Geography

Geography

Department of Geography, Planning, & Sustainability

The Department of Geography Planning & Sustainability (GPS) is a dynamic department composed of our faculty, staff, and students. Our faculty are an energetic group who value both student learning and innovative scholarly and applied research.

The Department currently has about 175 majors spread among our degree programs in Geography, Environmental & Sustainability Studies, Geographic Information Science, and Community and Environmental Planning, and the Accelerated Dual Degree programs in Environmental & Sustainability Studies with the Master's in Business Administration and Community and Environmental Planning with the Master’s of Science in Urban and Regional Planning.

The Department of Geography Planning & Sustainability is located in Discovery Hall, Room 218.

GPS launched its new Master of Science in Urban and Regional Planning in Fall 2020. This program offers comprehensive education in sustainable planning and policy, geographic information science, and community planning and site design. 

Learn more about our faculty, our academic programs, and our research through our department website. And, feel free to get in touch!

Apply now!

An aerial view of a modern four-story building featuring a prominent teal glass facade and a sleek silver and grey exterior, situated on a city corner

Academic Programs

The Department of Geography, Planning & Sustainability offers several major, minor, and certificate programs that integrate both the theory and practice of environmental problem-solving. Our programs blend academic understanding with applied tools to help students develop solutions to environmental issues while developing strong critical thinking, writing, and project management skills.

News

Sean Olcese presents his research in a striped shirt

GPS Graduate Students Win Awards at Rowan’s Research Day 2026

Rowan GPS students Sean Olcese and Nicole Abbott won top awards for their research posters at the 2026 Research Day.

Photography of faculty member Qian He

SJIPH awards $350,000 for regional research

A multicounty assessment of health care infrastructure vulnerability in South Jersey, lead by Qian He, School of Earth & Environment

A new plan aims to turn Atlantic City's vacant homes into opportunities

A new plan aims to turn Atlantic City's vacant homes into opportunities

Rowan students, led by professor Mahbubar Meenar, are analyzing vacant properties in Atlantic City’s Chelsea neighborhood.