Dartmouth College

What you'll study

The programme blends core geographic concepts with environmental science, offering a balance of human geography, physical geography and applied environmental studies. Typical modules cover topics such as climate and hydrology, biogeography and ecosystems, urban and regional planning, environmental policy and ethics, and society–environment interactions.

• Spatial analysis and GIS: introductory and advanced geographic information systems, remote sensing and quantitative mapping techniques.
• Physical processes: courses in climatology, landforms and geomorphology, soils and watershed processes.
• Human and social dimensions: urban geography, environmental justice, resource economics and policy analysis.
• Methods and fieldwork: training in field methods, data collection, statistical analysis and a research practicum or senior capstone project.
• Electives and interdisciplinarity: students take electives across ecology, anthropology, economics and public policy to customise their pathway.

The curriculum emphasises small‑group seminars, hands‑on laboratory work and field courses in the region, and culminates in a substantial independent research project or senior thesis under faculty supervision.

Entry requirements

Dartmouth looks for applicants with a strong academic record in secondary education and evidence of intellectual curiosity across the sciences and humanities. Successful candidates typically have taken mathematics (algebra and statistics), laboratory science (biology, chemistry or physics), and social studies or geography where available.

• Academic transcripts demonstrating rigorous coursework and strong grades.
• Personal statement or essays that show interest in environmental questions, spatial thinking or interdisciplinary study.
• Letters of recommendation from teachers who can speak to academic potential and readiness for independent study.
• For international applicants, comparable secondary school credentials and evidence of English language proficiency where required.

Admissions decisions are holistic; relevant extracurricular experience (fieldwork, community environmental projects, research, internships) can strengthen an application. Applicants should consult Dartmouth’s admissions office for details on required documents and any standardised testing policies.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for a broad range of careers that draw on analytical, spatial and environmental skills. Common pathways include:

• Environmental consultancy and natural resource management (water, forestry, conservation).
• Geographic information systems (GIS) and spatial data analysis roles in government, utilities and private sector firms.
• Urban and regional planning, sustainability coordination and environmental policy roles in public agencies and NGOs.
• Research and graduate study in geography, environmental science, public policy, law or related fields.
• Community development, environmental education and advocacy positions with non‑profits and international organisations.

Students benefit from alumni networks, internship pipelines and faculty mentorship when transitioning into professional roles or advanced degrees.

Why study at Dartmouth College

Dartmouth’s undergraduate focus provides close faculty supervision, small seminar classes and abundant opportunities for hands‑on research. Its location in New England offers immediate access to diverse field sites — rivers, forests, and mountain landscapes — which support strong fieldwork and local study options.

The college’s interdisciplinary culture encourages collaboration across departments, enabling students to combine geographic and environmental coursework with economics, public policy, engineering or the social sciences. Students can pursue faculty‑mentored research, participate in off‑campus field courses and engage with community partners, all within a liberal arts environment that emphasises critical thinking and communication skills valued by employers and graduate programmes alike.