Geography majors study everything on the Earth, from the land and water masses, to their distinguishing features, to the very creatures who inhabit it.
If everything about this planet interests you, then a career in geography may be a great fit for you. The geography field is broad and offers a wide variety of careers to choose from. From studying the Earth’s composition, to recommending zoning restrictions, to predicting the impact of the next natural disaster, the possibilities for a career in geography are endless.
About That Geography Degree
There are two disciplines that geography is divided into: human geography and physical geography. Human geography is the study of people, places, and cultures. Physical geography focuses on the natural environment. As a major, students are taught a variety of useful skills that open a number of career paths.
You will help examine political and cultural structures as they relate to geography. Using your research skills, you will help governments and businesses plan where to build homes and roads, respond to disasters, and develop marketing strategies. The computer, research, and analytic skills you’ll be taught as a geography major will be valued by many potential employers.
Education
Geography is considered a science and it’s closely related to earth science, sociology, and anthropology. Depending on whether you choose to study human or physical geography will determine which college courses you’ll take. In some instances, you can learn about both before you choose your specialization. You’ll also be able to graduate with a bachelor of arts or science in geography.
You can find many careers with a bachelor’s degree, but master’s degree can open up even more opportunity. Here are the steps to take toward a career in geography:
- Graduate from high school.
- Go after a bachelor’s degree. Participate in the field trips, join your college geography club, and learn all about the various relevant computer programs.
- Get an internship, and really learn the geographic information systems (GIS) because you’ll need to really know it for future employment.
- To get a job outside of the federal government, you’ll need a graduate degree. This should take one to two years.
- Really focus on your research skills during this time. It’s going to be something you’ll do a lot of during your career.
- Get a job to gain experience.
- It’s always a wise idea to join a professional organization.
- Certifications are voluntary yet highly recommended and usually preferred by employers. Because most positions will require you to be extremely proficient in GIS, you can get a certification through the GIS Certification Institute.
Specializations You Can Choose From
Geography is a broad field. Every aspect of it tries to find answers to explain the world we live in plus everything in it. You’ll explore the impact factors have on both the physical and human elements. Within the field, there are a few specialties you can decide to focus on while in college. These specializations will prepare you for a varied set of careers after school.
TYPES OF CAREERS WITH A DEGREE IN GEOGRAPHY
Geography is considered to be one of the most versatile degrees, as you can pursue many different jobs with this degree. Use your specialized knowledge to find a job under one of these umbrella careers:
- Geographer
Once you go through a geography program and have your bachelor’s and master’s degree, you’ll be qualified to work as a geographer. You will study the planet and pretty much every aspect involving it, from the way land is distributed, to the population, to the political and cultural structures.
- Cartographer
With your degree in geography and your proficient knowledge of the Geographic Information System and web-based mapping technologies, you can become a cartographer. Depending on which state you are employed in, you may need to be a licensed surveyor, as well. You’ll collect data, create a visual representation of the data, such as a map, and prepare it for mass usage.
- Urban Planner
Chances are, you’ll find a job with the local government where you’ll help come up with best use ideas for available land. You might recommend locations, zoning regulations, and other planning details that minimize the environmental impact.
- Geoscientist
You will study the physical aspects of the Earth and other planets to learn more about their past, present, and future. You analyze aspects such as the composition, structure, and processes.
You could also use your geography degree to go into teaching or academia, where you can share your passion of the subject with a captured audience of malleable minds.
GEOGRAPHY DEGREE ONLINE
For many students, online classes make much more sense than the traditional classroom route. Online school may not always be the less expensive alternative, but for students that work full time or have other obligations, the flexible schedule makes going to school reachable. Plus, you may be able to save money by living at home as opposed to being in a dorm. Most of the online programs can be completed entirely online, but you may have to find your own internship.
There are quite a few online geography degree programs where you can earn your bachelor’s degree. There are some master’s programs as well, with the Master of Geographic Information Systems or Science programs being the easiest to locate. Just make sure that whatever program you choose, whether it’s online or physical, that it’s accredited.