Geography and Urban Studies Major
Bachelor of Arts in Geography and Urban Studies majors study a wide range of environmental, economic, social and political challenges central to the well-being of billions of people in an urbanizing world. GUS students are introduced to urban processes, spatial relations, geospatial technologies–including Geographic Information Systems (GIS)–and qualitative social science research methods. These skills prepare students to solve real-world urban problems and address global challenges.
Any student enrolled at Temple University may minor in Geography and Urban Studies to complement their major. The 18-credit minor requires students take one gateway course and five electives.
Undergraduate Certificate in Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
GIS is powerful analytical software that combines data with maps. It allows users to query, analyze and visualize spatial data, asking any “where” questions: “where are we seeing outbreaks of flu,” “where will this utility have the greatest impact” or “where should we open our storefront?”
Because it is so widely applicable, geographic information has become one of the linchpins of the Information Age. Employers across industries are seeking candidates trained in geospatial technologies. Because its uses are so pervasive, the U.S. Department of Labor considers geospatial technology a high-growth industry.
+1 Accelerated Degree Offerings
The department’s +1 programs allow students to start pursuing a graduate degree in their junior or senior year, empowering them to complete their graduate degree in only one additional year. Students may enter the +1 program in their junior or senior year, taking up to four graduate-level courses during their undergraduate program. The remaining graduate credits are completed in the year following the completion of their bachelor’s degree. Graduate-level courses completed during the junior or senior year may be used to satisfy major requirements, as appropriate.
The +1 program allows students to begin pursuing a graduate degree in a high-growth area while still working toward an undergraduate degree, saving them time and money in earning their graduate degree.
- Learn More about the BA/BS and Professional Science Master’s in GIS
- Learn More about the BA in Geography and Urban Studies or Environmental Studies and MA in Geography and Urban Studies
Questions? Contact guses@temple.edu
Teaching Social Studies
Planning to become a teacher? You can double-major through Temple’s College of Education. The double-major combines the GUS major with one in social studies education. Undergraduate majors in geography and urban studies majors also have a 4+1 opportunity to complete both an undergraduate and MEd degree in five years.
- Learn More about Double Majoring in GUS and Education
Academic Advising and Professional Development
Take full advantage of the College of Liberal Arts’ flexible curriculum with the help of our award-winning advisors. We help you select a major or minor and graduate on time. Our advisors ensure that you have a rich experience at Temple by complementing your academic work with study abroad programs, internships and other experiential learning opportunities.
- Learn More about Temple’s Award-Winning Advisors
Fly in 4
Take charge of your future and limit your debt. The Fly in 4 partnership allows you to complete your degree on time—or Temple will pay for your remaining coursework. Graduating on time means your path to success starts immediately. Temple provides you with the resources you need to get it done, like academic advising and classes available when you need them. Commit to doing what it takes to blaze your career path in four years, and we’ll help you get there.
- Learn How to Fly in 4
Financial Aid and Scholarships
At Temple, we believe that students from all walks of life should have access to an outstanding college education. If you need help paying for your education, you aren’t alone. Most students receive some form of financial aid to fund their education. About 69% of first-year Temple students receive need-based financial aid, and the average first-year financial aid package is about $15,000. Eligible students receive financial assistance from federal, state, private and university sources. Explore all available funding and apply early to make your college education an affordable experience.
Undergraduate Tuition
No Added Tuition Costs. That’s the promise the College of Liberal Arts makes (and keeps) to all of our incoming students. We know deciding to attend college is a big one, both in life and financially, so we're committed to keeping costs down. We're one of only three schools/colleges at Temple University that do not charge a tuition differential, so what you see is what you pay. Our priority is helping you graduate with less student debt.
We understand that, at this phase, you are weighing all your options, and you should be! It's crucial to find the right fit for YOU and YOUR PASSIONS.
For more information, visit Temple's costs, aid and scholarships page and Temple’s tuition calculator. To see tuition rates for all Temple schools and colleges, visit Temple’s 2024–2025 tuition rates page.