Geography

Major

Geography is so much more than maps - it's about unraveling the complexity of our interconnected world. The Geography major combines the best of human, physical, and human-environment geography into one versatile program, providing you the freedom to explore your passions while preparing you to lead as an Army officer and beyond.

Offered by the Department of Geography & Earth Sciences.

you interested in maps, global events, cultures, and how terrain shapes strategy and history? Do you want to understand how people interact with their environment - and how that impacts military operations and world affairs? If so, the Geography major at the United States Military Academy at West Point might be the right path for you.

What is Geography?

Geography is the study of places, environments, and spatial relationships. At West Point, it’s a powerful tool that combines physical science, human behavior, and cutting-edge technology to help future Army officers understand how the world works - and how to operate effectively in it.

Whether a cadet is analyzing satellite imagery, studying climate patterns, or learning about global cultures and conflicts, geography helps them see the big picture - and the fine details.

Why Choose Geography at USMA?

Study the land. Understand the people. Shape the mission. That’s what Geography at West Point is all about.

Mission-Focused Perspective
Geography directly supports military planning, intelligence, and operations - from analyzing terrain to understanding local cultures during deployments.
Hands-On Mapping and Technology
Cadets use professional tools like GIS and remote sensing software - skills highly valued in both military and civilian careers.
Global Awareness for Modern Leadership
In an increasingly interconnected and complex world, Geography majors graduate with a deep understanding of how people, places, and power are connected.
Diverse Career Paths
Geography prepares graduates for careers in military intelligence, civil affairs, environmental analysis, urban planning, or national security strategy - and sets them up well for graduate school, too.

Where This Major Can Go

With a Geography degree from West Point, a graduate can:

Become an Army officer with a deep understanding of terrain and geospatial operations
Work in military intelligence, civil affairs, or environmental security
Join agencies like the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) or FEMA
Pursue grad school in geography, urban planning, or environmental studies
Help lead missions across the globe - better informed, better prepared

Interested Cadets

Are you curious about how people, places, and environments are connected? Do you enjoy maps, travel, and understanding how the world works? The Geography major at West Point may help you make sense of the world - literally. It also offers an honors track.

Geography isn’t just about memorizing countries and capitals. It’s about using cutting-edge tools and knowledge to solve global problems, lead missions, and make smart decisions based on the land, climate, cultures, and technology.

Why Consider This Major

If a cadet is curious about how the world works, why places matter, and how geography shapes people and events, this major turns that curiosity into powerful insight. At West Point, cadets build leadership skills, graduate with a world-class education (debt-free), and serve their country with deep knowledge of global terrain, cultures, and strategic challenges.

Geography is perfect for cadets who want to connect technology, culture, science, and strategy — and lead with global understanding.

What Cadets Learn

As Geography majors, cadets explore the relationships between people and places - and how geography shapes everything from military strategy to disaster relief. They study:

Physical Geography – landforms, weather, water systems, and natural hazards
Human Geography – cultures, migration, urban growth, and global development
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) – powerful tools for mapping and spatial analysis
Cartography – the art and science of creating useful, clear maps
Military Geography – terrain, movement, and how geography affects missions

Cadets use advanced tools like drones, satellite imagery, and spatial software to solve real-world challenges. They develop skills in critical thinking, spatial analysis, and strategic awareness — all essential for Army leaders.

Choice of Electives

Cadets can tailor their studies with electives such as:

Remote Sensing – interpret satellite images to gather geographic data
Environmental Geography – explore how people and nature interact
Geopolitics – understand how geography shapes power and conflict
Urban Geography – study how cities grow, change, and influence society
Disaster Response and Risk Analysis – plan for natural hazards and emergencies
Remote Sensing – using satellite imagery to study the Earth’s surface

Learn more

Cadets in this major can work with one of the department’s research centers and engage in any number of Academic Individual Advanced Development (AIAD) programs, USMA-run academic enrichment experiences. To learn more about enrichment for this area of study, visit the Department of Geography & Earth Sciences (GEO) or the Center for Environmental & Geographic Sciences (CEGS).

Honor Societies:

GEO - Geography Major