We all have spent lots of time exploring hidden and forbidden places in our childhood. Back then, nothing could beat the adventurous thrill of exploration.
However, some of us may have dropped that habit like a hot stone while growing up.
But that doesn't mean everyone is in that same boat because most people take this adventurous trait into their adult lives.
If you are one of those people, then the field of geography must be calling your name.
As a geography major in the USA, you will get multiple chances to show off your skills and put your education to good use.
Moreover, selecting geography as a career is very advantageous because it is growing in popularity with each passing year. So, there is no way your hard-earned degree will go to waste.
Let's take a look at what a career in geography is like.
What Do Geographers Do?
Geographers study the Earth, its distribution, features, and inhabitants using maps and global positioning systems. They also learn the characteristics of human-inhabited and natural lands.
Another duty of geographers is to gather geographical data through field observations, maps, photographs, and satellite imagery to research changes occurring on the planet.
Careers For Geography Majors
Have you found yourself thinking, 'what can you do with a geography degree?' Well, there is a whole list of careers that geography majors can choose from. See for yourself.
Environmental Consultant
As a geography degree holder, you can become an environmental consultant to ensure that governmental and commercial clients strictly follow environmental regulations.
In this role, you will examine a specified area to identify whether the land, water, and air are polluted or not.
As an environmental consultant, you can work for the private or government sector. This career path is very beneficial for your personal growth and the environment.
Cartographer
As a cartographer, you will create multiple types of maps, diagrams, charts, spreadsheets, and travel guides. In addition, you will also restore old maps and historical documents to a readable form.
The field of cartography is broad and flexible so that you can work in:
- Publishing companies
- Government department
- Surveying for mapmaking
- Land conservation
If you hold a postgraduate degree or experience in mapmaking, you can easily find a job as a cartographer.
Teacher
You can also become a part of one of the noblest professions – teaching.
With your geography degree, you can share your passion with future geographers while teaching them about the environment and physical formations of the Earth.
As a teacher, your responsibilities will be to take classes, plan lessons, take tests, create exam papers, and grade papers.
So, become a teacher and share your knowledge from climate change to environmental preservation with your future peers.
Tutor
If you want to teach but want a flexible and less stressful schedule, you can enroll yourself as a tutor. There are two types of tuition, physical and online.
You can choose the one that better suits your routine. However, it can be challenging to provide tuition during the pandemic physically. Thus, most people are opting to become online tutors.
Town Planner
You can also work with the state government and become a town planner. In your town planner duties, you will not only manage and develop towns.
Your responsibilities will further expand to planning cities, villages, and rural areas.
Your analytical skills and environmental knowledge will be put to the test in improving structures, finding solutions for environmental problems, and developing new environmental policies.
A big part of the town planner's job is to look after the needs of businesses and local communities while ensuring they are using sustainable products for environmental preservation.
Geospatial Analyst
Geospatial analysts take geographical data and convert it into digital form. The main reason for this process is to notice what fundamental changes have occurred in the specified area over a period.
In addition, you will also analyze aerial imagery to translate the things located on the ground into digital data.
Landscape Architect
You can also shift yourself into the architecture field with your geography degree. The landscape architect's job is a perfect fit for you to show your creative side while saving the environment.
As a landscape architect, you will design aesthetically pleasing open spaces while focusing on making them environment-friendly and sustainable.
So, if you have a postgraduate degree in architecture, you can apply for this position.
How Much Do Geographers Earn?
If you have second thoughts about choosing geography as a career because of money, stop worrying right now.
Because if you search geography salaries on Google, you will find that geographers earn more than most other professionals. The geographer salaries vary according to their chosen field.
However, the median of their compensation is above 85 thousand dollars per year. So, if earnings stop you from enrolling in a geography degree program, you can rest those worries to peace.
What Do Geography Majors Study?
The majority of geography fields are also associated with social sciences.
The primary purpose of these courses is to teach interaction between the environment and humans and how this interaction affects the planet.
So, if you don't know what do geographers study, these are the main subjects:
- Physical geography
- Human geography
- Geospatial representation
- Geospatial analysis
- Environment and society geography
- Geographic information science
- Cartography
Physical Geography
In physical geography, one explores the shape, spatial patterns, components of the Earth's surface, and Earth's habitants.
Human Geography
This geography branch deals with humans and their interaction with different cultures, communities, and economies. In addition, human geographers study human relations with various locations.
Geospatial Representation
In this field, geographers learn how to rightly convey geoinformation to other people, mainly in the form of maps.
Geospatial Analysis
In geospatial analysis, data is gathered and displayed by manipulating imagery collected from GRPS, satellite photography, and historical data. This field is interconnected with geospatial representation.
Environment And Society Geography
Students study the connection and outcome of a social system with the natural system in environmental and societal geography.
Geographic Information Science
It is the study of methods used for collecting, storing, managing, analyzing, and visualizing present geographical data.
Cartography
Cartography is the art of presenting geographical information through maps or charts.
Is The Geography Field Suitable For You?
As a student that has to make the big decision of their future with selecting your major, it is perfectly understandable to feel overwhelmed and second guess yourself.
However, if you want to pursue your passion and choose geography as a career, these are the traits you need to have:
- Enjoy making digital maps
- Interested in learning about the environment and its changes
- Want to discover hidden meanings of the Earth to make connections between them
- Have an interest in social sciences
- Passionate about working on global challenges and climate changes
- Like to work with multiple tools to collect data and use it to create pictures of different places
If you have all or most of these interests, then geography as a career is the right choice to make for your future.
Colleges Offering Geography Major Courses
Multiple well-known colleges in America are offering major geography courses. However, it would be best to gather information on the best ones before deciding.
Here are the best colleges offering geography courses:
1. University Of Pennsylvania
University of Pennsylvania (UPenn) is one of the first choices for students pursuing a degree in geography and cartography.
UPenn is located in Philadelphia, and it is a not-for-profit private college. It has a significant student count and ranks 13 on the list of best colleges nationwide.
The highest degree type they offer is a master's degree.
2. Johns Hopkins University
The 3rd most popular university in Maryland offers bachelor's and master's degree programs in geography and cartography. Many students choose this college to complete their geo education.
3. Dartmouth College
Dartmouth College is one of the most popular colleges offering geography and cartography degree programs.
As a future geography student, you need to check out this school as it ranks 6th on the list of best colleges nationwide.
Moreover, Dartmouth only offers a bachelor's degree program, so this is the perfect platform to step into your favorite field.
4. University Of Chicago
University of Chicago, Illinois, offers a bachelor's program for geography and cartography. It is one of the finest options for geography major students as it ranks 7th right alongside Dartmouth college.
5. Middlebury College
Middlebury is also a fantastic college that offers a geography and cartography bachelor's course. It is situated in Middlebury and is a great college choice for future geography candidates.
These are five of the best colleges you should check out if you want to pursue geography as a career.
However, if you're looking for something else, don't think you have to limit yourself to only these schools.
Pursue Your Dream Of Becoming A Geographer!
You can make your dream of becoming a good geographer true, but the path to it can be a little challenging.
As geography is not an easy subject, it is better to take additional help from a private geography tutor. And if you are having a problem finding a good geography tutor, we also have a solution for you.
Superprof is the right solution for this problem. Superprof finds and connects you with every great online geography tutor in your area.
This way, you find a geography tutor that is highly qualified and also matches your learning pace.
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