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Geography

Program Description

Just the Facts

Geography. A program that focuses on the systematic study of the spatial distribution and interrelationships of people, natural resources, plant and animal life. Includes instruction in historical and political geography, cultural geography, economic and physical geography, regional science, cartographic methods, remote sensing, spatial analysis, and applications to areas such as land-use planning, development studies, and analyses of specific countries, regions, and resources.

This program is available in these options:

  • Certificate / Diploma
  • Associate degree
  • Bachelor's degree
  • Graduate Certificate
  • Master's degree
  • Doctoral degree

High School Courses

See the high school courses recommended for programs in this career cluster:

See the high school courses recommended for programs in this pathway:


Related Careers

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Related Programs

Often similar programs have different names. Be sure to explore all your options.

Additional Information

If you think geography programs are only about maps in dusty old atlases, think again! Advances in technology have opened up exciting areas of research in computer mapping and geographic information systems (GIS).

Geography students can choose from a wide variety of specializations, from human geography (the study of how humans affect and are affected by their environment) to satellite mapping.

Many schools will have a stronger emphasis in a certain area, so if you already know what you're interested in, look for a program that specializes in that area. Some specialties include climatology, geomorphology (the study of the earth's surface), ecology, economic geography and political geography.

Douglas Munski is a geography professor at the University of North Dakota. He says students in his program take courses in physical geography, global weather and climate, human geography, world regional geography and map reading and interpretation before settling upon a specific subfield.

His department encourages students to have at least two subfields -- one that is topical, such as environmental studies, and another in special techniques, like remote sensing and geographic information systems (GIS).

Geography professor Peter Herrem says students in his program discover geography by taking two junior-level core program courses -- one on physical environment, and one on human environment. These courses, says Herrem, demonstrate the breadth of the discipline.

The physical environment course focuses on weather, climate, soils, vegetation, hydrology, land forms and environmental problems. The human environment course focuses on population, migration, economic, social, political and urban geography, as well as environmental problems.

Munski says preparing for a geography major in high school begins with taking a college-track set of courses, including English, math (algebra, trigonometry and calculus), science and social studies.

He also recommends developing mechanical abilities. Skills in driving motor vehicles, flying airplanes and piloting watercraft are always pluses when it comes to fieldwork.

Travel is a great way to learn more about geography. "Geographers should be good travelers," says Herrem. Summer jobs in parks and recreation are also good, he notes.

Besides tuition and books, you may have to pay for computer disks, calculators, camping gear and a camera.


Links

Occupational Outlook Handbook
For more information related to this field of study, see: Life, Physical and Social Science

Education World
Combines geography with fun to create educational games and projects

World Geography Quiz
Find out if you're a natural

Contact

  • Email Support

  • 1-800-GO-TO-XAP (1-800-468-6927)
    From outside the U.S., please call +1 (424) 750-3900

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