Welcome to the Geography Department

Geography is the study of the world, its physical and social environments, and the dynamic nature of the relationships among them, from local to global scales. Protecting the environment and managing the Earth's valued resources - land, water, air, and ecosystems - in a sustainable manner are of vital interest to geographers. The geographic concepts of place and landscape provide a framework for understanding the role of culture in the evolution and development of urban and rural landscapes. Political, social, and economic processes, when examined from a spatial (geographic) and temporal (historical) perspective, enable everyone to appreciate and understand the dynamic processes associated with the development of local and regional landscapes.

Everyone is a life-long student of geography. As humans, we need to know who we are, where we are, where we are in relation to others, and why we are located where we are. The study of physical and human geography is framed within a spatial context - identifying and explaining why physical processes, patterns, and distributions are located where they are and why humankind is located where it is and why distinct cultural groups are found where they are.

Why Geography? VIU Geography students share their thoughts!

How is the Geography Program preparing you for your future career? 

The above videos are part of a project initiated by our colleague, mentor, and friend Dr. Jason Young who sadly passed away on December 8th, 2021. Many thanks to Dr. Brad Maguire for editing the videos and to the students for sharing their views.