Employment in Geography can be found in a variety of Geographic Fields:

Regional Geography:

Students become area experts in various major regions of the world such as Latin America, Europe, Africa and Asia.  Jobs involve a good understanding of the language, culture and daily lives of people in the area of interest.  Typically an area specialist might be employed by a government agency, such as the state department, by a multinational corporation, or by a travel agent. 

Environmental Studies:

Student’s course work is in both the natural sciences, such as biology, chemistry and geology, and in the social sciences, such as economics, cultural geography, history and law.  The focus of these broad areas comes together within the current problems of the human impact upon the environment, both locally and globally.  Careers generally involve dealing with issues such as waste management, air and water pollution, and energy conservation.  Employment opportunities include:

• Environmental Manager

 

• Forestry Technician

 

• Park Ranger

 

• Hazardous-Waste Planner

Cartography and Geographic Information Systems:

Using maps is very important to planners, engineers, state agencies, utility companies, surveyors and the ordinary citizen.  Computers and graphics software enable maps to be created quickly and accurately.  This cartographic technology is creating careers for students as Geographic Information Systems Specialists, and Remote-Sensing Analysts.  With a background in Economic Geography, combined with Geographic Information Systems, career opportunities are rapidly growing for location experts, and market researchers who find good locations for such businesses as restaurants, shopping malls, or automobile assembly plants.

Urban and Regional Planning:

Geographers often work as planners to ensure that communities develop in an orderly way.  Planning courses teach students how to develop master plans that benefit neighborhoods, communities, cities and regions.  Typical employment opportunities are: 

• Urban and Community Planner

 

• Transportation Planner

 

• Health Services Planner

Geographic Education:

Career opportunities are growing for geography teachers at elementary/secondary and college levels.