Geography Degrees

What is a Geography Degree?

Climbing Mount Everest, spelunking in Central American caves, hiking the Grand Canyon—these are some of the activities people participate in because of our planet's geography. There are many different geographical features that make our home planet interesting. If they interest you, a degree in geography could be right for you.


By earning a degree in Geography, you are most likely working towards a job as a geographer. Geographers study the earth and its mountains, plateaus, plains, valleys and everything in-between. Not only that, some geographers study the cultures that reside in those areas to better understand how landforms impact societal development. There is a variety of specialties in the geography field. Which one interests you most?
 

• Physical Geographer—studies the physical landforms of a region.
• Cultural Geographer—studies the people of a region and how they relate to their environment.
• Economic Geographer—studies the resources of a region.
• Political Geographer—studies how the physical environment impacts the politics of an area.
• Urban Geographer—studies cities and metropolitan areas.
• Transportation Geographer—studies how the land impacts highways, train rails, and traffic.
• Regional Geographer—studies entire continents and large scale geographical impacts of different landforms.
• Medical Geographer—studies how the environment affects health.

Every field of geographical study incorporates technology into their work. To be a successful geographer, you will need to be adept at using technology to amplify your effectiveness in the workplace. Also, logical thinking, objectivity, communication skills, and perseverance will all be very important to your success.


Geographers usually work in an office or university for a typical 40-hour workweek. Geographers have been reported to make $72,800 a year on average, according to the Bureau of Labor Services. The Bureau of Labor Statistics also expects the geography field to grow by 22% by 2018, so there will be plenty of opportunities for geographers in the future.


Apply now to learn more about the planet on which we live!