Department of Geography

Welcome to Geography @ The Beach!

Our department is divided into four areas of emphasis which are reflected in our department faculty composition, research areas and curriculum:

What is Geography?

Geography focuses on the spatial organization of human and physical landscapes, the interactions between human society and the physical environment, as well as on the meanings that people bring to their place in the world. Geography sits at the nexus of the social and physical sciences, drawing from a range of theoretical and methodological approaches for understanding the world around us.

To find out more about our programs, please contact:

Department Chair & MSGISci Dir. Dr. Suzanne Perlitsh Wechsler
Department Coordinators: Jenny Sok Wisman and Leanne Johnson
Undergraduate Advisor: Dr. Linna Li
Book an Undergraduate Advising Appointment Advising Booking Calendar
Graduate Advisor: Dr. Gary Hytrek
GIS Lab Manager: Scott Winslow
Internship Program Director: Dr. Christine Jocoy

More than Maps!

CSULB Geography is a teaching-intensive, research-driven department with a strong tradition of service to the community at both local and international scales. We have established a national reputation as a productive and innovative geography program.

Geography @ CSULB is ranked #5 in California, #9 in the West and #29 in the USA. Geography alumni are among the highest wage earners in the College of Liberal Arts

Our undergraduate and graduate programs are the largest in the entire California State University (CSU) system where 17 of the 23 campuses offer Geography or GIS degrees. 

For information about what you can do with a degree in Geography, check out Jobs in Geography Learn What Jobs are Hot and What is New in Geospatial technology Also be sure to take a look at the American Association of Geographers (AAG) Jobs and Careers web page that focuses on current trends in employment in the various fields of physical and human geography. 

CSULB Geography Department Statement of Solidarity