Geography is about more than creating and reading maps. Students in The University of Toledo’s Geography and Planning Department study issues critical to all of us, like climate change, economic development, resource management, land use and population growth.
A UToledo Geography and Planning degree combines a liberal arts education with strong technical skills in geospatial technology (tools like GIS that help map geographic information). This combination is highly marketable and desired by employers. Nearly all University of Toledo graduates with bachelor’s degrees in Geography get jobs.
GEOGRAPHY AND PLANNING BACHELOR’S DEGREE CONCENTRATION
- Geographic information science and technology (GIS&T)
- Planning
Top Reasons to Study Geography and planning at UToledo
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Highly marketable job skills.Employers love UToledo graduates. Geography and Planning majors are trained in the skills the market demands: current geographic information systems (GIS) technologies, computer cartography and graphics, statistical analysis and data management.
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Strong programs in transportation planning and community planning.
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Learn from the experts.Faculty has been awarded more than $25 million to fund their studies and often bring their research into the classroom.
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State-of-the-art technology.UToledo's Geography and Planning majors use the latest geographic information systems and remote sensing laboratories. They have access to the Geographic Information Science and Applied Graphics Lab on UToledo’s campus. The lab is a clearinghouse for GIS research opportunities. Researchers at the GISAG lab have studied freight transportation in the Great Lakes and mapped the Maumee River Basin.
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A highly collaborative field.Geography and Planning faculty work on research with professionals in other disciplines: engineering, business, natural sciences, environmental health and criminal justice.
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Active student geography groups.The Geography and Planning Club hosts events like geocaching, a “Geopardy” competition and trips to the National Museum of the Great Lakes and Toledo Mud Hens baseball games.
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Graduate school options.Many geography undergraduate students also earn advanced degrees from The University of Toledo. Learn more about UToledo's MA in geography and planning, GIS certificate, and Ph.D. in spatially integrated social sciences.
What jobs can I get with a geography and planning degree?
UToledo geography alumni have worked for employers such as the Lucas County Auditor's Office, Fulton County Planning Department, City of Toledo, Toledo Metropolitan Area Council of Governments, Toledo Area Regional Transit Authority and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.
Examples of Geography and Planning Bachelor Degree Jobs and Careers
- Census and location analyst
- Community developer
- Intelligence officer
- International business consultant
- Market researcher
- Peace Corps officer
- Transportation planner
- Urban planner
Hands-On Learning Opportunities
At UToledo, we take you beyond the textbooks and the four walls of a classroom. These real-world experiences are what help our graduates gain professional skills and land jobs.
Internships
Students in the Geography and Planning bachelor's degree program work with planning agencies, community development organizations and companies applying geographic information system technologies.
TYPICAL INTERNSHIP LOCATIONS
- City of Toledo
- National Geographic Society
- Owens Corning
- Toledo Area Regional Transit Authority
- Toledo Police Department
- U.S. Department of Energy
Research
Students work alongside geography and planning faculty on their research. Geography undergraduates also conduct research at the nearby Lake Erie Center.
Our Office of Undergraduate Research can:
- Connect you to faculty mentors and projects
- Help you find funding
- Help you present your research at conferences and other events
Study Abroad
Travel, experience new cultures and meet new people — all while earning college credit.
UToledo's Education Abroad Office can help you find the perfect opportunity. You can apply for grants, scholarships and financial aid to help fund study abroad.
- Semester at Sea
- Short-term, summer and faculty-led trips
- Direct exchange programs with other universities
- Teach English abroad
- Global health program (med student clerkships)
- Rocket Kids (work with youth around the world)
Rocket Kids Semester
The Rocket Kids program offers University students a fall, spring or summer semester internship providing recreational programming to U.S. military youth while experiencing the world in locations such as Germany, Italy, Belgium and The Netherlands.
Rocket Kids interns will gain practical experience in programming, leadership, health and wellness, creative arts, performing arts, cultural and literary arts, team and individual sports, adventure and outdoor recreation and STEM education.
On-campus and Part-time Jobs
- Learn skills that prepare you for a career after graduation.
- Build your resume.
- Earn money.
If you want to work, there are plenty of opportunities on campus and at businesses near campus. If you demonstrate financial need, you may qualify for the federal work-study program.
Student Organizations
Our most successful students get involved.
UToledo has 400+ student organizations that will help you:
- Make friends.
- Build your resume.
- Network.
- Be a leader.
- Serve your community.
- Have fun!
Tuition and Scholarships
Most new students don't pay full price. 94% of new UToledo students receive scholarships or other state and federal aid.
Keep in mind: Your cost will vary by college, program and a host of other options. This is the average amount full-time students pay per year.
Tuition and Fees
Room and Meal Plan
per year
How to pay for collegeInternational Student - How to Pay for College
Choose Ohio First scholarship
Ohio residents who have been accepted into this STEM program are eligible for the Choose Ohio First scholarship — a four-year, renewable scholarship.
Honors College
The Jesup Scott Honors College at The University of Toledo offer our best and brightest the resources and opportunities needed to unlock your fullest potential. Whether you aspire following graduation to cure disease, innovate technology, advance statecraft, redefine markets, or express creatively, together we can fuel vibrant and promising tomorrows.
Honors students come from a variety of countries, backgrounds and cultures. While we may bond over a tough class, our differences make us blossom.
Benefits of Honors
The Honors College is a community of academically gifted students from all majors on campus. Students take unique Honors classes taught by dedicated Honors faculty and complete an Honors thesis or capstone project in their major, earning the Honors medallion at graduation within their normal program of study. Honors students are challenged to think more deeply and broadly about what they learn. With special academic, cultural, and professional development opportunities, their education extends beyond the classroom.
Honors students can also choose exclusive housing in the Honors Academic Village or the historic McKinnon, Scott and Tucker Halls.
Explore more about what the Honors College can offer you as a budding professional, inquisitive scholar, and engaged person.