Indiana University

What you'll study

The programme blends core geography with interdisciplinary environmental studies. You will study physical processes such as climatology, hydrology and biogeography alongside human-environment topics including environmental policy, urban and regional planning, environmental justice and sustainability. Methodological training is central: courses in geographic information systems (GIS), remote sensing, statistics for the geosciences and field methods give practical, transferable skills.

• Core topics: physical geography, human geography, environmental systems, ecosystem ecology, soils and landforms.
• Analytical methods: GIS and spatial analysis, remote sensing, environmental data analysis, quantitative methods.
• Policy and social sciences: environmental policy and regulation, natural resource management, environmental economics, ethics and law.
• Applied practice: fieldwork courses, laboratory exercises, internships or practicum placements, and a senior capstone or research project.
• Electives and specialisms: options typically include conservation biology, urban sustainability, climate change impacts and adaptation, water resources, and land-use planning.

Students can often combine departmental classes with electives in the School of Public and Environmental Affairs, biology, geology and public policy, and may undertake study-abroad or collaborative research with IU research centres focused on resilience, climate and conservation.

Entry requirements

Admission is based on a strong secondary-school record with evidence of preparedness for university-level study. Successful applicants typically have coursework or demonstrated achievement in mathematics and a laboratory science (for example biology, chemistry or earth science), and are strengthened by experience in geography, environmental science, or related extracurricular activities.

Indiana University reviews applications holistically. Applicants should submit a complete high-school transcript and any standardised-test results if available; some candidates will also emphasise relevant AP, IB or A‑level subjects. Transfer applicants should show college-level performance in quantitative and science courses. International applicants must meet IU's general English-language proficiency requirements.

Career prospects

Graduates leave equipped for a range of roles in the public, private and non-profit sectors or for further study. Typical career paths include:

• GIS analyst, spatial data specialist or remote-sensing technician working for government agencies, utilities or consulting firms.
• Environmental planner, conservation scientist or natural resource manager in local and regional planning agencies, land trusts and NGOs.
• Sustainability coordinator or environmental compliance officer in corporate sustainability teams, campus sustainability offices or municipal programmes.
• Environmental consultant, impact assessor or field technician supporting environmental assessments, remediation and habitat restoration.
• Academic and research careers through graduate study (master’s or PhD) in geography, environmental science, public affairs or related disciplines.

Students also benefit from experiential learning opportunities—internships, practicum placements and capstone projects—that develop employer-relevant skills and professional networks.

Why study at Indiana University

Indiana University offers an interdisciplinary environment with access to research centres and resources supporting environmental and geographic scholarship. The Department provides hands-on instruction in GIS and remote sensing alongside opportunities to work with campus research groups focused on resilience, climate and conservation. Students can combine coursework across departments, tap into internship pipelines in state and regional agencies, and participate in field courses that use Indiana's varied landscapes as living laboratories.

Beyond academics, the Bloomington campus fosters a strong student community and extracurricular organisations that support environmental advocacy, community-based research and applied conservation projects—helping students build practical experience and professional connections while completing their degree.