Geography/Social Studies, BA

Integrated Masters with deeper specialization and research focus
Taught in English
Duration 4 Years
Mode On Campus
Level Undergraduate
Degree Bachelors Degree
Closing soon January 2027

Course Overview

The Geography/Social Studies, BA at Western Washington University offers you a comprehensive interdisciplinary education, preparing you to critically analyse complex societal and environmental issues. This undergraduate degree is ideal if you are interested in understanding the spatial dimensions of human activity, from local community dynamics to global economic patterns, and are driven to explore diverse fields such as human geography, environmental studies, history, and political science. You will develop a robust foundation in geographical concepts and social science methodologies, equipping you to address contemporary challenges and opportunities.

You will pursue this Bachelor of Arts degree on campus full-time over four years, engaging with a curriculum that includes foundational courses in physical and human geography, alongside essential social studies disciplines. The programme emphasizes practical application through modules covering GIS, cartography, and research writing, allowing you to develop key analytical and technical skills. You will graduate with a versatile skillset, prepared for a wide range of careers in areas like urban planning, environmental management, education, or public service, and well-equipped for further graduate studies.

Course Curriculum & Details

Detailed information for serious evaluators

Program Overview

This BA program in Geography/Social Studies provides a comprehensive understanding of both physical and human geography, exploring topics such as environmental studies, sustainability, and the geography of specific regions like Canada and the Pacific Northwest. Students will develop essential research and analytical skills, including cartography and geovisualization, while also engaging with diverse social science disciplines like history, political science, economics, anthropology, and sociology. The curriculum is designed to equip students with a broad knowledge base in geography and social studies, preparing them for a variety of academic and professional pursuits.

1 Geography Foundations (11 credits)

Physical Geography
Human Geography
Environmental Studies: A Scientific Approach
Introduction to Sustainability and Society

2 Tools of Geography (8 credits)

Understanding Environmental Information
Research and Writing in Environmental Studies

3 Human Geography (16-17 credits)

Geographies of Canada
Geographies of Canada
The Pacific Northwest: Society and Environment
East Asia: Society and Environment
East Asia: Society and Environment
Geography of the World Economy
Urbanization: Processes and Patterns
GIS II: Cartography and Geovisualization

4 Physical Geography (4-5 credits)

Mountain Geography
Climatology
The Soil Environment
Natural Hazards Planning
Introduction to Climate Change
Introduction to Climate Change

5 Advanced 400-level courses (8 credits)

Water Resources
Soil Landscapes
Biogeography
Borderlands: Resource Management
Borderlands: Resource Management
Pacific Rim: Environment, Economy and Sustainability
Pacific Rim: Environment, Economy and Sustainability
Society, Space, and Natural Resources
Society, Space, and Natural Resources
Social Justice and the City
Geography, Colonialism, and the Pacific Northwest
Geography, Colonialism, and the Pacific Northwest

6 Social Studies (41-43 credits)

Introduction to American Civilization: American History to 1865
Introduction to American Civilization: American History Since 1865
World History to 500
World History, 1500 to the Present
History of the Pacific Northwest
Tribal Sovereignty and Washington History
The American Political System
Introduction to Microeconomics
Economics for the Teacher
Introduction to Macroeconomics
Methods for Teaching About the National Economy in the Public Schools
Introduction to Cultural Anthropology
Introduction to Population Issues
Sociology of Deviant Behavior
Social Organization of Criminal Justice
The Family in Society
Gender and Society
Race and Ethnic Relations

Cost & Affordability

A clear picture of what this course will cost you

Program Costs

First Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 27,690.00
Second Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 27,690.00
Third Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 27,690.00
Fourth Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 27,690.00
Total Program Cost Estimated total tuition
USD 110,760.00

Currency note: Program costs shown in USD based on the available tuition breakdown.

Living Costs

Accommodation
USD 1,450.00 - USD 1,750.00
Food & Groceries USD 3,600.00 - USD 5,400.00
Transport USD 840.00 - USD 1,440.00
Utilities & Bills USD 1,200.00 - USD 2,040.00
Estimated Total USD 5,640.00 - USD 8,880.00

Living cost estimates are based on Bellingham Campus.

Outcomes & Employability

What happens after you graduate

90%
Graduate Employment Rate Within 6 to 12 months of graduation

Common Graduate Roles

EdTech & E-LearningForestry & LoggingGovernment & Regulatory AgenciesHigher Education & UniversitiesInternational & Human Rights LawPrivate Equity & Venture CapitalQuantity Surveying & Cost EstimationSupply Chain & Commodity TradingVocational & Technical TrainingWealth Management & Financial Advisory

Top Employers Hiring for this course

Bellingham Public Schools

City of Seattle

European Union

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS)

US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Research Service (ARS)

Why Study Geography/Social Studies, BA at Western Washington University

What makes this program stand out

January 2027 Closing soon

Next intake is in January 2027

Life at Western Washington University in United States

What daily life looks like for international students

Language

English

Primary language everywhere

Climate

Mild & Rainy

10-20°C average, pack layers

Safety (Numbeo Safety Index)

Very Safe

Exeter is one of UK's safest cities

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Geography/Social Studies, BA at Western Washington University

Can I work while studying?

International students can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during breaks. On-campus work does not require separate permits, but off-campus work needs approval from the university after the first year.

What English language score do I need for this course?

Students must meet specific English proficiency requirements, including a Duolingo overall score of 105 or a TOEFL overall score of 79. Other accepted tests include IELTS and PTE, each with their own minimum scores.

What jobs can I get after studying this course?

Career paths include roles like teacher, urban planner, GIS analyst, and environmental consultant.

What will I actually study in this course?

The Geography/Social Studies BA program covers Geography, Environmental Studies, History, and more. This major prepares students for diverse careers in fields like education, environmental agencies, and GIS.

When can I start — what are the intake months?

Intake months for the Geography/Social Studies BA program are January, March, and September. Make sure to apply ahead of these dates to secure your place.
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