Geography Major/Minor

The Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) or minor in geography is the bridge between the physical and cultural worlds. Geographers observe and measure the human use of the earth to better understand our changing environment, society and culture.


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Students learn about the location of places and their physical and cultural characteristics and place historical and current events in the context of where they happen. The study of the development of people, ideas, places and environments across time helps degree candidates gain insights into our global interdependence.

Geography Highlights

Grow in the understanding of basic physical systems that affect our lives every day: sun, water cycles, wind and ocean currents and movement of the Earth. Understand more about how human and physical systems have affected the surface of the planet. See the relationships between the structure of the Earth and society.

Geography is ideal for students who have

  • Observant, detailed-oriented and creative minds
  • Comfort using computers
  • Interest in the Earth and its people
  • Eagerness to travel and learn more about global interdependence

Department of Chemistry and Geosciences
History and Political Science Department

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ACCA Student Symposium

Students do an independent research project, prepare an abstract and then give an oral presentation of their results at the annual ACCA (Associated Colleges of the Chicago Areas) Symposium. Projects may be theoretical, lab or field studies and students receive a stipend to allow them to work full time on their project.

Two research options for science and mathematics students:

  • Pence-Boyce Research Program Fellowships — Named in honor of two Olivet professors, Elbert Pence (physics) and Fannie Boyce (mathematics), and funded by alumni and friends of Olivet.
  • Olivet Research Associates Program – Set up to fund research in science and mathematics. This program allows students to work closely with a faculty member on a forward-looking, 10-week research project during the summer.
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