Geography students traveled to Iceland in summer 2008.In Iceland, students explored geysers, geothermal hot springs, glaciers and more.A rainbow stretches across Gulfross (Golden Falls) waterfall in southwest Iceland.Professors regularly take students to Central America for class and field study.Professor Wenjie Sun joined students on a bike tour of Moon Mountain in Yangshuo, China.Students joined geography professor Joy Mast in field study.A student navigates the "Sliding Sands Trail" down into the crater of Haleakala, Hawaii.
Geography & Earth Science

Geography-FieldStudiesRockWith 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.

Undergraduate Research Opportunities

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.

Career Advancement

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.

Outside Class with Prof. RiveraProf. Julio Rivera leads a class on the Carthage campus.

Academic Resources

Prospective Students

J-Term in Nicaragua

This annual trip allows Carthage students to explore the geography of Ometepe, and treat patients in the island's medical clinics. Watch the video.


Research Opportunities

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

Student Voices

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