Geography
Pursue Undergraduate Program in
Geography
Study in one of the largest Geography programs in any university in Canada. Whether you're pursuing your Bachelor of Science and focusing on physical geography or gaining expertise about human geography through a Bachelor of Arts, York's program offers you the world at your doorstep.
Geography is the science of place and space. Geographers ask where things are located on the surface of the Earth, why they are located where they are, how places differ from one another, and how people interact with the environment. There are two main, but intertwined, branches of geography: human geography and physical geography. Further connecting these branches through advanced methodology are geoinformatics methods that draw on computer science, statistics, cartography, and spatial analysis.
Geographers also study the linkages between human activity and natural systems. Geographers were, in fact, among the first scientists to sound the alarm that human-induced changes to the environment were beginning to threaten the balance of life itself. They are active in the study of global warming, desertification, deforestation, loss of biodiversity, groundwater pollution, and flooding.
In the Faculty of Environmental & Urban Change, the Bachelor of Arts (BA) Geography program focuses on human geography - how people and their activities are distributed across the globe and how people create and sustain the places that make up the earth's surface. You will learn how to use geographical theory and methodology to solve real-world problems that have a geographical dimension — urban and regional planning, transportation, tourism and international relations and more. Human geographers work in the fields of urban and regional planning, transportation, marketing, real estate, tourism, and international business.
Through the Faculty of Science, the Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree emphasizes physical geography, which examines the physical, chemical and biological processes that occur in the immediate vicinity of the Earth's surface. Physical geographers study patterns of climates, land forms, vegetation, soils, and water. They track climate change, manage land and water resources, and analyze and plan for forests, rangelands, and wetlands. Many human and physical geographers have skills in cartography and geographic information systems. Field work is also emphasized, including indoor and outdoor laboratory sessions, field trips and periodic field courses in Southern Ontario as well as to remote and exotic regions.
- We are addressing some of the most pressing issues facing human kind today.
- We are committed to hands-on learning, using modern technologies and doing field work to get the facts on the ground, whether they are on the streets of Toronto or in the streams of the Arctic.
- You will be able to use our range of impressive facilities for computing and research. For example, the Geoinformatics Research Lab, the climate laboratory and a web development facility.
- You will also have the opportunity to immerse yourself in our extensive map library.
- Why not check out the Undergraduate Geography Students Club and take advantage of Alumni Career events during the school year.
Possible Career Paths
Environmental assessor, GIS technician, Housing and transportation policy analyst,
Market researcher, Regional and community development officer
Questions?
Contact us at goyork@yorku.ca
Program Details
Offered By
Faculty of Environmental & Urban Change
Degrees Offered
BA, iBA
Fall Entry
Yes
Winter Entry
Yes
Summer Entry
Yes
Ways to Study
Full-Time, Part-Time
Sample Schedule (First-year)
- Physical Geography
- Introduction to World Geography or Human Geography
- Humanities or Social Science General Education course
- Natural Science General Education course
- Course outside the major
Possible Career Paths
- Environmental assessor
- GIS technician
- Housing and transportation policy analyst
- Market researcher
Viewbooks
Undergraduate
View Viewbook (PDF)
Transfer & Mature
View Viewbook (PDF)
Indigenous
View Viewbook (PDF)
International
View Viewbook (PDF)
Admission Requirements
I am a high-school student I have completed at least one year of full-time study at college or university I have been away from high-school for at least two years I have never studied in a formal academic high-school environment Returning / Reactivating student (previously York) Visiting StudentsLiberal Arts & Professional Studies
BA
Requirements for admission:
To gain admission to this program, your academic average should be in the mid-70s.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires a final academic average of 72.
Liberal Arts & Professional Studies
iBA
Requirements for admission:
To gain admission to this program, your academic average should be in the mid-70s.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires a final academic average of 72.
Faculty of Science
BSc
Requirements for admission:
To gain admission to this program, your academic average should be in the high 70s to mid-80s.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires a final academic average of 73.
Liberal Arts & Professional Studies
BA
Requirements for admission:
To gain admission to this program, your academic average should be in the mid-70s.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires a final academic average of 72.
Liberal Arts & Professional Studies
iBA
Requirements for admission:
To gain admission to this program, your academic average should be in the mid-70s.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires a final academic average of 72.
Faculty of Science
BSc
Requirements for admission:
To gain admission to this program, your academic average should be in the high 70s to mid-80s.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires a final academic average of 73.
Baccalauréat Français
Minimum Requirements
Required Documents for Preliminary Review
Liberal Arts & Professional Studies
BA
Requirements for admission:
- A maximum of 30 possible transferable credits may be granted for successful completion of the Baccalauréat Général. Please click here, then click “Transfer Credit Requirements” for details.
Liberal Arts & Professional Studies
iBA
Requirements for admission:
- A maximum of 30 possible transferable credits may be granted for successful completion of the Baccalauréat Général. Please click here, then click “Transfer Credit Requirements” for details.
Faculty of Science
BSc
Requirements for admission:
- A maximum of 30 possible transferable credits may be granted for successful completion of the Baccalauréat Général. Please click here, then click “Transfer Credit Requirements” for details.
Bachillerato
Minimum Requirements
Required Documents for Preliminary Review
Liberal Arts & Professional Studies
BA
Requirements for admission:
- Minimum overall result of “Bien/Buena/Bueno/Good” on all academic courses.
- Some programs require a higher GPA.
Liberal Arts & Professional Studies
iBA
Requirements for admission:
- Minimum overall result of “Bien/Buena/Bueno/Good” on all academic courses.
- Some programs require a higher GPA.
Faculty of Science
BSc
Requirements for admission:
- Minimum overall result of “Bien/Buena/Bueno/Good” on all academic courses.
- Some programs require a higher GPA.
CAPE
Required Documents for Preliminary Review
Liberal Arts & Professional Studies
BA
Requirements for admission:
- A minimum overall average of 3 out of 7 is required. Higher grades required for certain programs.
- CAPE 2-unit courses, with results of 3 or better, are eligible for transfer credit, up to a maximum of 18 credits. Please click here, then click “Transfer Credit Requirements” for details.
Liberal Arts & Professional Studies
iBA
Requirements for admission:
- A minimum overall average of 3 out of 7 is required. Higher grades required for certain programs.
- CAPE 2-unit courses, with results of 3 or better, are eligible for transfer credit, up to a maximum of 18 credits. Please click here, then click “Transfer Credit Requirements” for details.
Faculty of Science
BSc
Requirements for admission:
- A minimum overall average of 3 out of 7 is required. Higher grades required for certain programs.
- CAPE 2-unit courses, with results of 3 or better, are eligible for transfer credit, up to a maximum of 18 credits. Please click here, then click “Transfer Credit Requirements” for details.
Liberal Arts & Professional Studies
BA
Requirements for admission:
- Extra courses will be assessed for transfer credit. Applicants with the DEC may be awarded up to one full year of transfer credit.
To gain admission to this program, your academic average should be in the mid-70s.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires a final academic average of 72.
Liberal Arts & Professional Studies
iBA
Requirements for admission:
- Extra courses will be assessed for transfer credit. Applicants with the DEC may be awarded up to one full year of transfer credit.
To gain admission to this program, your academic average should be in the mid-70s.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires a final academic average of 72.
Faculty of Science
BSc
Requirements for admission:
- Extra courses will be assessed for transfer credit. Applicants with the DEC may be awarded up to one full year of transfer credit.
To gain admission to this program, your academic average should be in the high 70s to mid-80s.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires a final academic average of 73.
Chinese High School
Minimum Requirements
Required Documents for Preliminary Review
Liberal Arts & Professional Studies
BA
Requirements for admission:
Liberal Arts & Professional Studies
iBA
Requirements for admission:
Faculty of Science
BSc
Requirements for admission:
Turkish High School
- Some programs require higher. Please review the requirements for your program below.
- Prerequisite courses should not be below a grade of 4.0 or 70%.
Required Documents for Preliminary Review
Liberal Arts & Professional Studies
BA
Requirements for admission:
Liberal Arts & Professional Studies
iBA
Requirements for admission:
Faculty of Science
BSc
Requirements for admission:
GCE
Minimum Requirements
Required Documents for Preliminary Review
Liberal Arts & Professional Studies
BA
Requirements for admission:
- GCE A2 examinations with results of "C" or better, are eligible for transfer credit, up to a maximum of 18 credits. Please click here, then click “Transfer Credit Requirements” for details.
To gain admission to this program, minimum average of C is required.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires a final academic average of C.
The overall average required for admission is determined each year on a program specific basis. Some programs have limited enrolment. Admission is not guaranteed, and all requirements are subject to change.
Liberal Arts & Professional Studies
iBA
Requirements for admission:
- GCE A2 examinations with results of "C" or better, are eligible for transfer credit, up to a maximum of 18 credits. Please click here, then click “Transfer Credit Requirements” for details.
To gain admission to this program, minimum average of C is required.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires a final academic average of C.
The overall average required for admission is determined each year on a program specific basis. Some programs have limited enrolment. Admission is not guaranteed, and all requirements are subject to change.
Faculty of Science
BSc
Requirements for admission:
- GCE A2 examinations with results of "C" or better, are eligible for transfer credit, up to a maximum of 18 credits. Please click here, then click “Transfer Credit Requirements” for details.
To gain admission to this program, minimum average of C is required.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires a final academic average of C.
The overall average required for admission is determined each year on a program specific basis. Some programs have limited enrolment. Admission is not guaranteed, and all requirements are subject to change.
Hong Kong
Minimum Requirements
Required Documents for Preliminary Review
Liberal Arts & Professional Studies
BA
Requirements for admission:
Liberal Arts & Professional Studies
iBA
Requirements for admission:
Faculty of Science
BSc
Requirements for admission:
International Baccalaureate
Required Documents for Preliminary Review
Liberal Arts & Professional Studies
BA
Requirements for admission:
- IB Diploma with passes in six subjects: three passes at the Standard-level and three passes at the Higher-level, or two passes at the Standard-level and four passes at the Higher-level
- Transfer credit is granted for IB courses with Higher-level final grades of 5 or better, to a maximum of 30 credits. Please click here, then click “Transfer Credit Requirements” for details.
To gain admission to this program, minimum IB diploma point scores of 28 is required.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires minimum IB diploma point scores of 28.
The overall average required for admission is determined each year on a program specific basis. Some programs have limited enrolment. Admission is not guaranteed, and all requirements are subject to change.
Liberal Arts & Professional Studies
iBA
Requirements for admission:
- IB Diploma with passes in six subjects: three passes at the Standard-level and three passes at the Higher-level, or two passes at the Standard-level and four passes at the Higher-level
- Transfer credit is granted for IB courses with Higher-level final grades of 5 or better, to a maximum of 30 credits. Please click here, then click “Transfer Credit Requirements” for details.
To gain admission to this program, minimum IB diploma point scores of 28 is required.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires minimum IB diploma point scores of 28.
The overall average required for admission is determined each year on a program specific basis. Some programs have limited enrolment. Admission is not guaranteed, and all requirements are subject to change.
Faculty of Science
BSc
Requirements for admission:
- IB Diploma with passes in six subjects: three passes at the Standard-level and three passes at the Higher-level, or two passes at the Standard-level and four passes at the Higher-level
- Analysis and Approaches higher-level
- Analysis and Approaches standard-level
- Applications and Interpretations higher-level
- Transfer credit is granted for IB courses with Higher-level final grades of 5 or better, to a maximum of 30 credits. Please click here, then click “Transfer Credit Requirements” for details.
To gain admission to this program, minimum IB diploma point scores of 28 is required.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires minimum IB diploma point scores of 28.
The overall average required for admission is determined each year on a program specific basis. Some programs have limited enrolment. Admission is not guaranteed, and all requirements are subject to change.
Indian High School
- Some programs require a higher average. Please review the requirements for your program below.
- Prerequisite courses should not be below a grade of 55%.
Required Documents for Preliminary Review
Liberal Arts & Professional Studies
BA
Requirements for admission:
- All-India Senior School Certificate (AISSCE)
- Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC)
- Indian School Certificate (ISC)
- Intermediate Examination Certificate
- Pre-University Examination Certificate
Liberal Arts & Professional Studies
iBA
Requirements for admission:
- All-India Senior School Certificate (AISSCE)
- Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC)
- Indian School Certificate (ISC)
- Intermediate Examination Certificate
- Pre-University Examination Certificate
Faculty of Science
BSc
Requirements for admission:
- All-India Senior School Certificate (AISSCE)
- Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC)
- Indian School Certificate (ISC)
- Intermediate Examination Certificate
- Pre-University Examination Certificate
Liberal Arts & Professional Studies
BA
Requirements for admission:
To gain admission to this program, your academic average should be in the mid-70s.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires a final academic average of 72.
Liberal Arts & Professional Studies
iBA
Requirements for admission:
To gain admission to this program, your academic average should be in the mid-70s.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires a final academic average of 72.
Faculty of Science
BSc
Requirements for admission:
To gain admission to this program, your academic average should be in the high 70s to mid-80s.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires a final academic average of 73.
Liberal Arts & Professional Studies
BA
Requirements for admission:
To gain admission to this program, your academic average should be in the mid-70s.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires a final academic average of 72.
Liberal Arts & Professional Studies
iBA
Requirements for admission:
To gain admission to this program, your academic average should be in the mid-70s.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires a final academic average of 72.
Faculty of Science
BSc
Requirements for admission:
To gain admission to this program, your academic average should be in the high 70s to mid-80s.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires a final academic average of 73.
Liberal Arts & Professional Studies
BA
Requirements for admission:
To gain admission to this program, your academic average should be in the mid-70s.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires a final academic average of 72.
Liberal Arts & Professional Studies
iBA
Requirements for admission:
To gain admission to this program, your academic average should be in the mid-70s.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires a final academic average of 72.
Faculty of Science
BSc
Requirements for admission:
To gain admission to this program, your academic average should be in the high 70s to mid-80s.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires a final academic average of 73.
Liberal Arts & Professional Studies
BA
Requirements for admission:
To gain admission to this program, your academic average should be in the mid-70s.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires a final academic average of 72.
Liberal Arts & Professional Studies
iBA
Requirements for admission:
To gain admission to this program, your academic average should be in the mid-70s.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires a final academic average of 72.
Faculty of Science
BSc
Requirements for admission:
To gain admission to this program, your academic average should be in the high 70s to mid-80s.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires a final academic average of 73.
Liberal Arts & Professional Studies
BA
Requirements for admission:
To gain admission to this program, your academic average should be in the mid-70s.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires a final academic average of 72.
Liberal Arts & Professional Studies
iBA
Requirements for admission:
To gain admission to this program, your academic average should be in the mid-70s.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires a final academic average of 72.
Faculty of Science
BSc
Requirements for admission:
To gain admission to this program, your academic average should be in the high 70s to mid-80s.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires a final academic average of 73.
Liberal Arts & Professional Studies
BA
Requirements for admission:
To gain admission to this program, your academic average should be in the mid-70s.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires a final academic average of 72.
Liberal Arts & Professional Studies
iBA
Requirements for admission:
To gain admission to this program, your academic average should be in the mid-70s.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires a final academic average of 72.
Faculty of Science
BSc
Requirements for admission:
To gain admission to this program, your academic average should be in the high 70s to mid-80s.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires a final academic average of 73.
Liberal Arts & Professional Studies
BA
Requirements for admission:
To gain admission to this program, your academic average should be in the mid-70s.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires a final academic average of 72.
OUAC code YUB
Liberal Arts & Professional Studies
iBA
Requirements for admission:
To gain admission to this program, your academic average should be in the mid-70s.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires a final academic average of 72.
OUAC code YUB
Faculty of Science
BSc
Requirements for admission:
To gain admission to this program, your academic average should be in the high 70s to mid-80s.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires a final academic average of 73.
OUAC code YS
Liberal Arts & Professional Studies
BA
Requirements for admission:
Liberal Arts & Professional Studies
iBA
Requirements for admission:
Faculty of Science
BSc
Requirements for admission:
Liberal Arts & Professional Studies
BA
To be considered a mature student, you must:
Be at least 20 years old by the end of the calendar year of admission to the University
Have been out of full-time high school studies for at least two years or have returned to upgrade after a two year absence
Have attempted less than one full year of studies at an accredited university or college
Have demonstrated potential for success through academic, professional or volunteer activities and other accomplishments
Liberal Arts & Professional Studies
iBA
To be considered a mature student, you must:
Be at least 20 years old by the end of the calendar year of admission to the University
Have been out of full-time high school studies for at least two years or have returned to upgrade after a two year absence
Have attempted less than one full year of studies at an accredited university or college
Have demonstrated potential for success through academic, professional or volunteer activities and other accomplishments
Faculty of Science
BSc
To be considered a mature student, you must:
Be at least 20 years old by the end of the calendar year of admission to the University
Have been out of full-time high school studies for at least two years or have returned to upgrade after a two year absence
Have attempted less than one full year of studies at an accredited university or college
Have demonstrated potential for success through academic, professional or volunteer activities and other accomplishments
Requirements for admission:
Liberal Arts & Professional Studies
BA
Requirements for admission:
Liberal Arts & Professional Studies
iBA
Requirements for admission:
Faculty of Science
BSc
Requirements for admission:
Liberal Arts & Professional Studies
BA
Requirements for admission:
To gain admission to this program, your academic average should be in the mid-70s.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires a final academic average of 72.
Liberal Arts & Professional Studies
iBA
Requirements for admission:
To gain admission to this program, your academic average should be in the mid-70s.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires a final academic average of 72.
Faculty of Science
BSc
Requirements for admission:
To gain admission to this program, your academic average should be in the high 70s to mid-80s.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires a final academic average of 73.
Liberal Arts & Professional Studies
BA
Requirements for admission:
To gain admission to this program, your academic average should be in the mid-70s.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires a final academic average of 72.
Liberal Arts & Professional Studies
iBA
Requirements for admission:
To gain admission to this program, your academic average should be in the mid-70s.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires a final academic average of 72.
Faculty of Science
BSc
Requirements for admission:
To gain admission to this program, your academic average should be in the high 70s to mid-80s.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires a final academic average of 73.
Liberal Arts & Professional Studies
BA
Requirements for admission:
To gain admission to this program, your academic average should be in the mid-70s.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires a final academic average of 72.
Liberal Arts & Professional Studies
iBA
Requirements for admission:
To gain admission to this program, your academic average should be in the mid-70s.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires a final academic average of 72.
Faculty of Science
BSc
Requirements for admission:
To gain admission to this program, your academic average should be in the high 70s to mid-80s.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires a final academic average of 73.
Tawjihyah
Minimum Requirements
Required Documents for Preliminary Review
Liberal Arts & Professional Studies
BA
Requirements for admission:
Liberal Arts & Professional Studies
iBA
Requirements for admission:
Faculty of Science
BSc
Requirements for admission:
United States High School
- Grade 12 graduation with a minimum overall average of "B" on Grade 11 and Grade 12 academic courses is required to be considered for most programs. Some programs require a higher average. Please review the requirements for your program below.
- SAT or ACT scores are not required for students studying in a recognized accredited US curriculum outside the United States, Puerto Rico or Guam.
- SATs/ACTs are considered in combination with high school grades.
Required Documents for Preliminary Review
For Fall (September) 2021 and Winter (January) 2022 entry, York University will deem the SAT/ACT as optional for students studying in a recognized accredited US curriculum high school in the United States, Puerto Rico or Guam. However, students who have completed a standardized test are encouraged to submit their test scores as it may support your application for competitive programs. SAT/ACT scores must be sent electronically from the College Board directly to York. Please browse the section below for pre-requisites and detailed admission requirements.
Note: An SAT/ACT test will be required from students who are not enrolled in a recognized accredited US curriculum high school in the United States, Puerto Rico or Guam or have not studied in a formal academic high-school environment.
Liberal Arts & Professional Studies
BA
Requirements for admission:
- AP College Board examinations are eligible for transfer credit, for results of 4 or 5, up to a maximum of 30 credits. Please click here, then click “Transfer Credit Requirements” for details.
Liberal Arts & Professional Studies
iBA
Requirements for admission:
- AP College Board examinations are eligible for transfer credit, for results of 4 or 5, up to a maximum of 30 credits. Please click here, then click “Transfer Credit Requirements” for details.
Faculty of Science
BSc
Requirements for admission:
- AP College Board examinations are eligible for transfer credit, for results of 4 or 5, up to a maximum of 30 credits. Please click here, then click “Transfer Credit Requirements” for details.
West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) or National Examinations Council (NECO)
Required Documents for Preliminary Review
Liberal Arts & Professional Studies
BA
Requirements for admission:
Liberal Arts & Professional Studies
iBA
Requirements for admission:
Faculty of Science
BSc
Requirements for admission:
Liberal Arts & Professional Studies
BA
Requirements for admission:
To gain admission to this program, your academic average should be in the mid-70s.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires a final academic average of 72.
Liberal Arts & Professional Studies
iBA
Requirements for admission:
To gain admission to this program, your academic average should be in the mid-70s.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires a final academic average of 72.
Faculty of Science
BSc
Requirements for admission:
To gain admission to this program, your academic average should be in the high 70s to mid-80s.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires a final academic average of 73.
You are required to provide official evidence of academic achievement in secondary education. This can be demonstrated through:
- Final grades under the Ontario curriculum (obtained through correspondence, night school or through TVO)
- Credentials through other curricula, such as results from Advanced Placement (AP) or Advanced-level courses in the General Certificate of Education (GCE). (Students may register to sit for the AP and GCE examinations as private candidates.)
In the absence of final grades in courses:
- You must submit the results of standardized tests such as the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) with a minimum combined total of 1170 on the Critical Reading and Math components or a composite American College Testing (ACT) score of 24.
- Your application will be reviewed by an admissions sub-committee. If admitted, you will not be eligible for entrance scholarships. You will be considered for continuing student scholarships at the end of your first year of study, if you satisfy those criteria.
You may also be required to provide proof of language proficiency. You will be considered for entrance scholarships on the basis of your overall averages in the six 4U/4M (Ontario curriculum) or equivalent courses.
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