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Satellite image of great lakes (Public domain)

Geography and Geospatial Sciences

Geography is an exciting field that recognizes the complex relationships and linkages of human and natural systems; geography is the science of place. As such, geographers study and analyze many of today’s pressing issues, which range from climate change, human modification of the Earth’s systems, environmental hazards, resource assessment and land use to population distributions, urbanization, cultural adaption, political organization of space and globalization. Geographers’ tools, skill sets and techniques, which include computer cartography, remote sensing, Global Positioning Systems (GPS) and Geographic Information Systems (GIS), are recognized increasingly as essential for solving many contemporary questions and are not only being adopted by businesses and governmental agencies but also by wider society. More people are recognizing that geography is fundamental to understanding our world and solving many of the problems that confront us.

Geography faculty
The Science of Where

Our Programs 

Fast Facts

Ratio of Students/Faculty

10.5
Students
1
Faculty

Number of Students

55
Undergraduate
16
Graduate

Department Scholarships Awarded

1 in 3 Students
 

Majors & Minors

3
Majors
3
Minors

Certificates

2
 

Job Placement rate

95% (as of 2019)
 

Career Development Opportunities -

Geography and Geospatial Sciences News

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Students test equipment on hand at Drone Day.

SDSU hosts first-ever Drone Day

South Dakota State University hosted Drone Day on April 27, kicking off what organizers hope will be the first of many events that teach attendees how drones can be used in their jobs, free time and more.

SDSU faculty recognized for excellence

The annual South Dakota State University Celebration of Faculty Excellence recognized 25 faculty members, researchers and scientists Tuesday. The event honors faculty members in the university's colleges for outstanding research, teaching and service.
Remote Sensing ranking

SDSU’s remote sensing program earns world ranking  

South Dakota State University’s remote sensing program has been ranked as one of the top academic programs in the world by the Shanghai Ranking’s 2022 Global Ranking of Academic Subjects. ...