Geography

Geography Degree
An education in geography can afford the degree seeker a diverse knowledge of the societies, environment, landscapes, and places that make up our world. Further, the topics studied in a geography degree provide a variety of skills and information that equip the student for a wide range of employment.

Geography Degree Description

An undergraduate geography degree is offered at a number of universities across the United States. Additionally, the top area for a geography college is said to be the United Kingdom as well. At any geography college, it is common to find bachelor’s degrees in general geography, as well as more specialized degrees human geography, physical geography, and environment and ecology. Further, many universities offer master’s work in geography, geography and archeology, and geography with environmental studies.

The geography course provides a wide variety of study involving both the Earth’s environment and human habitation. The geography college, therefore, will provide a unique blend of social science and humanities oriented learning, as well as earth science and physical study of the Earth’s surface. A geography course will not only allow the geography student to study the physical traits of places and regions, but also cultures, political systems, economies, and the links these concepts have with one another, looking at the world as an integrated system.

The geography course will also include the study of geographical systems, cartography, and topography. The student of geography can expect to take courses in concepts of geography, applied physical geography, spatial scales, the making of maps, environmental geography, issues of change and stability, and world regional geography.

Additionally, the geography course will include work in information technologies as it pertains to geographical information systems, computer based modeling, reading satellite imagery, and analytical approaches. Field work will also be a fundamental part of the geography degree.

Geography Careers
With such a diverse range of physical and social issues covered on a global level, it is not surprising that the geography degree holder can find employment in a wide variety of industries and positions. Of course, many students choose to stay with careers directly involved in the field of geography. These might include town planning, land and water management, tourism, conservation, social welfare, environmental consulting, surveying and mapmaking, and demography across the world.

While working within the geographical field may seem like the most logical choice for the degree seeker, a variety of careers are available outside the industry. The financial sector is a popular choice for the geographer, who may find work as financial analyst, bookkeeper, or actuary. The field of mathematics also provides many career choices including statistician or theoretical and/or applied mathematician. Additionally, many geographers choose to take their knowledge into education as geography and math teachers, among others.