Physical Geography

The Department of Geography and Sustainability conducts research in multiple areas of Physical Geography: Biogeography, Climate and Environmental History, Geomorphology and Soils, and Human-Environment Interaction and Water Resources.

GIST Program

Geographic Information Science and Technology (GIST) uses the power of location to answer questions and solve problems. GIST combines data management, data science, data visualization, and geography all in one. This GIST program provides a core foundation in spatial thinking, while giving students the practical, hands-on experience to become adept spatial science practitioners across business in public, private, and nonprofit organizations, as well as academic research.

Our students closely work with world-class faculty members in a dynamic and collaborative environment on projects funded by federal and state agencies, such as National Science Foundation, U.S. Census, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and Tennessee Department of Transportation. The program has a unique connection with the GIST Group at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) and with joint faculty members.

Human Geography

The Department of Geography and Sustainability conducts research in multiple areas of Human Geography: Transportation, Technology, and Society; Race/Ethnicity, Identity, and Social Justice; Cities, Urban Economies, and Trade; and Globalization, Regional Analysis and Synthesis.

Sustainability

Sustainability engages students in a systems approach to understanding the interconnections between society and the environment. The Sustainability Program provides students with an overview while allowing students to focus on areas of interest such as environmental sustainability, sustainable development, or sustainability and policy.