In simple terms, geography is the study of the “whys” and “hows” of “where”: why the physical and human features of the earth are where they are; how their locations determine their makeup; and how they influence—and are influenced by—what is near to or far from them. In other words, location matters. So does proximity. Geography uses a spatial perspective to make sense of the world and the relationships that exist between humans and the physical environment. Retail site selection, crime analysis, supply chain management, urban planning, public health policymaking— all of these processes are based on spatial data. The spatial perspective is applied to these and many other activities on a systematic, regional, descriptive and analytical basis, and the coursework in the department reflects this diversity of approaches, applications and career paths.

The two majors and two minors in the Department of Geography and GIS are designed to prepare students for careers in the private sector and in government at the local, state and federal levels. Our graduates pursue careers as geographic information systems technicians, analysts and managers; urban and regional planners; geospatial intelligence (GEOINT) analysts; utility mapping technicians; business location analysts; cartographers; and many other key roles in the expanding geospatial workforce.

Coursework in the department also prepares students for careers in geographic education in elementary, middle and secondary schools. In addition to the varied, in-depth coursework in the department, internship, mentoring and job shadowing opportunities facilitate graduates’ pursuit of their chosen careers. Both of the majors in the department are also appropriate for students wishing to pursue graduate programs in geography and geographic information science.

The interdisciplinary nature of geography and the GIS spatial toolset provide students majoring in other natural or social sciences with a second major or a minor that may complement their primary field of study. For example, the versatility of a double major in business, computer science, urban studies or political science combined with geography or geographic information systems is attractive to many employers. In recent years, several biology majors have added a minor in GIS that allowed them to map and analyze species habitats. The department actively participates in the interdisciplinary majors/ minors of urban studies, logistics and supply chain management, international business, intercultural studies and education.

Departmental facilities include a GIS lab with multiple software platforms, large monitors and plotters. The department also maintains mobile GPS equipment. In addition, the department has an outstanding collection of maps and geographic references. Many students in the department are members of Gamma Theta Upsilon, the national geography honor society, and Pi Gamma Mu, a national honor society for social science majors. The Elmhurst University Geographical Society is an active student organization on campus. Elmhurst University established the first student chapter of the Illinois GIS Association (ILGISA).

Students interested in educational and career opportunities in geography or geographic information science should contact the department for information or consult our website (elmhurst.edu/geography).

Mission Statement

The mission of the Department of Geography and GIS is to provide majors, minors and non-majors/minors alike with a thorough knowledge and understanding of the Earth’s physical and human environments and the relationships between them. By offering a wide variety of courses, the department is able to address the varied applications and technological advancements in geography and GIS. Through experiencing the depth and breadth of coursework within the department, students will be prepared for a range of professional careers in the private and public sectors as well as graduate school.

Goals of the Department

• To enable students to recognize and apply the fundamental themes, concepts and methodologies of geography while thinking critically, analytically, spatially and creatively about geospatial issues and problems

• To enable students to interpret and analyze the interrelationship between physical and human systems and environments

• To provide students with research and professional experience through original individual and collaborative research initiatives with faculty and fellow students as well as professional internships, mentoring and job shadowing opportunities in support of Elmhurst University’s mission regarding professional preparation.