GeographyGlobalization and Development

Geographers are interested in the spatial patterns observed on earth. Bridging the natural and social sciences, Geography is the interdisciplinary study of environments and how people interact with the environment. It is important to study geography because many of the world's problems require understanding the interdependence between human activities and the environment. Geography is therefore a beneficial major for students because its theories and methods provide them with analytical skills relevant to occupations focused on solving social and environmental problems. The Department of Geography offers eight majors that help students tailor their focus of study. 

The Geography - Globalization and Development major will provide students with a sophisticated understanding of contemporary global issues and a geographical framework for analyzing key issues involved in national and international development, especially as it relates to the global south. Reflecting the discipline of geography as a whole, this major emphasizes an integrated approach to studying the relationship of global change to individual and community well-being by combining the benefits of area studies with theoretical and topical investigations in the curriculum. 

Our department is committed to excellence in both teaching and advising. Several of our faculty members have received teaching awards, and we are known across campus for the quality of our advising. As a geography major, you will meet one-on-one with your faculty advisor every semester during advising week, and you are always welcome to talk with your advisor at any time throughout the semester whenever questions may arise. In addition to advising our students about their academic programs, we provide timely information about internships, nationally competitive awards, and other opportunities as they arise. Many of our students complete internships and several of our students over the last few years have received nationally competitive awards.

For more information about our program, please view this video, visit our website, or contact our Undergraduate Chair, whose information is listed above.

• Top 13-45% of their graduating high school classes
• Average composite ACT score of 21-26
• Average combined SAT score of 1050-1230 (math and evidence-based reading and writing)
• Average high school grade point average of 3.58 (on a 4.0 scale)

• Provide a recent TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test score. See minimum requirements below. IELTS reports should be sent directly from the testing agency. TOEFL results should be sent electronically directly from the testing agency (school code 1593). Duolingo English Test results can be shared online with Ohio University once your test has been certified.

  English Proficiency Minimum Score Requirements
  TOEFL Paper: 520 (composition score of 5)
  TOEFL Internet (IBT): 68 (writing subscore of 17)
  IELTS: 6.0 (no sub-score below 5.5)
  Duolingo English Test: 95

• Complete at least three years in a high school in an English-speaking system, including three years of high school English (not ESL) courses with a grade of B or better.

• Submit an ACT composite score of 21 with 21 ACT English and 21 ACT Reading subscores.

• Submit a 1060 SAT Total with 540 SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing subscore.

• Have completed the equivalent of Ohio University's English 1510: Writing and Rhetoric I (Freshman Composition) with a grade of C or better. Course equivalency will be determined during the application process.

With a liberal arts degree in Geography – Globalization and Development, students are prepared for employment in a variety of fields, including non-profit and government work, particularly in the areas of community and international development. This degree will also prepare students well to work in the private sector in an international context. Graduates from this program will also be well situated to continue on to graduate school or law school, with research and professional interest in academic fields, including, but not limited to, geography, public affairs and policy, development studies, and community and regional planning.

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• Application form
• USD $70 international application processing fee
• Academic records from every secondary/post-secondary institution you have attended, with a certified or attested translation if the original document is not in English. Unofficial academic records may be submitted via email to [email protected] to receive an admissions decision. Official academic records must be provided upon arrival to campus, before the first day of classes, or sent by mail in envelopes sealed and stamped by one of the following:
  • Your school or university
  • Ministry of Education of your home country
  • EducationUSA or related binational organization
    
    Please note: We cannot accept scanned or faxed copies as official results. ​​​​​​​​Official academic records must be submitted by mail, as previously noted, to:
    
    Undergraduate Admissions
    Chubb Hall 120
    1 Ohio University
    Athens OH 45701 - USA
• Official proof of English proficiency, if available. TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo exams should be taken within the last 12 months.
• Proof of citizenship: a copy of your passport information page.
• Evidence of sufficient funding to support your educational and living expenses for a 9-month period. Learn more about the necessary amount on our Costs & Aid page. Your financial documentation must include:
  • A letter from your sponsor confirming the amount of funding that will be provided and stating your relationship to the sponsor (a PDF sample sponsor form is available but not required) and a letter or statement from your sponsor's bank confirming that the funding is available in an accessible account. The name on the bank document must match the sponsor letter and must be written in English.
  • If you will receive a government or other external scholarship, please provide proof of nomination of the award with your application packet.
• Optional materials can be submitted to Undergraduate Admissions via postal mail or by emailing [email protected]. Optional materials may include:
  • Standardized test scores, if applicable. Ohio University has adopted a test-optional pathway for freshman applicants to the Athens campus. If you choose to submit standardized test scores, they must be submitted directly from the testing agency: SAT (school code 1593) or ACT (school code 3314). Ohio University considers the Evidenced-based Reading and Writing scores from the SAT.
  • Essays
  • Letters of recommendation
  • Lists of extra-curricular interests and activities