The things geographers study are diverse, from climate and landforms to cultural and economic patterns. Geography is both a natural science and a social science, and geographers look for interactions between the physical environment and the human use of the earth. For this reason geography is also very much involved with environmental studies, including resource management and planning.

 The concentration in Environmental Studies is designed to promote competencies required to work with environmentally sensitive issues.  Students are exposed to a natural science background sufficient to make them conversant on the fundamental scientific issues involved in a given controversy.  Social science skills in planning and human interaction are also emphasized.  Students concentrating in environmental studies may find employment at all levels of government (local, state, federal) as well as in the private sector.