What Can You Do with a Geography Degree?

Geography is an exciting subject to pursue. It incorporates everything from climate change to deforestation, and urban development to overpopulation and a geography degree can lead to more career paths than you may have initially imagined.

The following guide will provide more details about what a degree in geography entails, what type of jobs are available, and the points to consider when selecting a college.

Should I become a geography major?

Do you want to escape the confinements of an office job? Do you want to play your part in solving global problems and making a difference to the world? If so, starting on the geography careers path makes a lot of sense.

A geography degree covers different interests. If you have an interest in the likes of socioeconomic concerns, environmental impacts due to resource allocation, or the effects of globalization, you can usually study a concentration covering these types of subjects in detail.

What can I do with a geography degree?

A geography degree, as mentioned above, can open the door to a wide selection of careers. Not only are these professional roles ones that can deliver high levels of job satisfaction, but they also present lucrative wages. Below are some common routes you can take following graduation with a bachelor’s.

Geographer

When it comes to jobs with a geography degree, this is one of the more obvious career paths you can take. A geographer is responsible for studying the likes of human impact on the environment, geomorphic processes, landscapes, and bodies of water. These professionals usually work for either scientific institutes or the government.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics revealed a geographer earns an average annual wage of $81,540. The job outlook for this role is not expected to change significantly between 2019 and 2029, which means it remains a steady position for the next decade or so.

Geoscientist

A geoscientist covers various subjects, including the examination of geomorphic mechanisms and soil composition, conducting field studies, and the development of maps. These professionals typically work for oil companies, engineering organizations, or agriculture organizations.

In 2019, a geoscientist landed a median yearly salary of $92,040. The Bureau of Labor Statistics notes this role is due to an increase in job positions, with the 2019-2029 outlook expecting a 5% growth.

Surveyor

A surveyor is tasked with collecting and analyzing data that relates to the earth’s surface. Their research is used by engineers, who then design basal structures or mines that are perfectly safe to use. Surveyors draft reports and draw maps as part of their work.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reveals these professionals received an annual wage of $63,420 in 2019. The job outlook for surveyors is also anticipating a 2% growth between 2019 and 2029.

Cartographer and photogrammetrist

A cartographer is responsible for compiling geographic data, which is then used to prepare, revise, and update maps. Photogrammetrists, on the other hand, set up aerial surveys and use spatial data to generate distance and elevation-based maps.

Cartographers and photogrammetrists received a median yearly salary of $65,470 in 2019. Research by the Bureau of Labor Statistics also reveals these positions are expected to grow by 4% between 2019 and 2029.

Professor

If you decide to advance in your studies and earn master’s and doctoral degrees, this can lead to a future career in teaching. If you reach the status of being a professor, you can conduct research and help to add further knowledge to your specialist field of geography.

A postsecondary teacher is listed by the Bureau of Labor Statistics as receiving a yearly $79,540 salary. The outlook for this position is also favorable, with 2019-2029 figures demonstrating a 9% increase in job opportunities.

How do you select the right college?

Are you happy with the geography careers on offer? Does the standard geography salary match up to your desires? If so, you will want to pursue a geography degree – and this means selecting the right college to earn this qualification.

There are many points to consider when deciding on the right educational institution. One of the most overlooked is the college’s campus. You want a campus that promotes a supportive environment for your studies, and also one which provides comfortable living quarters.

So how do you find out about the campus? One word: CampusReel. Featuring over 15,000 videos (and counting), CampusReel is a platform that is focused entirely on campus life. It utilizes content that is produced entirely by students, who can offer insights and tips that no formal guides can match.

Want to start watching countless hours of valuable footage? You can join CampusReel today for free.