About Geography

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There is one clear, undisputable truth about Climate Change: it has shed light on the important work geographers do that impacts how we live today – and informs how we can work toward a better tomorrow.

This isn’t news to us, nor is our critical, problem-solving work limited solely to the study of Atmospheric Sciences and Climatology. At Ohio State, we address many issues of local and global importance, some of which include:

 

From research and data collection to developing spatial models and mapping techniques, the discipline of geography is as customized and often complex as the issues we’re trying to solve.

To be sure, geography is an ever-changing field of issues in need of unique solutions. It is a field that relies on the best research techniques and available technology to inform critical analysis and point the way to meaningful solutions. The ongoing challenge of any geographer is to accurately address the social or environmental issues without creating new ones in the process.

Physical and Human Geography – Separate But Connected

Physical geography is represented by landforms and climate, vegetation and ecosystems…the tangible things that are vital elements of our natural landscape.

Human geography is recognized by cultural, economic and political issues within a physical area…the intangibles that are often volatile in our everyday, global landscape.

Just at the physical nature of land and climate can influence human behavior, alter economies and even affect social justice, human activity can dramatically change the viability of land, water systems and vegetation that provides sustenance for people – and economies. Immediately you begin to see how physical and human geography are intertwined – and how one ultimately affects the other.

By working together, physical and human geographers are solving complex problems that require critical analysis from different – but equally important – perspectives.

About our Department

At Ohio State, you don’t just learn about geography – you experience it.

It is in part why our department is recognized as one of the top five geography departments in the nation. We’ve earned that distinction by:

  • Offering a diverse and challenging curriculum with four distinct fields of specialization
  • Employing world-renowned faculty and researchers in the field to guide our work
  • Engaging students at the graduate and undergraduate level in hands-on study and field work that translates into practical experience

We encourage you to search our site, learn about our programs and meet our faculty and some of our students. You’ll see they’ve made geography more than just their job or major, they’ve made it their passion.

Is geography your passion? Then consider applying online today. Also, catch up on what has happened in the department over the past year by taking a look at the current issue of Geospectrum. You will need Adobe Acrobat to view this file.

Need a question answered? Reach out to us at geography@osu.edu or (614) 292-2514.