Program Overview
What Makes Geography at TMU Unique?
Hands-on geotechnology training
Unlike other Geography programs, the BA in Geographic Analysis includes computer labs using geographic information systems (GIS) and remote sensing tools as a core program component from Year 1 to 4. In both, regular and capstone courses, students learn to solve real-world decision problems across the retail, real-estate, banking, crime, health, planning, environmental, and other fields of application.
Local and international field trips
Local field trips are conducted in select courses starting with two trips in first year. The trips engage students in connecting their classroom learning with real-world problems and the actors working towards their solution. Destinations include the Credit River valley and the Niagara peninsula as well as numerous guided and self-guided tours of downtown Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area. The international field trip in Year 3 or 4 provides additional real-world experience relating to all program concentrations. The most recent field trips went to the Netherlands, Austria & Italy, and China, making the trip one of the highlights of the program.
Small program - great community
Although comparatively large for a Geography specialist program, studying Geographic Analysis at Toronto Metropolitan University integrates students in a close-nit community with faculty and staff, which is distinct from taking a Major in Geography at other institutions. The Student Association of Geographic Analysis (SAGA) works with the Department to offer professional and social events, and is a major asset of the program. Program alumni regularly praise our accessible, helpful, and personable faculty members, and often keep in touch for years after graduation.
Work-integrated learning
Graduation from the Geographic Analysis program requires the completion of 350 hours of program-related work experience. While acknowledged as a co-op program by the Province, this requirement is normally completed through paid summer employment between Years 3 and 4, and therefore does not extend the student's 4-year degree. The work placement provides the student with an opportunity to put academic achievements to the test, develop their professional network, and often secure continuing employment.
Extensive professional network
Due to the long-standing history of the program, which started as a Bachelor of Applied Arts (BAA) in Applied Geography in the 1970s, the Department has an extensive network of business partners, government collaborators, and alumni, who regularly return to the Department as external clients for capstone courses. Geography faculty members are extremely well connected with key organizations in the public and private sector in the Toronto region, and are always willing to provide personal references for internships and employment. These contacts also are the source of awards that are not available to students from any other program.