Geography Degrees and Jobs for Military and Veterans
According to Illinois State University, the study of geography "gives us an understanding of the world. It demonstrates how the physical and human systems on our planet work and connect to maintain life. Geographers possess specific and valuable skills to address the significant societal challenges facing our planet. ISU also notes that climate change, conflicts, and natural disasters all need the expertise of geographers."Mapping Out a Future Career in Geography
The Geography you knew as a kid was likely the memorization of locations, including countries, states, capital cities, and major physical landmarks. In fact, a Degree in Geography is so much more than mapping and memorizing. Geography is a diverse, dynamic, and exciting science that helps people to better understand the physical, cultural, and political aspects of Earth.What can you do with a Geography Degree?
A geographer’s comprehensive knowledge of natural and social sciences, paired with knowledge of patterns and predictions, leads to a wide variety of career opportunities, including:- Economics
- Education
- History
- International relations
- Cartography
- GIS
- Tourism
- Natural Resource Management
- Environmental Conservation
- International Development
- Urban Studies
- Regional Planning
Is a Geography Degree hard?
Geography examines where things are located on the Earth's surface, why they are located there, and how places are similar and different. Geographers examine people’s interaction with the environment and how physical and cultural landscapes change over time. Geography uses investigation and new technology to answer questions about Earth’s past and provide insights into the future.Some schools offer a certificate in geography in addition to traditional degree programs; these certificate options typically focus on a specific aspect of geography, such as mapping, population studies, or geographic information systems (GIS).
Is a Geography Degree worth it?
From a 2-year degree to graduate school, earning a degree in Geography offers opportunities in many specialties and career paths. With a Degree in Geography, there are many career options to choose from.Getting a Degree in Geography
There are 2 main branches of Geography:- Physical Geography - the processes that make up and result in the earth's climate, landforms, and the distribution of plants and animals
- Human Geography - focuses on cultural aspects such as population, development, agriculture, language, and religion.
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Associate Degree in Geography
An Associate Degree in Geography will cover one or both of the main branches of Geography and will prepare students for an entry-level career in the field. Students will also be academically prepared should they choose to continue their college career to earn a Bachelor’s Degree.Jobs with an Associate Degree in Geography
Surveying technician - Collect data and make maps of the Earth's surface. Median Annual Salary: $46,000.
Hydrologic TechnicianSupport scientists and engineers in exploring, extracting, and monitoring natural resources. Median Annual Salary: $51,000.
GI Bill-approved Schools Offering a Geography Associate Degree
Allan Hancock College
Offers an Associate in Arts in Geography. Allan Hancock College has GI Bill®approved programs, offers credit for military experience, and awards credit for the CLEP and DSST exams. Allan Hancock College is a MyCAA-approved school and is approved for Tuition Assistance.
Moorpark College
Offers an Associate in Arts in Geography. Moorpark College is a GI Bill-approved school and offers credit for military experience. Moorpark College is a MyCAA-approved school and is approved for Tuition Assistance.
Pasadena City College
Offers an Associate in Arts in Geography. Pasadena City College has GI Bill-approved programs, offers credit for military experience, and awards credit for the CLEP exam. Pasadena City College is a MyCAA-approved school and is approved for Tuition Assistance.
Bachelor’s in Geography
A Bachelor’s degree in Geography provides students with the foundations for academic and career success. In a comprehensive undergraduate program, Geography students will be able to:- effectively communicate a comprehensive understanding of geographic concepts and connections
- understand human influence upon the Earth’s physical environment
- compare and contrast demographic, cultural, and economic connections across the Earth
- recognize regional, physical, and cultural differences and similarities across the globe
- effectively use the methods and technologies used in geographic analysis (remote sensing, GIS, cartography, etc.)
Jobs with a Bachelor’s in Geography
- Research Assistant - Assist in laboratory, survey, and other research. May help prepare findings for publication and assist analysis, quality control, or data management. Median Annual Wage: $54,000.
- Surveyor - Make precise measurements to determine property boundaries. Median Annual Salary: $66,000.
- Cartographer - Collect, measure, and interpret geographic information in order to create and update maps and charts for regional planning, education, and other purposes. Median Annual Wage: $68,000.
GI Bill-approved Schools and Yellow Ribbon Schools Offering a Geography Bachelor’s Degree
Ready to start your Bachelor’s in Geography? Check out these great programs at our partner schools:Framingham State University
Offers a Bachelor’s in Geography. Framingham State University has GI Bill-approved programs, offers credit for military experience, is approved for Tuition Assistance, and awards credit for both the CLEP and DSST exams. Framingham State University is a MyCAA-approved school and participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program.
University of South Alabama
Offers a Bachelor’s in Geography. University of South Alabama has a GI Bill-approved program, offers credit for military experience, and awards credit for the CLEP exam. University of South Alabama is a MyCAA-approved school, is approved for Tuition Assistance, and participates in the Yellow Ribbon program.
Master’s in Geography
A graduate degree in Geography will help students further build their communication, research, and critical thinking skills.Students should be able to demonstrate their expert knowledge in both Physical and Human Geography, as well as choose at least one specialty field to focus on for their graduate studies.
Popular specialty fields of Geography include:
- Physical Geography
- Climatology
- Geomorphology
- Biogeography
- Arctic and alpine systems
- Hydrology
- Global change
- Human Geography
- Population
- Political
- Urban
- Social
- Cultural
- Human dimensions of environmental change
- Conservation behavior
- · Geographic Information Science (GIS)
- Cartography
- Remote sensing
Jobs with a Master’s in Geography
- Postsecondary Teacher - Instruct students in Geography courses beyond the high school level. Median Annual Salary: $80,000.
- Regional Planner - Develop land use plans and programs that help create communities, accommodate population growth, and revitalize physical facilities. Median Annual Salary: $76,000.
- Geographer - Study the Earth and the distribution of its land, features, and inhabitants. Median Annual Salary: $85,000.
GI Bill-approved Schools Offering a Master’s Degree in Geography
Ready to start your Master’s in Geography? Check out these programs at our partner schools:University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg
Offers a Master of Science in Geography and a Bachelor of Science in Geography. The University of Southern Mississippi offers GI Bill-approved programs, awards credit for military experience, and accepts credit for both the CLEP and DSST exams, as well as being approved for Tuition Assistance. The University of Southern Mississippi is a Yellow Ribbon school and a MyCAA-approved school.
A Doctoral Degree in Geography
Become the ultimate expert in the field! Students pursuing a Doctorate in Geography will possess a vast array of knowledge in the field, in addition to their chosen specialty, to become premier experts.Students pursuing a PhD in Geography are expected to become published experts in their chosen specialty.
Jobs with a PhD in Geography
- Postsecondary Education Administrator - Oversee student services, academics, and faculty research at colleges and universities. Median Annual Salary: $98,000.
- Author - Develop written content for various types of media on topics of Geography. Median Annual Salary: $122,000.
GI Bill-approved Schools and Yellow Ribbon Schools Offering a Geography Doctoral Degree
Ready to start your PhD in Geography? Check out these great programs at our partner schools:University of Arizona
Offers several Geography degrees, including a PhD in Geography and a PhD in Geography: Urban Planning Emphasis. The University of Arizona also offers a Master of Arts in Geography and several Bachelor’s in Geography including:
- BA in Geography
- BS in Geography: GIS Emphasis
- BS in Geography: Physical Geography Emphasis
- BS in Geography: Water, Environment, and Society Emphasis
The University of Arizona is a GI Bill-approved school, offers credit for military experience, and awards credit for both the CLEP and DSST exams. The University of Arizona is a Yellow Ribbon school and is approved for Tuition Assistance.
University of Colorado at Boulder
Offers a PhD in Geography, a Master of Arts in Geography, and a Bachelor of Arts in Geography. The University of Colorado Boulder also offers several certificates through its Geography department, including Undergraduate Certificates in:
- Artic Studies
- GIS
- Hydrology
And Graduate Certificates in:
- Development Studies
- Hydrological Sciences
- College Teaching (Geography)
- Population Studies
The University of Colorado Boulder offers GI Bill-approved programs, offers credit for military experience, and awards credit for the CLEP exam. It is also a MyCAA-approved school, is approved for Tuition Assistance, and proudly participates in the Yellow Ribbon program.
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