Geography-Anthropology

Program Type
Undergraduate Major
Degree
Bachelor of Art (BA)
Modes of Study
Blended;In person

Tuition & fees

Costs include tuition, fees, & other costs such as books. New England residents may qualify for a tuition break. See cost details

Financial aid

On average, 92% of enrolled students who file a FAFSA receive an offer. 91% of offers include scholarships, grants, waiver, and/or work-study. Explore aid

Program duration

Typical completion time: 4 years. Flexible options may save time. Explore options

Admissions

SAT & ACT scores optional. Early action & year-round admissions. View application process & deadlines

Program highlights

  • Tailor the major to your interests and career goals: Choose to specialize in Applied Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Geospatial Analysis; Cultural and Natural Heritage Management; or Sustainable Cultures and Communities.
  • Gain hands-on experience through assistantships and fellowships funded by organizations like the National Science Foundation, NASA, and the Maine Space Grant Consortium.
  • Prepare for a wide range of careers in archaeology, cultural resource management, ecology, emergency management, environmental and urban planning, geology, policy, and more.
  • Study in state-of-the-art facilities, including three archaeology laboratories and three Geographic Information Systems (GIS) laboratories.
  • Present research projects at esteemed conferences — and even co-author research published in industry journals.
  • Build community and grow professionally by joining the Geography-Anthropology Student Association (GASA).

Expected career outcomes

Three students set up equipment in a grassy field.

Fieldwork opportunities

Field education is the backbone of our Geography-Anthropology program. You’ll engage in case studies as well as intensive field and lab research through assistantships and fellowships funded by organizations like the National Science Foundation, Maine Space Grant Consortium, and NASA.

Choose from three specialization options

Applied GIS & Geospatial Analysis

This track is for students interested in developing skills in GIS, remote sensing and geospatial analysis. You’ll be prepared for roles in construction, engineering, energy, environmental & land use planning, real estate development, and surveying.

Cultural & Natural Heritage Management

This track is for students seeking roles involving the conservation, management, and sustainable development of archaeological, cultural, urban, rural and environmental resources. Graduates are prepared for consulting, planning and policy, archival work, and more.

Sustainable Cultures & Communities

This track is for students interested in developing skills for roles involving community and sustainable development, non-profit work, intercultural development work, and city and regional planning. You’ll graduate ready to make an immediate impact on your community.

An aerial view of our Portland campus and the East End of the Portland peninsula.

Actively engaged faculty

Our widely published faculty cover a diverse range of subjects and expertise, including indigenous communities in North America; forensic anthropology; and Wabanaki culture, history, and resilience.

A student in a graduation cap and gown gazes upward.

Scholarship opportunities

Scholarships offer valuable financial aid that doesn’t need to be repaid. You’ll be automatically considered for Merit Scholarships when you apply for admission by the deadline. Additional opportunities are available.

Three students walk down the sidewalk of our Portland campus on a sunny day.

Considering transferring to USM?

We welcome students who are transferring from another four-year university or community college. Our knowledgeable Admissions Counselors will help you to navigate the admissions and credit-transfer process.

A rocky river with mountains in the background and, bordered by tree with autumn-colored leaves.

Do you live in New England?

You may be eligible for a reduced tuition rate, as part of the NEBHE Tuition Break Program.

Check eligibility
A student walks their bike on a sidewalk toward a campus map.

Looking ahead to graduate school?

Our Accelerated Graduate Pathways to our Policy, Planning, and Management master’s program and to the University of Maine School of Law can save you time and money in earning your graduate degree.

Students and a teacher look at fossils together.

State-of-the-art facilities

Put theory-to-practice in one of our three archaeology laboratories or three Geographic Information Systems (GIS) laboratories. You’ll also have access to the extensive and remarkable map collections of the Osher Map Library and Smith Center for Cartographic Education.

A group of students sit in a circle in the grass outside of the McGoldrick Center for Career and Student Success.

Student-run organization

Join the Geography-Anthropology Student Association (GASA) to further expand your academic and professional experiences, attend annual meetings and conferences, and plan activities for the public.

You may also be interested in…
Next steps

Our helpful admissions counselors are here to answer your questions about the admissions process, our academic programs, and student support services. We also invite you to explore the many ways to visit campus or to engage with us through online experiences.

Get info
Visit
Apply