Founded in 1921, the Department of Geography and Environmental Science is unique within the City University of New York (CUNY) and is the largest and one of the most technologically advanced geography programs in New York City.

Students can major in geography or environmental studies, and minor in both and geology at the undergraduate level. They can also receive an undergraduate certificate in spatial data science. The department also offers a MA in Geography, a post-baccalaureate certificate in GIScience, a MS in GeoInformatics. Opportunities for a PhD are available at the CUNY Graduate Center.

The Department of Geography and Environmental Science is committed to excellence and access in educating students and advancing knowledge in the area of geography, geology, earth systems science, and geospatial science. Our goals are:

(1) Educate students. To teach students how to conceptualize environmental and social challenges as spatial problems and provide the theoretical geographic background and analytical tools necessary for exploring these complex issues so as to develop creative solutions.

(2) Focus on our areas of strength. To advance and strengthen knowledge in geographic information and earth systems sciences, human geography and the intersection between social and biophysical environmental studies.

(3) Lead diversification. To serve as a center for advancing the careers of women and minorities in human geography, earth systems and geographic information sciences.

(4) Serve New York. To serve New York City's and New York State's needs for educated human geographers, earth systems scientists, GIS specialists and geography / earth science teachers. To support the development of geographic databases and analytic tools.  To provide policy relevant knowledge of environmental and socio-economic trends, conditions and dynamics to residents and decision makers so as to improve the well-being for all New Yorkers.