Welcome to the Geography Program at Old Dominion University! With eight full time faculty and one hundred majors, we are a vibrant community specializing in the study of a variety of fields of study, including Geographic Information Science (GIS), Environmental Geography, Human Geography, Regional Geography and Geography Education. Students can specialize in one or more of these areas. ODU Geography graduates work in a variety of fields and places, both in the public and private sector in Hampton Roads, throughout Virginia and around the world. Recent graduates have worked at places as diverse as the International Atomic Energy Agency, NASA, National Geospatial Intelligence Agency, Google Maps, local planning agencies, and as K-12 educators. In addition, many of our students have gone on to pursue graduate degrees at universities across the country.
Program Highlights
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Students have the ability to learn in a variety of settings, including within the classroom, collaboration in the lab, and working in the field, on campus and beyond, in traditional settings and internships.
Careers
Check out these ideas from ODU's Center for Career & Leadership Development and the Occupational Information Network (O*NET). A median salary is a midpoint of what people typically earn—half of those surveyed earned above the median salary, and half earned below.
Geospatial Information Scientists and Technologists
Research or develop geospatial technologies. May produce databases, perform applications programming, or coordinate projects. May specialize in areas such as agriculture, mining, health care, retail trade, urban planning, or military intelligence.
Mapping Technicians
Calculate mapmaking information from field notes, and draw and verify accuracy of topographical maps.
Geographic Information Systems Technicians
Assist scientists, technologists, or related professionals in building, maintaining, modifying, or using geographic information systems (GIS) databases. May also perform some custom application development or provide user support.
Cartographers and Photogrammetrists
Collect, analyze, and interpret geographic information provided by geodetic surveys, aerial photographs, and satellite data. Research, study, and prepare maps and other spatial data in digital or graphic form for legal, social, political, educational, and design purposes. May work with Geographic Information Systems (GIS). May design and evaluate algorithms, data structures, and user interfaces for GIS and mapping systems.
Requirements
Transfer
At ODU, we understand that as a transfer student you have unique needs that require a wide array of campus resources. The Center for Advising Administration and Academic Partnerships aims to create a transfer inclusive culture that supports the successful...
Featured Courses
Study of the theory and application of remote sensing, emphasizing environmental applications and aerial and satellite imagery. Covers the fundamentals of multispectral digital image processing, including sensors pre-processing, enhancement, classification, accuracy assessment, and GIS data integration. Prerequisites: Junior standing or permission of instructor.
A study of the conceptual basis of GIS as a tool for manipulating spatial information. The course focuses on how geographic information can be input and organized within the framework of a GIS. Students will work on a computer-based GIS to gain a greater understanding of spatial database structures and analytical operations.
Cost
Estimated rates for the 2024-25 academic year. Rates are subject to change. Other fees are assessed for special services and certain academic programs. Anyone that is not a current Virginia resident will be charged non-resident rates. That includes international students.
Ways to Save
Here are a few ways for you to save on the cost of attending ODU. For more information visit University Student Financial Aid.
Contact
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Additional Programs
Are there other programs at ODU I may be interested in?
With over 120 undergraduate programs, 130 graduate programs at the master's, education specialist and doctoral levels plus a wealth of certificate and professional development programs, Old Dominion University has the program for you. Visit our academic program listing page to see other programs ODU has to offer.