
With facilities and programs rivaling those at larger institutions, and a close-knit community you can only find at small colleges, the Carthage Geography and Earth Science Department offers students a rigorous academic program packed with opportunity and personal attention.
At Carthage, geography students select courses that suit their specific career goals, whether they hope to concentrate in physical geography, economic geography, urban planning, or another aspect of the field. Carthage offers minors in Geographic Information Science (GIS) and Meteorology/Climatology. Majors graduate ready to hit the job market or to further their education in graduate school.
Giving students opportunities to do real research, guided by faculty, is a priority in the Natural Sciences Division at Carthage. The Geography and Earth Science Department continues this emphasis in and out of the classroom. Programs like the Summer Undergraduate Research Experience give students significant research experiences that go beyond textbook projects. "At Carthage, students really get an opportunity to work with faculty individually, and that's just not found other places," said Prof. Julio Rivera, chair of the department.
Carthage sees geography as a modern applied science that retains its ancient, traditional role in the liberal arts. Students are prepared for productive and rewarding careers, while developing the thought processes, qualities and habits that are the hallmark of a liberally educated person. Students learn to apply their science to a wide variety of fields, from business and government, to health care and education.
Prof. Julio Rivera leads a class on the Carthage campus.
Summer Undergraduate Research Experience pairs Carthage students with faculty mentors. more...
This annual trip allows Carthage students to explore the geography of Ometepe, and treat patients in the island's medical clinics. Watch the video.

Summer Undergraduate Research Experience lets students work one-on-one with a faculty mentor.

Sarah Geise: "Each time we learned a new GIS technique, I was amazed at the technology that we have at our fingertips.”