So I am debating between these two programs, and I hoping for some input; I know Environmental Science is well, science heavy, whereas Geography is more open, at least for first year. I am interested in human geography and GIS; which of these two would give me a better education? I've looked at some of the courses you take in Env. Science, and some just don't really interest me. On the other hand, first year Social Science requires courses other than Geography. Finally, does Geography offer Co-Op?

Have you considered Environmental Studies? http://www.science.mcmaster. ca/geo...ocial_sci.html

No, but it's not too different from Geography, or Enviro. Sci really. Is there anywhere where I can find what a typical week is like for each student? (Geo and Env Sci)

If your interested in human geography, geography is your best bet!

In brief:

Enviro Sci = The science of physical landscape, water, atmosphere, etc. (science) eg. hydrology, environmental chemistry, soil science etc.
Geo = Social aspects of human activity (social science) eg. urban geography, health geography, transportation geography etc,
Environmental studies = The social aspects of environmental changes and how they affect people (social science with some very minor basic science involved), eg. environmental resource management, environmental issues, energy and society etc. (often cross-listed as both ENV SCI/EARTH SCI/GEO)

You also take GIS courses in geo as well.

Geography doesn't offer co-op but you can do experiential education through the social sciences office, which is basically co-op. you can find more information here:

http://www.socsci.mcmaster.c a/EE/

I don't know how popular experiential education is, but I suppose it really depends on the availability of positions throughout the year.

Anyways, good luck on your decision. I'm trying to minor in geo and so far it's pretty awesome! (I kinda wish it was my major, rather than my minor. :p)

Thanks alot; Do you have any idea what you can exactly the courses are like? Job opportunities? Is the material actually interesting? I also applied to CS, but that's becoming less and less attractive at the moment.

I'm an upper year geography student. I find that the geography program offers a wide variety of courses to choose from and is pretty flexible. You could always take environmental science courses as your electives if you're interested in that but don't want to major in it.

A few of the upper year courses do double as both environmental science and geography courses. The majority of the GIS ones are the exact same for both programs.

I think you should consider your long term goals as well (ie. don't just focus on school - what will each degree give you?)

In my opinion, it seems like many people need to do extra schooling after taking Geography in university. I feel you are more likely to get a decent job straight out of university with an Environmental Science degree. With a Geography degree, you probably have to do a Masters or take some extra courses to get a decent job.

That's just what I think though. I could be wrong.

Originally Posted by Kathy2

I think you should consider your long term goals as well (ie. don't just focus on school - what will each degree give you?)

In my opinion, it seems like many people need to do extra schooling after taking Geography in university. I feel you are more likely to get a decent job straight out of university with an Environmental Science degree. With a Geography degree, you probably have to do a Masters or take some extra courses to get a decent job.

That's just what I think though. I could be wrong.

It does depend on the industry and what is available; you can get a degree right out of university.

BUT it is getting progressively more and more common that regardless of what degree your undergrad is in, you need more education to be able to find a job.

So it's possible to get in to GIS from Geography?

Definately possible! You can get into GIS from anything. A friend of mine in Bio did a minor in GIS. It pairs well with so many degrees. And it's really easy to switch between programs in the School of Geography and Earth Sciences. So if you realize you've made the wrong choice, it's easy to fix.

Originally Posted by changturkey

So it's possible to get in to GIS from Geography?

You can do GIS with practically anything. GIS is a set of problem solving tools. It helps if you have experience with maps and geography in general, but it's definitely not required.

I'm finishing up my certification in GIS this year, along with my B.Sc. so I'd be happy to answer any questions you may have.

Is the work interesting in the field? Will it still be relevant in the next decade? Are there jobs available?

These are questions I think you should ask someone in the field.

There is a great mentor program through Career Services, called careerLINKS. It's an online database of over 300 mentors. Don't get put off by the word "mentor" though. These are professionals in a variety of fields that you can just email and ask questions. You can email, talk on the phone or meet in person as many times as you like.

It can be as simple as "Hi, my name is [ ] and I got your contact information off careerLINKS. I see that your occupation is [ ] and I was wondering if I could ask you a few questions, because I'm trying to decide if Geography is the right fit for me." Then ask your questions.

The website is
careers.mcmaster.ca/tools/careerlinks