant to the application
• In some cases, an interview may be required
• Demonstrate academic potential by successfully completing a minimum number of specific courses (see 'Minimum grades & prerequisites' below) within the three-year period prior to admission and no later than May 15th of the year of application for the intended program (May 1 for some programs). These courses, which may be completed at CEGEP or university, will also fulfill prerequisites for the intended program. 

This program prepares you for a diverse range of careers. You could become a professional:

• Environmental consultant
• Field researcher
• Policy analyst
• Reporter
• Secondary school teacher

Alumni work as field researchers for the United Nations, others work for (or have founded their own) NGOs and Silicon Valley start-ups.

The program may also lead to graduate or professional study in fields such as biology, community development, epidemiology, geography, law, medicine, and urban planning.

1. Know your deadlines.

   Mark your calendar with these important dates regarding your application. 

2. Decide what to study.

   Use the program finder tool to explore over 300 undergraduate programs and find your best match. 

3. Make sure you're eligible.

   Admission to most programs is based on grades only. In this step, you'll find:
   • How your academic record is reviewed
   • The grades that gained entrance to your program in previous years
   • The prerequisites for your program

4. Get ready to apply.

   As of October 1, you can apply. Complete each step of the pre-application to-do list, including:

   • Understand the deadlines that apply to you
   • Prepare your academic documents
   • Identify supporting documents you'll need to provide

5. Submit your application.

   Review our tips on how to apply and see what the application fees will be. Remember that you can apply to two programs.

6. Apply for an entrance scholarship.

   Look into entrance scholarships early! The deadline is usually a week after your application deadline. This page provides information about entrance scholarships, bursaries, and other funding opportunities.

7. Submit documents and keep in touch.

   We'll connect with you by email to let you know when to upload supporting documents, if required. In this step, you'll see:
   • How to follow your applications status
   • Supporting documents you may need to prepare
   • How to submit supporting documents, including self-reporting your grades