If you want to make a difference in the world, studying geography is a great place to start. Geography and sustainability careers offer opportunities to develop solutions to some of society鈥檚 most pressing problems, including climate change, environmental sustainability, natural disasters, sustainable tourism, and urban planning.
Salem State鈥檚 Geography and Sustainability programs combine a strong background in the academic tradition of geography with applied fields such as environmental sustainability, sustainable tourism, geographic information systems (GIS), remote sensing and digital image processing, regional development and planning, meteorology and climatology, and natural resource management.
Geographers use many tools and techniques in their work, and geographic technologies are increasingly important for understanding our complex world. They include Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Remote Sensing, Global Positioning Systems (GPS), and online mapping such as Google Earth. The teaching and use of geospatial computer technologies is a hallmark of our department, now even including the use of drones in our teaching and service to the local and regional geospatial community.
Faculty within the Geography and Sustainability department pride themselves on providing expert mentorship and friendship for all students while at Salem State and beyond graduation. We train our students 鈥 in a friendly, well-supported environment 鈥 to be top scientists as well as concerned global citizens
Salem State Geography and Sustainability majors take a core group of classes that form the backbone of the discipline. Core classes include Global Climate Change; Foundations of Global Studies; Environmental Sustainability and Society; Digital Mapping, and Research Methods. Elective classes span many realms such as: Energy and the Environment, Environmental Justice, Drones and Aerial Imagery to industry specific courses such as Food, Drink and the Environment, and Ecotourism. The program is further strengthened through regional courses that help us understand the world we live in in such as Geography of Latin America & the Caribbean or Geography of the Middle East. Upper-level courses often include real-world projects, and many students complete their coursework by conducting an internship or by working for a community advocacy group.
Discover why a geography and sustainability degree could be right for you.
Student Opportunities
The geography and sustainability department offers a variety of resources, opportunities and activities for our students. Both inside and outside of the classroom: