Job Opportunities in Geography
Geography degrees offer opportunities to develop solutions to some of the most pressing
issues for modern society, including climate change, natural disasters, overpopulation,
urban expansion, and multicultural integration. Geography concentration in Earth Sciences
majors learn how the environment and humans interact and affect one another. The study
of Geography can be understood through areas including physical geography, human geography,
and geospatial representation and analysis.
A degree in geography can open a variety of career paths for you. You may find yourself
traveling all over the world or working on the latest high-tech equipment making maps
and marking coordinates.
Geographers find themselves in fields ranging from private industry, government planning,
and administration to all levels of education. If you gain skills in geographic information
systems (GIS), you will be in demand as this is increasingly applied to all aspects
of human endeavors.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) found that the top industries for geographers
include the federal government, colleges and universities, state governments, and
engineering and architectural services. Because few geography jobs have the job title
“geographer”, below resources describe some of the job titles and career paths for
geographers.
Popular Career Paths with Geography concentration
Explore More Career Paths in Geography
- American Association of Geographers (AAG) - information on career paths for geography majors, including what geographers do and where they work. Sample of profiles of geographers and has a fantastic "ask a geographer" page.
- Development Jobs: What You Need to Know - offers practical advice on exploring a career in international development. Includes information on the commonly pursued career paths.
- Jobs in Geography - Excellent overview of common career paths for geographers.
- National Society of Professional Surveyors - describes common career paths in surveying, including salary info, employment outlook and further training.
Memphis-based Organizations related to Geography
Memphis Area Geographic Information Council (MAGIC) - MAGIC represents a community of GIS professionals, students, and end-users who, through our knowledge and work, provide the maps, analysis, data, and applications to make much of this possible. It is our mission to share this technology and experience through pertinent training, scholarship opportunities, and general GIS advocacy.