Bachelor of Geography and Urban Studies at Temple University

Temple University

United States of America, Philadelphia

University Rank:#721

The Geography and Urban Studies at Temple University is a Bachelor program designed for students who want to build the knowledge and skills required for careers in this field. Delivered on campus at the university's main campus in Philadelphia, United States of America, the program is taught in English and takes 4 years to complete. Students study in a Full Time environment while preparing for future professional opportunities. The next intake starts on August 28, 2027.

About Bachelor of Geography and Urban Studies

Explore the complex relationship between environments and societies with the Bachelor of Arts in Geography and Urban Studies in the College of Liberal Arts at Temple University. Develop the expertise to identify, understand and respond to real-world urban problems and global challenges. Gain comprehension around urban politics, planning and policymaking.

This 123-credit undergraduate program provides the tools to address environmental, economic, social and political issues that are central to the well-being of people in an urbanizing world. Strengthen your writing, communication and research skills and learn technical skills in geographic information systems (GIS). Your courses and research will expand your knowledge of subjects like

geographic theory,
health and the environment,
planning and policymaking,
social and environmental justice,
urban processes and more.

Design your career path by developing a personalized curriculum that focuses on one or more of the following themes.

Geographic methods
Globalization
Social justice
Sustainability

The Geography and Urban Studies BA prepares students for careers in consulting, government and nonprofit sectors. Many of our students advance to graduate studies in environmental studies, geography, law or urban planning. Graduates are equipped to enter a number of growing fields. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) forecasts a 13% growth in employment for urban and regional planners by 2026. The BLS also forecasts a 7% growth in employment for geographers, which is the average growth rate for all occupations.

Students can also earn the Geographic Information Systems Undergraduate Certificate.

Requirements and Admission Criteria for Bachelor of Geography and Urban Studies at Temple University

Entry Requirements

1. Official high school and/or university transcripts with English translations (required)

Your application must include all official and original academic records from any school: secondary high school, college, or university you have ever attended.

If you are attending a high school curriculum that is four years, Temple University reviews grades 9-11 as well as your current progress in 12th grade (term/quarter/semester/predicted) or your final transcript if you completed high school.

If you are attending a high school curriculum that is only three years, we strongly recommend you submit the final year of your middle school as well.

2. Test options

First-year Applicants

Option 1: Apply without standardized testing

At Temple University we are pleased to offer applicants a test-optional solution for submitting their application. Test-optional means that you are not required to submit ACT or SAT for admission consideration and is typically chosen by students who feel their test scores do not accurately reflect their academic abilities or who were not able to take SAT or ACT tests due to circumstances outside of their control.

Applicants who choose this option are equally eligible to receive merit scholarships.

Option 2: Apply with standardized testing. Submit official SAT or ACT results. These must be sent officially from the testing agency.

Unsure about whether or not to submit testing? Contact [email protected].

All applicants, regardless of which option they choose, should review the English language proficiency test scores section to determine whether they are required to submit English language proficiency scores to support their application.

Transfer Applicants

If you have at least 15 college-level credits, SAT/ACT scores (or other standardized tests) are usually not required for transfer admission unless our Admissions Office specifically requests them.

Please note that proof of high school graduation may be required and English language proficiency test scores may be required.

The average GPA for incoming fall 2022 transfer students was 3.21. All applicants are reviewed for admission but we prefer that students have a 2.50 or higher GPA.

3. Letters of Recommendation (optional)

If you submit letters of recommendation, please request letters from individuals, such as a high school teacher or advisor, who can speak to your academic abilities and accomplishments. Please send no more than two letters to [email protected] or through the Common Application.

English Requirements

PTEMin 53
IELTSMin 7
TOEFLMin 79

Career Opportunities after Completing Bachelor of Geography and Urban Studies

Department Internships

Geography and Urban Studies students pursue internships in a variety of fields. The department's internship coordinator and student services coordinator help students take advantage of these opportunities. The department is well connected to government agencies, education organizations and nonprofits in the Greater Philadelphia region. Students can receive credit for their internship to satisfy major requirements or free electives.

The skills gained from a liberal arts degree are highly relevant in today's rapidly evolving world. Apply the experience and knowledge acquired in the Geography and Urban Studies BA program to your professional pursuits across many organizations and industries, including academics, cultural institutions, government agencies or the social sciences. The versatility of this program's curriculum helps you graduate with valuable skill sets sought by many employers.

The Geography and Urban Studies BA prepares students for numerous careers, including as

cartographers,
city planners,
conservation officers,
environmental consultants,
GIS analysts,
landscape architects and
public administrators.

Temple's geography and urban studies students land internships and careers with the following organizations.

Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission
Environmental Protection Agency
Greenpeace
Mayor's Office of Sustainability
Michael Baker International
National Park Service
Philadelphia Parks and Recreation
Clean Water Action
Pennsylvania Horticulture Society
Philadelphia Zoo
U.S. Department of Labor

Tuition and Fee Information for Bachelor of Geography and Urban Studies at Temple University

Application Fee 55

How to Apply for Bachelor of Geography and Urban Studies at Temple University

1. Make an application plan.

If you’re a first-year applicant, you’ll first want to pick a deadline goal and decide if you’d like to apply Early Action (due Nov. 1) or Regular Decision (due Feb. 1).

2. Apply using the Common Application.

Temple exclusively uses the Common Application. When completing your application for Temple, be sure to indicate whether you’re applying Early Action or Regular Decision if you’re a first-year applicant. Even if you apply before or by the Early Action deadline, you still must indicate Early Action on your application to ensure you will receive an admissions decision early. Transfer applicants do not need to select a deadline preference.

There’s an application fee of $55, which you will submit at the same time as the Common Application unless you qualify for a waiver.

Bachelor of Geography and Urban Studies at Temple University

Temple University

United States of America, Philadelphia