Bachelor of Arts in 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

Students engaged in a classroom.

Classes & Curriculum

The Geography and Urban Studies Major is a 123-credit undergraduate program that can be completed over four years of full-time study. Geography and Urban Studies electives give students the opportunity to develop an area of emphasis around their particular interests. Examples of required and elective courses students take in the program include the following.

  • African Americans in Philadelphia
  • Cities
  • Fundamentals of Geographic Information Systems
  • Research Design in Geography and Urban Studies
  • Space and Place
  • Spatial Statistics
  • Sustainable Cities
  • Urban Systems in a Global Economy

Students are required to complete an individualized research project in the Senior Research Seminar course. Learn more about required courses for the Geography and Urban Studies BA.

Related Graduate Degrees

Related Graduate Certificate

4+1 Accelerated Degree Program

The Geography and Urban Studies MA is open to Geography and Urban Studies and Environmental Studies majors.  The master’s program prepares students for further graduate study as well as for professional positions related to urban and economic development, environmental sustainability and social justice. Students can apply as early as second semester sophomore year for entry in their junior year, or they can apply as late as the second semester of their junior year for entry in their senior year.

Learn more about accelerated degree programs in the College of Liberal Arts.

Double Major

If you plan to become a teacher, you may double major through Temple’s College of Education. The double major combines the Geography and Urban Studies Major with a major in social studies education. Learn more about the double major.

Certificate Programs

The College of Liberal Arts has 22 undergraduate certificate programs for you to expand your knowledge and diversify your Temple education. Certificates can complement bachelor's programs, allowing you to specialize in an area and highlight your exposure to disciplines outside of your major.

Tuition & Fees

In keeping with Temple’s commitment to access and affordability, the Bachelor of Arts offers a competitive level of tuition with multiple opportunities for financial support.

Tuition rates are set annually by the university and are affected by multiple factors, including program degree level (undergraduate or graduate), course load (full- or part-time), in-state or out-of-state residency, and more. You can view the full Cost of Attendance breakdown on the Student Financial Services website.

These tuition costs apply to the 2023–2024 academic year.

Pennsylvania resident: $17,976.00 per year
Out-of-state: $32,376.00 per year

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