Welcome to Geography, Environment, and Planning (GEP)
Where Applied STEM meets the Social Sciences to solve environmental problems
We study human-environment relationships from around world with the goal of helping to solve local, regional and global environmental problems.
To address environmental challenges, it is critical to have a deep understanding of both natural and human systems (and their interactions) in different ecological, economic, political and cultural contexts. GEP students learn key fundamentals about environmental science and policy, and they develop practical skills as they use tools of the trade in lab and field courses. GEP faculty teach and conduct research in many different areas of specialization within the environmental field.
Our location in Sonoma County and the greater Bay Area places us at the doorstep of many living-laboratory ecosystems as well as an urban environment of more than 11 million people.
Learn more below about our three majors and two minor programs.
Follow us:
Earth System Science, Conservation & Restoration
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Environmental Policy & Management
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Energy Management & Green Construction
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Geospatial Modeling & Analysis; Environmental Remote Sensing
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Urban, Transportation & Environmental Planning
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Economic Development & Sustainability
The Department of GEP at Sonoma State is an excellent place to pursue environmental studies, environmental science, spatial data science, energy management and planning.
Our focus on Environmental Systems prepares students for careers in land management, conservation & restoration, and resource management.
Students focusing on Geospatial Analysis are prepared to enter fields such as natural resource and agricultural management, environmental consulting, data science, and regional and conservation planning.
Students pursuing careers in urban, regional, transportation and environmental planning develop their expertise through our Urban Studies and Planning focus.
Our focus in Energy Management & Design prepares students for careers in fields such as green construction and energy services.
Students interested environmental policy, natural resource management, and economic development typically choose our Society, Environment & Development focus.
GEP students often work with faculty on their research projects. Through these experiences, they develop practical and technical skills that can help launch their careers or pursue graduate school.
Sonoma County is a great place to study human-environment relationships.
It is a policy incubator for initiatives such as urban growth boundaries, groundwater management, geothermal and solar energy projects, sustainable agriculture, wildland conservation, forest management, ecotourism and mass transit.
SSU lies in the middle of a natural biodiversity hotspot – surrounded by redwood forests, coastal prairies, oak savannas, wetlands and beaches.
Students work and study in these places through field classes, internships and volunteer opportunities.
GEP is home to the Minor in Sustainability
This minor explores sustainability in many different ways, considering environmental systems, environmental stewardship and environmental justice.
GEP is home to the Global Studies Major
This degree is an excellent option for students seeking a holistic, interdisciplinary, and global perspective on social and environmental challenges.