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Geography Degrees and Jobs for Military and Veterans

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 have specific and valuable skills to tackle important 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 of countries, states, capital cities, major physical landmarks, etc. 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 understand better 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, and how places are similar and different. Geographers examine peoples’ 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 usually focus on a particular aspect of geography, such as mapping, population studies, geographic information systems (GIS), etc.

Is a Geography Degree worth it?

From a 2 year degree to graduate school, earning a Geography Degree offers opportunities in many specialties and career opportunities, with a Degree in Geography there are many career options to choose from.

GI BIll and Yellow Ribbon Program Options for Degrees in Geography

Below is our list of GI Bill participating schools. Remember to explore your other military financial aid and veteran student financial aid opportunities.

Military spouses who need scholarships and other financial aid can also receive help. Those looking for portable careers should ask about MyCAA options associated with an Geography degree program.

Getting a Degree in Geography

Associate Degree in Geography

There are two main branches of 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 in Geography offers students the foundations for academic and career success. In a comprehensive undergraduate program, Geography students will be able to:A Bachelor’s in Geography will help students be successful in college, the workplace, and in their personal endeavors. Upon graduation, students will be well-prepared to enter the workforce in a variety of careers and/or pursue a graduate degree.

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 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 demonstrate their expert knowledge in both Physical and Human Geography, as well as choosing at least one specialty field to focus on for their graduate studies.

Popular specialty fields of Geography include:A Master’s is a popular choice for those choosing career paths such as research, writing, or teaching.

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 has GI Bill approved programs, offers credit for military experience, awards credit for both the CLEP and DSST exams, and is 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 have a vast array of knowledge in the field in addition to their chosen specialty in which to become the premier expert.

Students studying for a PhD in Geography are expected to become published experts in their field and 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:University of Arizona is a GI Bill-approved school, offers credit for military experience, and awards credit for both the CLEP and DSST exams. 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:And Graduate Certificates in: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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