BS + GIS Certificate
Geography
Gain expertise in geographic information systems and spatial analysis. Prepare for careers in urban planning, environmental science, and geospatial technology.
Is This Program for Me?
Are you passionate about the environment, fascinated by maps, or drawn to the way people and places connect around the world? Do you want a degree that combines liberal arts insight with cutting-edge geospatial technology?
This program is a great fit for students who:
- Are curious about global patterns, places, and cultures
- Enjoy outdoor learning, fieldwork, and applied science
- Think visually and spatially—love maps, data visualization, and storytelling
- Want a flexible, interdisciplinary major that combines science, social science, and humanities
What Makes Us Different?
At Samford, Geography isn’t just memorizing maps. It’s a dynamic, multidisciplinary exploration of how people and places shape each other.
Hands-On GIS Training
The Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Certificate provides specialized training in spatial analysis, cartography, and geospatial technologies—making graduates highly employable in public, private, and nonprofit sectors.
Integrated Learning
Geography at Samford blends liberal arts thinking with geospatial science, environmental awareness, and global citizenship.
Customizable Interests
Whether your passions lean toward urban planning, conservation, cultural studies, or data analytics, geography allows you to explore a wide range of topics within a single, cohesive major.Faculty Mentorship
Geography students benefit from close faculty guidance throughout their academic journey. Professors invest personally in student development, both in the classroom and beyond.
Shape Your Academic Journey
Geography students develop critical thinking and technical skills grounded in an understanding of place, space, and human-environment interaction. You’ll study topics ranging from climate change and urban development to cultural geography, GIS modeling, and spatial storytelling.
Students will
- Analyze and visualize data using state-of-the-art GIS software
- Understand how people shape and are shaped by their environments
- Conduct fieldwork and spatial research projects
Prepare to Succeed
Samford geography majors graduate with practical skills and a broad worldview. With faculty advising, field experiences, and real-world GIS applications, students are equipped to lead in a variety of industries.
Personalized Advising
Faculty guide students through internships, job shadowing, and career planning.
Applied Learning
Projects and internships prepare students to solve complex problems with spatial tools.
Technology Integration
The GIS certificate adds a valuable technical credential to a strong academic foundation.
“They taught me that being a geographer was more than being a walking atlas—it was about recognizing the complexities of the world and staying curious.” —Meghan McCollum '12, Executive Director, Blank Space Birmingham
