Geography Major
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 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.
Physical
Environment |
Biography |
Cultural
Geography |
Globalization |
People
and the Earth's Ecosystems |
Statistical
Methods for Social Sciences |
World
Vegetation |
Principles
of Geomorphology |
Applied
Climatology |
Forest
Ecosystems |
|
|
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What Types of Positions do Geography
Majors Take After College?
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.
Geographer |
Surveyor |
Economic
Development Analyst |
Hydrogeologist
(Consulting) |
Map
Maker (Cartographer) |
Aerial
Photo Interpreter |
Zoning
Inspector |
Water
Conservation Planner |
|
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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Related Links
If you are interested in learning more
about what professionals in this field do and what kinds
of activities they engage in, you might want to begin
with the following web sites. Also check the departmental
web sites of colleges and universities, which offer this
major.
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University Departments to Consider
The following institutions are the featured
institutions on MyMajors because they support MyMajors
and you in your search for the best major available. They
offer excellent curriculums in well-rounded programs for
you to consider.
Other fine institutions offering this
major offer excellent programs to consider.
For information on options available
to campuses wishing to see their majors listed
on MyMajors, contact: admin@mymajors.com for details. |
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Two-Year College Curriculums to
Consider
Suggest to your two-year college
advisor that their institution's majors be included
to show you their course requirements and unique
resources. Two-year college representatives should
contact admin@mymajors.com for details. |
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Want
More Information? Look at major descriptions prepared
by university academic advisement staffs.
Geography Major
