B.A. in Geography

Undergraduate Entry Requirements

Application Fees: US$ 50

Academic Qualifications: Prospective undergraduate students are required to have a minimum academic achievement of 80% or above in their previous educational qualifications.

English Language Proficiency

• IELTS Requirement: A minimum overall score of 6.0 is often required.
• TOEFL Requirement: A minimum overall score of 70 is often required.
• PTE Requirement: A minimum overall score of 50 is often required.
• DET Requirement: A DET score of 95 is required.

Students must provide:

• academic marksheets & transcripts
• letters of recommendation
• a personal statement - SOP
• passport
• other supporting documents as required by the university.

It is important to note that meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee admission, as the university considers factors such as availability of places and competition for the program. Additionally, some courses may have higher entry requirements or additional selection criteria, such as interviews or portfolio submissions.

The University at Albany, SUNY Albany, offers various scholarship opportunities to support international students in their pursuit of higher education. These scholarships are designed to recognize academic excellence, leadership qualities, and contributions to the university community. 

International Student Merit Scholarships: SUNY Albany offers merit-based scholarships to academically outstanding international students. These scholarships are typically awarded based on the applicant's academic achievements, standardized test scores, and overall academic potential. The scholarship amount may vary depending on the student's qualifications and the availability of funds.

President's International Student Scholarship: The President's International Student Scholarship is a prestigious scholarship awarded to a select number of exceptional international students who have demonstrated exceptional academic achievements, leadership skills, and a commitment to making a positive impact on the university community. This scholarship recognizes the contributions of outstanding international students and provides financial support for their education.

Global Citizen Scholarship: The Global Citizen Scholarship is aimed at international students who have demonstrated a strong commitment to promoting global awareness and cultural diversity on campus. Recipients of this scholarship actively participate in intercultural programs, events, and initiatives that foster an inclusive and welcoming environment for all students.

Departmental Scholarships: Some academic departments at SUNY Albany may offer department-specific scholarships to international students enrolled in their programs. These scholarships are often merit-based and target students with exceptional academic performance and interest in the respective field of study.

External Scholarships: SUNY Albany encourages international students to explore external scholarship opportunities from organizations, foundations, and government agencies in their home countries or other international entities. The university's International Student Services office may provide guidance on identifying and applying for external scholarships.

Application and Eligibility: Eligibility criteria and application procedures for scholarships may vary based on the specific scholarship program. International students interested in applying for scholarships at SUNY Albany should carefully review the scholarship requirements and deadlines. Some scholarships may require a separate application, while others may automatically consider eligible students based on their admissions application.

Graduates of the Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) program in Geography at the University at Albany, State University of New York (SUNY Albany), have diverse career opportunities in fields related to spatial analysis, environmental management, urban planning, geographic information systems (GIS), and more. With a strong foundation in geography and geographic information technology, B.A. in Geography graduates are well-equipped to address complex spatial challenges and make meaningful contributions to society.

Urban Planner: Many graduates pursue careers as urban planners, working in government agencies, consulting firms, or non-profit organizations. They analyze land use patterns, develop zoning regulations, and create comprehensive plans to guide the growth and development of cities, towns, and regions. Urban planners collaborate with stakeholders to address issues such as transportation, housing, sustainability, and community development.

GIS Specialist/Analyst: B.A. in Geography graduates can work as GIS specialists or analysts, utilizing geographic information systems (GIS) software to collect, analyze, and visualize spatial data. They create maps, conduct spatial analyses, and develop geospatial databases to support decision-making processes in various fields, including environmental management, urban planning, public health, emergency management, and market research.

Environmental Consultant: Some graduates choose careers as environmental consultants, working for environmental consulting firms, government agencies, or non-profit organizations. They assess environmental impacts, conduct environmental audits, and develop strategies to address environmental challenges such as pollution, habitat loss, climate change, and natural resource management. Environmental consultants work on projects related to environmental planning, conservation, and sustainability.

Geospatial Analyst: B.A. in Geography graduates can work as geospatial analysts in industries such as telecommunications, utilities, transportation, and defense. They analyze spatial data to identify trends, patterns, and relationships, providing insights for business operations, infrastructure planning, and risk assessment. Geospatial analysts use advanced GIS techniques and tools to support decision-making processes and optimize resource allocation.

Cartographer/Cartographic Technician: With their expertise in mapmaking and cartography, graduates can pursue careers as cartographers or cartographic technicians in government agencies, publishing companies, or digital mapping firms. They design and produce maps, atlases, and digital mapping products for a variety of purposes, including navigation, urban planning, natural resource management, and environmental monitoring.

Location Analyst/Market Researcher: B.A. in Geography graduates can work as location analysts or market researchers for retail companies, real estate firms, or marketing agencies. They analyze demographic data, consumer behavior, and market trends to identify optimal locations for businesses, plan marketing strategies, and target specific customer segments. Location analysts use GIS and spatial analysis techniques to assess market potential and inform business decisions.

Community Development Coordinator: Some graduates pursue careers as community development coordinators or community organizers, working for non-profit organizations, government agencies, or community development corporations. They engage with local stakeholders, facilitate community meetings, and develop programs to address social, economic, and environmental issues in neighborhoods and communities. Community development coordinators advocate for equitable development, affordable housing, and community empowerment.

Research Assistant/Associate: B.A. in Geography graduates can work as research assistants or associates in academic institutions, research institutes, or government agencies. They assist with research projects, collect and analyze data, and contribute to publications and reports in areas such as environmental science, urban studies, transportation planning, and regional development.