Academics
Geography Program
The outstanding feature of the major in Geography is its study of both the natural and human environments.
This means that students in Geography will acquire a true liberal arts education, while being able to develop
specialization within one of the subfields of Geography. Popular subfields are physical geography (climatology,
biogeography, geomorphology), cultural geography (landscape analysis, resources management), and methods (quantitative
methods, remote sensing, cartography, and GIS).
The Island of Hawai`i offers a setting of diverse natural and cultural environments ideal for Geographic Studies.
Field excursions are an integral and enriching component of the student's geographic education at UH Hilo.
Computer based spatial analysis, cartography, GIS, and remote sensing image processing contribute to a
balanced and modern curriculum.
In addition to the major in Geography, the department also offers a minor in Geography, and a Certificate in Planning.
Environmental Studies and Environmental Science
The Environmental Studies/Science majors (BA/BS) are interdisciplinary programs administered by the Department of
Geography and Environmental Studies. The Environmental Studies major(BA) educates students for meaningful lifetime
engagement with the major environmental challenges facing society. Students pursue an interdisciplinary
curriculum that combines course work in both the natural sciences and social sciences. The degree prepares
students for diverse career opportunities in the private sector, all levels of government, and in non-governmental
organizations dealing with environmental policy and resources management.
The purpose for the Environmental Science major (BS) is to provide an interdisciplinary science concentration
for students seeking careers in the fields of environmental consulting, research, and science teaching. In contrast
to the BA option, the BS major in Environmental Science requires students to take a more structured core of natural
science courses from a variety of disciplines. The BS degree also requires the student to select either a
biological or physical science concentration within the major. Both BA and BS majors will also provide a sound
foundation for the pursuit of graduate education in a range of environmental fields.