Can you major in geography

Find information on employers in environment and agriculture , energy and utilities , and other job sectors. By studying geography, you'll gain an insight into a range of practical, social, economic and environmental issues. Geography offers the opportunity to tackles some of the most important issues facing modern society, from climate change and natural disasters, to overpopulation and urban expansion.

In addition to core geographic skills, for example field work and the use of specialist equipment, preparing maps and diagrams and using social survey and interpretative methods, you'll also develop a range of key skills that are relevant to many jobs and sectors. Some geography degrees, such as those focused on population geography, will mix human geography with quantitative analysis methods. These degrees will provide you with quantitative skills which are rare among the social sciences and are sought after, particularly in careers in which social research skills are key.

Some geographers opt to specialise in an area from their undergraduate degree by completing postgraduate study. Areas you could specialise in include geographical information systems, remote sensing, environmental conservation, environmental management, oceanography, coastal and marine management, meteorology or water resources.

Studying a business or management postgraduate course is another option. For more information on further study and to find a course that interests you, see Masters degrees and search postgraduate courses in geography. Four of the top five jobs held by geography graduates, employed in the UK, include business associate professionals, seconday education teaching professionals, environment professionals and marketing associate professionals.

For a detailed breakdown of what geography graduates are doing 15 months after graduation, see What do graduates do? Jobs and work experience Search graduate jobs Job profiles Work experience and internships Employer profiles What job would suit me? Job sectors Apprenticeships Working abroad Gap year Self-employment. Search postgraduate courses Funding postgraduate study Universities and departments Study abroad Conversion courses Law qualifications.

Editorial Listing ShortCode:. Geography majors sometimes become geographers—scientists who study the Earth and its people groups. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, geographers most often work for the government or architectural and engineering firms. Not every geography major becomes a geographer, though. Some students specialize in a particular scientific field, such as atmospheric, soil, or environmental science.

Others choose to pursue urban planning, surveying, or mapmaking roles. Nearly all of these lines of work will make use of the research and data-analysis skills learned in a geography program. Leadership roles in these fields may require experience or advanced degrees, but there are a number of entry-level opportunities for those who have recently graduated. Working as a technician can provide starting experience. Example roles include environmental protection, surveying, mapping, and agricultural science technicians.

There are many different careers in geography that graduates consider after earning a college degree in this field. Professionals may have jobs related to land or sky, cities or wilderness, fieldwork or office work. Professionals who create or update maps are known as cartographers.

This job can involve using surveying reports and imaging tools to collect data on a region. Cartographers use the data to develop maps or other visual representations of a geographic area. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, cartographers often work for government agencies.

A geography major who is interested in the ways that climate affects people and places might consider a career in atmospheric science. Some atmospheric scientists study current conditions, and others look for clues to learn more about historical weather patterns. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, atmospheric science is one of the top-paying roles for geography majors. They can analyze zoning regulations or review development proposals.

Urban planners work in cities, but there are also regional planners who oversee larger areas, such as counties. Geographers can apply their knowledge of the Earth to help find solutions to environmental issues. Environmental scientists and specialists collect data and use it to solve problems. They may prepare reports or advise policymakers. The Bureau of Labor Statistics says that environmental specialists often work for consulting firms, government agencies, or engineering organizations.

Doctoral students then write a dissertation, which they defend before their advisor and a faculty committee. Several career paths in geography require or strongly prefer candidates with a doctorate. Academic professionals, particularly tenured professors, often hold a Ph. Administrative roles in academia also typically prefer candidates with a doctorate and experience as a professor. Geography professors teach courses in their specialization at community colleges, four-year colleges, and universities.

They design syllabi to educate students on geography, assess student learning, and mentor undergraduate and graduate learners studying geography.

Many geography professors also conduct research and publish their work in academic journals. GIS managers supervise the operation of GIS workers who produce geographical data using specialized computer systems. They coordinate and manage computer programs, create GIS applications, conduct training sessions for staff, and oversee the budget.

GIS managers often hold a graduate degree in geography or a closely related field. Also known as postsecondary educational administrators, provosts and deans conduct academic business for a college or university. The provost supports the president by overseeing the budget, developing academic policies, and approving faculty appointments.

Academic deans often head a division or college, managing faculty members and setting the budget for academic departments. Both positions typically require a Ph. Most careers for a geography major require either a bachelor's degree or a master's degree for entry-level work. Advancement can bring better job titles, better pay, and more responsibility in the workplace.

Below, readers can find more information about advancing their careers in geography. The following sections explain certification and licensure, continuing education opportunities, and benefits of joining a professional organization. Some geography professionals advance their career through certification or licensure.

Certification typically comes from a professional organization and is optional, while licensure typically comes from the government and is mandatory for certain positions. Geographers, for example, do not need licensure, but many geographers pursue certification from the GIS Certification Institute to demonstrate their proficiency. Urban and regional planners can seek certification from the American Institute of Certified Planners.

New Jersey requires these professionals to hold licensure, though most states do not. Both certification and licensure may require candidates to pass a test and complete continuing education courses for renewal, as most licenses and certificates expire after a few years.

Professionals may also need to pay a fee when they register for the first time or renew. Geography professionals can consider several types of continuing education for career advancement, including earning a second degree, completing a certificate program, or taking an online course. Geography professionals who work in entry-level positions that only require a bachelor's degree may choose to earn a graduate degree or certificate.

Many colleges offer certificate programs, which typically take a year or less to complete. These programs can provide useful skills and knowledge about new theories and practices in geography. Colleges also offer online courses on specific topics and issues.

These short classes allow geography professionals to gain new skills and stay current in their field. See the resources section to learn more about these options.

Geography professionals can seek advice, resources, and jobs through professional organizations. These groups bring together professionals in geography-related fields to share ideas and resources. Both students and working professionals can become members. Geography professionals can explore organizations like the American Association of Geographers , the American Geographical Society , and the Society of Women Geographers.

These organizations provide resources such as continuing education courses and workshops. They also offer online journals and research on emerging geography technology and techniques.

Professional organizations also host networking events such as conferences. Networking gives professionals the chance to meet with their peers, find solutions to common problems, and learn about new job opportunities. Geography professionals seeking a career change to a different job within the same field do not typically need to earn another degree unless their new job requires more advanced education. In most cases, professionals changing careers within geography only need specialized training or certification for their new job.

Professionals coming from other fields may need to earn another degree. These individuals should especially consider going back to school if their new job requires a graduate degree.

Professionals coming from other fields should also strongly consider earning certification from a geography-related professional organization. Geography professionals can find jobs all across the country with employers such as the federal government or colleges and universities. Below, readers can learn about the top industries for careers with a geography degree. According to the BLS , the federal government, colleges and universities, state governments, and architectural and engineering firms employ the most geography professionals.

In the following section, readers can explore each of these industries in greater detail. This industry provides jobs in urban planning and development. Surveyors can also find work with the federal government. Professionals interested in consulting or lobbying should consider this industry. Geographers can find careers as postsecondary teachers at colleges, universities, and professional schools. These professionals plan curricula, teach classes, conduct research, and publish scholarly works.

State governments provide work for geographers as urban planning and development specialists or surveyors. Geographers help develop cities and survey tracts of land before construction commences. Architectural and engineering organizations hire geographers to help them survey land for future building projects.

Geography professionals can provide detailed maps of the land and point out any potential problem areas. Professionals in this industry examine plots of land, provide consulting services to construction companies, and conduct scientific research to advance the field of geography. This industry includes both desk and field jobs. Geography students and professionals should make use of professional organizations and open courseware.

These resources help geography professionals stay current on new theories and technology in the industry. Below, readers can find more information about professional organizations, publications, and free courses in geography.

American Association of Geographers : This nonprofit organization includes members in more than countries. Founded in , the AAG focuses on networking and facilitating discussion between geography professionals. The association's website offers publications and an annual conference for members. American Geographical Society : AGS promotes advancement in geographic knowledge across business, government, and academia.

The organization focuses on education and research, especially research that creates sound public policy and national security. Members gain access to several online publications and a geography podcast. National Council for Geographic Education : This national organization focuses on geographic education at all levels. NCGE offers professional development opportunities and advocates for more geography education in schools.

The council offers annual conferences, educational programs, publications, and webinars. The Association of Pacific Coast Geographers : The APCG provides conferences for geography professionals, along with grants and scholarships for marginalized groups of students studying geography.

Members can access digital newsletters and scholarly publications. Society of Women Geographers : SWG provides international membership for women in geography interested in exploration, research, and the intellectual exchange of ideas. The organization boasts about members across 28 different countries and encourages regular meetings to support networking and idea sharing. The SWG offers fellowships for students writing dissertations and for minority groups.

Members can also win awards for outstanding contributions to their field. Maps and the Geospatial Revolution — Pennsylvania State University: This hour course explores the advancement of geospatial technology and how it changed the world.