What do geography majors learn

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Welcome to Brock University. Quick links. This section looks at some of the careers chosen by geographers and gives you some information about what the jobs can involve. You can also read profiles from some of our alumni who are in these careers, their routes into the jobs and their advice to you in your job searches. Researching your future career is important, as employers are increasingly looking for relevant experience. If you are looking to do further study or research it may also be important to think about selecting your modules early.

If any of the careers here catch your eye, or if you feel you want more information, there are a large number of resources available in the Careers and Employability Service. Often directly relating to a geography degree, and working with the world around you, these careers link directly to many of the modules available to you through the Geography department. They build on the skills and knowledge learnt directly from your modules.

Many roles in this sector will require the use of mapping or analysis software. Getting into these careers may rely on having the appropriate skills from the modules you choose, so think about this when choosing subjects throughout your degree. Climate Change Analyst. Emergency Management Specialist. Geospatial analyst. GIS specialist. Many geography professors also conduct research and publish their work in academic journals.

GIS managers supervise the operation of GIS workers who produce geographical data using specialized computer systems. They coordinate and manage computer programs, create GIS applications, conduct training sessions for staff, and oversee the budget.

GIS managers often hold a graduate degree in geography or a closely related field. Also known as postsecondary educational administrators, provosts and deans conduct academic business for a college or university. The provost supports the president by overseeing the budget, developing academic policies, and approving faculty appointments.

Academic deans often head a division or college, managing faculty members and setting the budget for academic departments. Both positions typically require a Ph. Most careers for a geography major require either a bachelor's degree or a master's degree for entry-level work. Advancement can bring better job titles, better pay, and more responsibility in the workplace. Below, readers can find more information about advancing their careers in geography.

The following sections explain certification and licensure, continuing education opportunities, and benefits of joining a professional organization. Some geography professionals advance their career through certification or licensure.

Certification typically comes from a professional organization and is optional, while licensure typically comes from the government and is mandatory for certain positions.

Geographers, for example, do not need licensure, but many geographers pursue certification from the GIS Certification Institute to demonstrate their proficiency. Urban and regional planners can seek certification from the American Institute of Certified Planners.

New Jersey requires these professionals to hold licensure, though most states do not. Both certification and licensure may require candidates to pass a test and complete continuing education courses for renewal, as most licenses and certificates expire after a few years. Professionals may also need to pay a fee when they register for the first time or renew.

Geography professionals can consider several types of continuing education for career advancement, including earning a second degree, completing a certificate program, or taking an online course. Geography professionals who work in entry-level positions that only require a bachelor's degree may choose to earn a graduate degree or certificate. Many colleges offer certificate programs, which typically take a year or less to complete.

These programs can provide useful skills and knowledge about new theories and practices in geography. Colleges also offer online courses on specific topics and issues. These short classes allow geography professionals to gain new skills and stay current in their field.

See the resources section to learn more about these options. Geography professionals can seek advice, resources, and jobs through professional organizations. These groups bring together professionals in geography-related fields to share ideas and resources. Both students and working professionals can become members. Geography professionals can explore organizations like the American Association of Geographers , the American Geographical Society , and the Society of Women Geographers.

These organizations provide resources such as continuing education courses and workshops. They also offer online journals and research on emerging geography technology and techniques. Professional organizations also host networking events such as conferences. Networking gives professionals the chance to meet with their peers, find solutions to common problems, and learn about new job opportunities. Geography professionals seeking a career change to a different job within the same field do not typically need to earn another degree unless their new job requires more advanced education.

In most cases, professionals changing careers within geography only need specialized training or certification for their new job. Professionals coming from other fields may need to earn another degree. These individuals should especially consider going back to school if their new job requires a graduate degree.

Professionals coming from other fields should also strongly consider earning certification from a geography-related professional organization. Geography professionals can find jobs all across the country with employers such as the federal government or colleges and universities. Below, readers can learn about the top industries for careers with a geography degree. According to the BLS , the federal government, colleges and universities, state governments, and architectural and engineering firms employ the most geography professionals.

In the following section, readers can explore each of these industries in greater detail. This industry provides jobs in urban planning and development.

Surveyors can also find work with the federal government. Professionals interested in consulting or lobbying should consider this industry.

Geographers can find careers as postsecondary teachers at colleges, universities, and professional schools. These professionals plan curricula, teach classes, conduct research, and publish scholarly works. State governments provide work for geographers as urban planning and development specialists or surveyors. Geographers help develop cities and survey tracts of land before construction commences.

Architectural and engineering organizations hire geographers to help them survey land for future building projects. Geography professionals can provide detailed maps of the land and point out any potential problem areas.

Professionals in this industry examine plots of land, provide consulting services to construction companies, and conduct scientific research to advance the field of geography.

This industry includes both desk and field jobs. Geography students and professionals should make use of professional organizations and open courseware. These resources help geography professionals stay current on new theories and technology in the industry.

Below, readers can find more information about professional organizations, publications, and free courses in geography. American Association of Geographers : This nonprofit organization includes members in more than countries. Founded in , the AAG focuses on networking and facilitating discussion between geography professionals. Primary duties: Cartographers are responsible for making maps. They research areas and conduct data for maps.

They also use mathematical skills and computer programs to ensure the accuracy of their maps. Primary duties: Environmental consultants work with companies to provide advice about their contribution to environmental issues.

They help companies minimize their impact by developing guidelines for green manufacturing, proper waste disposal and sustainable energy initiatives. Environmental consultants may also advise companies on how to handle environmental disasters. Primary duties: Economic consultants conduct research about financial, political and socioeconomic influences to determine how a company can improve.

They use this research to prepare reports and create plans to address economic problems that a company is facing. Primary duties: Geographers study the features and structures of the Earth to compile data that can be used for GIS and planning purposes.

They write reports, create maps and conduct surveys and interviews. Find jobs. Company reviews. Find salaries. Upload your resume. Sign in. Finding a Job. What does a geography degree involve? Jobs you can get with a geography degree. Park ranger. Geospatial analyst. Computer programmer.