Geography Major

• What is Geography?
• What Kinds of Students Major in Geography?
• What Courses Do Geography Majors Take?
• List of Geography Jobs
• What is the Median Salary Range for Geography Careers?
• College and University Departments to Consider

What is Geography?

Geography relates the study of Earth to social, political, and economic development. It is a broad major that requires that students take courses in economics, history and politics, as well as in geography. A field in and of itself, geography has many subdivisions as well such as cultural geography, geomorphology, and many others. Math and science are critical to all geographers as essential tools to learning and practicing this profession. One focus of study is urban and regional systems, which covers such topics as the dynamics of regional change, urban growth and decline, metropolitan land use, population change, urban politics, and local economic development. Spatial analysis methodology is another focus which considers cartographic (mapping) methodologies. Another specialization is in atmospheric and climatic studies, which includes the study of atmospheric behavior over time and in different parts of the Earth.

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What Kinds of Students Major in Geography?

While some aspects of geography overlap with those of geology, geography students tend to be have a broader view of how weather, geology, biology and other influences affect a wide area. Students in this major generally enjoy working outdoors and in the field? itself. City planners tour their area of assignment as a matter of daily course, and geographers generally are found outside taking measurements and tests. In the classroom, a proficiency in math and the sciences are highly useful, and are essential skills for geography students and professionals alike. Majors with a bent toward computing may wish to take advantage of geographic information systems options, which focus on computerized mapping.

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What Courses Do Geography Majors Take?

The required and elective courses you would take for Geography majors vary considerably among institutions. Courses are listed here that are illustrative of the breadth of topics you are likely to experience were you to major in this field.

Statistical Methods for Social Sciences	Applied Climatology
Biography	Cultural Geography
Forest Ecosystems	Globalization
People and the Earth's Ecosystems	Physical Environment
Principles of Geomorphology	World Vegetation

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List of Potential Jobs in Geography

These professions and professional organizations illustrate the types of positions you might qualify for if you complete this major. Some majors are more directly related to employment than others, however. You should consider the likelihood of employment after graduation carefully, if you do not plan to go on for graduate work in a field. Even with the completion of graduate work in some fields, however, employment is difficult, so you should determine what the prospects are for this or any major. Employment possibilities are often enhanced by the selecting employment-related courses and by the enrollment in second major or in a minor.

Aerial Photo Interpreter	Economic Development Analyst
Geographer	Hydrogeologist (Consulting)
Map Maker (Cartographer)	Surveyor
Water Conservation Planner	Zoning Inspector

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What is the Median Salary Range for Geography Careers?

U.S. Median Salary(starting):$40,400

U.S. Median Salary(mid-career):$69,300

Note: These numbers are national averages so you could make more or less than these amounts. Actual expected salaries will vary depending on your chosen career path, experience, and even your geographic location. Are you interested in detailed information about the forecasted demand for a particular profession? Are you interested in the estimated salaries such positions are likely to pay? This government Web site allows you to search on a particular job, whether listed here or not, to give you this information.

Bureau of Labor Statistics

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Colleges and Universities offering majors in Geography

MyMajors complete list has 370 schools in the USA with a major in Geography.
-View the national listing!

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