Bachelor of Science in Geography and Geospatial Data Science
Map the future. With a degree in Geography and Geospatial Data Science, you will harness cutting edge geospatial technology to understand places, analyze data, and solve complex social and environmental challenges. Graduates leave ECU with a powerful combination of technical expertise, analytical thinking, and real-world experience—skills that are highly sought after by employers in a wide range of career fields.
At a Glance
- Degree: Bachelor of Science in Geography and Geospatial Data Science
- Credit hours: 120 s.h. minimum
- Format: On-campus
- Concentrations: Geographic and Environmental Systems; Geospatial Data Science
- Experiential learning: Required geography internship
Dr. Jeff Popke
Program Director
ECU’s GGDS program combines advanced geospatial technology training with personalized faculty mentoring and practical experience. You won’t just sit in a classroom. Every student gains valuable workplace experience through a required internship, and you will have opportunities to participate in faculty-led research. If you want to think spatially, master advanced tech, and use data to build a more sustainable and equitable world, ECU’s GGDS program is for you.
Why Study Geography and Geospatial Data Science at ECU?
Program Overview
Geography is the science of place, location, and spatial relationships. At ECU, the BS in Geography and Geospatial Data Science (GGDS) combines geospatial technology with the study of people, environments, and global change. You will learn to collect, analyze, and visualize spatial data using geographic information systems (GIS), satellites, drones, and geospatial analytics while exploring issues related to climate, coastal hazards, urban growth, resource management, and environmental justice.
Students choose one of two concentrations that align with their interests and career goals. The Geographic and Environmental Systems concentration explores the interactions between people, environments, and global change through a spatial lens. The Geospatial Data Science concentration provides advanced training in GIS, remote sensing, spatial analytics, and emerging geospatial technologies.
Through hands-on coursework and real-world applications, you’ll develop the technical and analytical skills needed to turn data into meaningful insights and informed decisions. Graduates pursue careers in GIS, environmental consulting, urban and regional planning, emergency management, and more. With a GGDS degree from ECU, you will be equipped with both advanced geospatial training and critical insight into social and environmental issues, giving you a competitive edge in a rapidly growing job market.
Courses
The degree requires a minimum of 120 s.h. The requirements below follow the 2026-2027 ECU Undergraduate Catalog.
I. General Education Requirements – 40 s.h.
For information about courses that carry general education credit, view the General Education Program section of the ECU Catalog.
II. Core – 20 s.h.
- GEOG 1000 – People, Places, and Environments
- GEOG 1250 – Water in the Environment
- GEOG 1251 – Water in the Environment Laboratory
- GEOG 2400 – Spatial Data Analysis
- GEOG 2420 – Cartography
- GEOG 3430 – Geographic Information Systems I
- GEOG 4803 – Geographic Internship
- GEOG 4999 – Geography Professional Seminar
III. Concentrations – 15 s.h.
Choose one of the following concentrations.
A. Geographic and Environmental Systems
Choose 15 s.h. from the following:
- GEOG 3030 – Island Geographies
- GEOG 3060 – Energy Geographies
- GEOG 3240 – Biogeography
- GEOG 4140 – Research Methods in Human Geography
- GEOG 4280 – Wetlands as Socio-Ecological Systems
- GEOG 4360 – Geographies of Global Climate and Environmental Change
B. Geospatial Data Science
Choose 15 s.h. from the following:
- GEOG 3420 – Remote Sensing of the Environment I
- GEOG 3460 – GIS Applications Programming
- GEOG 3480 – Drone Technology and Applications
- GEOG 4420 – Remote Sensing II
- GEOG 4430 – Geographic Information Systems II
- GEOG 4470 – GIS for Conservation
IV. Electives – 6 s.h.
Choose an additional 6 s.h. of geography courses or approved electives.
See the full Geography and Geospatial Data Science, BS entry in the ECU Catalog for all degree requirements.
Career Relevance
Geography prepares students for work that involves place, environment, people, and data. Graduates may use the degree in environmental consulting, conservation, planning support, GIS and mapping, public agencies, nonprofit organizations, education, research support, international development, or related fields. Some students go directly into the workforce. Others continue into graduate or professional programs.
The occupations below are examples of fields connected to geography coursework, not a complete list. Job titles, salaries, and advancement depend on experience, location, employer, degree level, and any additional training or certification.
| Example O*NET Occupation | Why It Fits Geography | Median Annual Salary | Projected Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health | Environmental assessment, fieldwork, water and land resources, sustainability, and policy | $80,060 | Average (3% to 4%) |
| Sustainability Specialists | Sustainability plans, resource use, environmental policy, reporting, outreach, and applied project work | $81,270 | Average (3% to 4%) |
| Cartographers and Photogrammetrists | Map production, photogrammetry, aerial and drone imagery, and spatial data visualization | $78,380 | Faster than average (5% to 6%) |
| Social Science Research Assistants | Survey research, interviews, social data, research support, GIS, and analysis of human geography questions | $58,040 | Average (3% to 4%) |
Occupation data obtained from O*NET OnLine, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Wage data reflect 2024 national median wages, and projected growth reflects 2024-2034 national employment projections.
How to Apply
The Bachelor of Science in Geography and Geospatial Data Science is an on-campus program. New first-year and transfer students apply through ECU Undergraduate Admissions. Current ECU students can change their major or add it as a second major.
New Students
Apply through ECU Undergraduate Admissions and select Geography and Geospatial Data Science as your intended major.
Current ECU Students
Contact Dr. Popke if you want to change your major or add Geography and Geospatial Data Science as a second major.
Plan a Visit
To tour the department and learn more about our programs and research, complete the Contact Form or call 252-328-6230. Prospective students with specific research interests are encouraged to share them so we can connect you with relevant faculty and facilities. The department also welcomes visitors during the spring ECU Pirates Aboard and fall ECU Open House events; campus tours are available year-round.
Cost of Study
For current tuition, fees, and room and board, see the ECU cost of attendance.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
Departmental, university, and external scholarships are available to undergraduate students based on merit, financial need, or both. Visit ECU Financial Aid for application procedures and deadlines.
Questions?
For questions about the BS in Geography and Geospatial Data Science, contact Program Director Dr. Jeff Popke at popkee@ecu.edu or 252-328-5192. Dr. Popke’s office is Brewster A-228.