As a Rocket in UToledo’s Geography and Planning program, you’ll help chart a course for meaningful progress in areas like climate change, economic development, resource management, land use and population growth. By advancing your expertise using valuable tools such as geographic information systems (GIS), you’ll learn firsthand how to deliver critical solutions in urban planning, geospatial data analysis and geographic information science.
Top Reasons to Study Geography and planning at UToledo
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STEM field with high rate of employment.Recognized as a STEM field by the State of Ohio and the federal government, the Geography and Planning program at UToledo prepares you with the strong blend of theory and technical skills in geospatial technology you need to stand out in today’s competitive job market. Our students have one of the highest rates of employment following graduation.
Recent job placements include:
- U.S. Census Bureau
- U.S. Geospatial Intelligence Agency
- City of Toledo
- Toledo Metropolitan Area Council of Governments (TMACOG)
- Environmental Systems Research Institute (ESRI)
- Satelytics
- Lucas County Auditor’s Office
- Wood County Engineers Office
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Concentrations and certificates to specialize your degree.Concentrations:
- Geographic Information Science and Technology (GIST)
- Human and Environmental Geography
- Urban and Regional Planning
- Urban Studies
- Geographic Information Science and Technology (GIST)
- Urban and Regional Planning
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State-of-the-art technology.At the Center for Geographic Information Sciences and Applied Geographics (GISAG), you’ll access the latest software and systems used in the field to grow your technical skills in data analysis, remote sensing and urban planning. From studying freight transportation in the Great Lakes to mapping the Maumee River Basin, our Rockets gain valuable experience working alongside faculty researchers.
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Learn from the experts.Our faculty members have been awarded more than $25 million to fund their studies and often collaborate with their classrooms on research. Additionally, geography and planning students support exciting projects like designing a satellite to launch into orbit aboard a SpaceX rocket.
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Active geography student groups.Balance your studies with social connections in student groups designed to boost your resume with professional networking.
- Geography and Planning Club: Explore topics and engage in fun activities related to the discipline
- Gamma Theta Upsilon: International geographical honor society
What jobs can I get with a geography and planning degree?
Employers love UToledo graduates, and Geography and Planning majors are trained in skills the market demands: current geographic information systems technologies, computer cartography and graphics, statistical analysis, and data management.
UToledo geography alumni have worked for employers such as the Lucas County Auditor’s Office, Futon County Planning department, City of Toledo, Toledo Metropolitan Area Council of Governments, Toledo Area Regional Transit Authority and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.
Geography and Planning is a highly collaborative field. Faculty and researchers work with professionals in other disciplines including engineering, business, natural sciences, environmental health and criminal justice.
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
Opportunities for Continued Education
Many geography undergraduate students also earn advanced degrees from The University of Toledo. Learn more about UToledo’s Master of Arts in Geography and Planning, GIS certificate, and Ph.D. in Spatially Integrated Social Sciences.
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
Living Expenses (Housing & Food)
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 President's Hall.
Explore more about what the Honors College can offer you as a budding professional, inquisitive scholar, and engaged person.
Join us for Campus Crawl
Friday, July 24, 2026
Explore campus, enjoy food trucks and meet professors and admission staff.
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