Physical Geography Track
About the Program
If you were ever passionate about collecting rocks, chasing tornadoes and impacting climate change for the better, the physical geography program at Salisbury University is the major for you! Our program gives you a well-rounded education in atmospheric science, geology, oceanography and natural resource management. By studying physical geography at SU, you could answer important questions such as:
- How old is Earth and how has it changed over time? How may it change in the future?
- How can we predict volcano eruptions and the extent of damage?
- How are mountains formed and what are the origins of oceans?
- Why are oceans salty? Where do the waves with the best break occur?
- How can weather prediction models be improved?
- Is there a relationship between global warming and hurricane intensities?
In our program, you learn how to solve real environmental problems through field work, research and other hands-on experiences – an opportunity you won’t get at many other universities. Our physical geography faculty take students to local farms to study soils and hydrology, Pennsylvania and New York to study the remnants of glaciation, and Assateague Island National Seashore to study coastal processes. Get to know more about the Eastern Shore!
Our geography graduates have been slowing the erosion of beaches along the Gulf Coast and cleaning up the environment of Aberdeen Proving Ground. SU alumni can be found working as researchers or environmental consultants, and at engineering firms throughout the Mid-Atlantic, and even places such as:
- Maryland Department of Environment
- NASA Wallops Flight Facility
- Naval Oceanographic Office (NAVOCEANO)
- United States Geologic Survey
Many of our geography majors also go on to some of the finest graduate schools in the country, including Johns Hopkins School of Engineering, McGill’s Geography Department, the University of Delaware, University of Maryland and Mississippi State University.
Course of Study
The Physical Geography Program is a track within SU’s geography major.
Review our program requirements in the catalog:
Follow this four-year curriculum guide to help you graduate on time: