Geographers study the earth and the relationships between earth and people.
They are interested in learning more about the natural and the human worlds in order that this knowledge can be applied to guide environmental decisions. Geographers seek to generate scientific information about the environment and combine it with an understanding of human needs to work toward societal decisions which are both environmentally sensitive and compatible with the greater goals of society. The Geography Program in the Department of Geosciences at Oregon State University has an international orientation aimed at enhancing global awareness while concentrating on the study and practice of physical geography, resource geography, and geographic techniques. Students may opt for a B.S. degree aimed at acquiring scientific and technical depth in their major, or for a B.A. degree aimed at the greater breadth characteristic of a liberal education. A full range of graduate degrees is also offered.