Geography

Welcome to Geography at West Point!

Get ready to explore the world through the dynamic lens of geography. Geography is so much more than maps - it's about unraveling the complexity of our interconnected world. Our major combines the best human, physical, and human-environment geography into one versatile program, allowing you to explore your passions while preparing you to lead as an Army officer and beyond.

Why Geography? Why Now? 

Geography provides critical insights into some of the most pressing global issues of our time. You'll analyze human cultures, geopolitical dynamics, environmental processes, climate patterns, and the powerful interactions between people and the planet. With a focus on spatial thinking and integrative problem-solving, you'll gain the analytical skills essential for strategic decision-making and global leadership.

What You'll Discover: 

Our program emphasizes both depth and breadth, building your skills in:

• Spatial Analysis: Interpreting complex geographic patterns and landscape dynamics.
• Geospatial Technologies: Applying Geographic Information Systems (GIS), digital cartography, and remote sensing to real-world scenarios.
• Environmental Understanding: Studying natural hazards, resource management, and humans' relationship with the natural world.
• Global & Regional Knowledge: Understanding political, economic, social, and cultural systems around the world.

Interested in Research?

The Geography major emphasizes experiential learning through labs, field experiences, independent research, and opportunities to engage directly with experienced faculty mentors. Our rigorous honors program also allows dedicated students to delve deeper into geographic inquiry and research. Those interested in the honors program will take two additional courses as a part of the honors sequence: GE495 (Honors Seminar in Geography) and GE499a (Advanced Individual Study II).

Be Part of the Geography Community at Large!

Over 500 colleges in the U.S. offer undergraduate degrees in geography, and over 150 offer master’s degrees.

Our faculty and cadets interact with a wider community of geographers through associations such as the American Association of Geographers and the American Geographical Society.

Your Future as a Geographer:

Geography majors excel across an array of career paths, both within the Army and beyond.

Geographers are Outstanding Army Officers:

Geography will make you a better Army officer. Geography teaches you how to think critically about terrain, movement, weather, and the human environment, all of which shape every mission on the battlefield. Geographers see patterns others miss. They ask better questions, think ahead, and make smart decisions under pressure. Studying geography builds the kind of adaptable, informed, and thoughtful leader the Army needs at the point of friction—whether that's on a mountaintop, in a megacity, or across a digital battlespace.

Later in Your Career, You Can Specialize:

• Foreign Area Officer (FAO): Provide crucial geopolitical insights and language expertise to support international cooperation and diplomacy.
• Civil Affairs Officer (FA38): Work directly with local communities, leveraging cultural and geographic understanding to advance military and humanitarian missions.
• Strategist (FA59): Shape military strategies informed by geographic, political, and cultural analyses.

Post-Army Opportunities:

• Environmental Geographer: Collaborate with organizations like the EPA or the Army Corps of Engineers on environmental assessments and conservation projects.
• Climatologist or Meteorologist: Analyze climate and weather patterns for forecasting and disaster mitigation with agencies like NOAA or private industry.
• Geopolitical Risk Consultant: Advise businesses and governments on geopolitical threats, stability, and regulatory changes affecting operations.
• Diplomatic Officer: Support global diplomacy and crisis response with the Department of State.
• Urban Planning / Land-use Management: Design sustainable urban developments with governmental agencies and private firms.
• Policy Analyst: Inform critical policy decisions in national security, urban development, and migration.
• Disaster Response Coordinator: Lead community preparedness and resilience strategies with FEMA.

Additionally, our graduates frequently pursue advanced degrees and professional pathways in business (MBA), entrepreneurship, law, public policy, and academia.

Start Your Journey Now! 

Reach out to LTC Joel Radunzel, Dr. Jon Malinowski, Dr. Amy Richmond, or any Geography faculty member to discover how geography can prepare you to make a meaningful impact as a leader in a rapidly evolving world.

Your next adventure begins here. Be ready to engage deeply, think strategically, and lead confidently.