WHAT CAN I DO WITH A MAJOR IN... GEOGRAPHY

ge·og·ra·phy The science dealing with the areal differentiation of the earth's surface, as shown in the character, arrangement, and interrelations over the world of such elements as climate, elevation, soil, vegetation, population, land use, industries, or states, and of the unit areas formed by the complex of these individual elements.* *"Geography." Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1). Random House, Inc. 27 Jul

Geography Majors Study... social patterns, problems, and forces information management statistical analysis (i.e. input-output modeling, location and market studies, resource management, migration patterns, and geographic information systems) graphic and statistical software research techniques and skills...and more

Specializations Human / Economic Geography Physical / Environmental Geography Urban Geography Ecological Geography Political Geography

Human/Economic Geography Human geography is concerned with the spatial aspects of human existence: how people and their activity are distributed in space how people use and perceive how people create and sustain the spaces that make up the earth’s surface Human geographers work in the fields of urban and regional planning, transportation, marketing, real estate, tourism, and international business.

Physical/Environmental Geography Physical geographers study climate, land form, vegetation, soil, and water patterns. Physical geographers forecast the weather, manage land and water resources, and analyze and plan for forests, range and wetlands.

Geography At The University Of South Carolina Undergraduate Degrees Degrees:Bachelor of Arts (BA) Bachelor of Science (BS) Majors: physical/environmental geography, human/economic geography, geographic information science, general geography Minors:general geography, environmental geography, geographic information science, meteorology & climatology, physical geography, regional geography

Geography At The University Of South Carolina Graduate Degrees Master of Arts (MA) Master of Science (MS) Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) In Social Studies with Geography option. Prepares and certifies students for teaching in public high schools. Interdisciplinary Master of Arts (IMA) In Social Studies with Geography option. For students who already have a teaching certificate. Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

Geography At The University Of South Carolina Areas of interest reflect faculty interest and competency and include: cartography, cultural-historical, economic, environmental, physical, political, recreational and urban geography; geographic education; geographic information systems; and remote sensing. The department administers the Remote Sensing Laboratory, the hazards Research Laboratory, the Center for Excellence in Geographic Education, and the SC Geographic Alliance. In addition, the Dept. has strong alliances with the Southeast Regional Climate center and the Geographic Information Systems function of the College of Liberal Arts Computing Laboratory.

Geography Majors Develop Skills In verbal and written communication surveying and measuring team work evaluation and presentation computer technology organization and detail numerical computations research statistical analysis natural resource development and management information management photography

Employment Settings Business: An area where the research, organization, writing, statistic analysis, and planning skills developed in the pursuit of a geography degree can be used by organizations dealing with resource development and management, or any variety of interactions between people and the environment.

Sample Occupational Titles associated with Business Distribution Planner Geographic Information Systems Analyst Geophysics Assistant Health Services Planner Industrial Developer International Investment Analyst Land Economist Market Research Analyst Map Publisher Property Manager Real Estate Agent Site Researcher Statistician Weather Forecaster

Employment Settings Education: The communication, organization, evaluation, presentation, research, and critical thinking skills developed during the pursuit of a geography degree naturally lend themselves to the education sector. To work at a college or university will require an advanced degree but obtaining a position in primary or secondary education only requires the correct certification.

Sample Occupational Titles Associated With Education Cartographer Curriculum Developer College/University Professor Earth Science Teacher Map Editor Map Librarian Education Administrator Elementary/Primary Teacher Outdoor Guide Park Ranger Peace Corp Volunteer Recreational Resource Director Secondary School Geography Teacher Writer/Author

Employment Settings Government: The Federal, state, or local levels of government make use of planning, research, communication, date collection, and statistical analysis skills possessed by geography majors in the development and management of government controlled resources and property. Geography majors are also used because of their understanding of people and culture differences.

Employment Settings Planning: Private builders, developers, and consulting firms employ geography majors because of their excellent communication, teamwork, surveying, research, and analysis skills related to land and the environment. Work in the planning sector deals with the prediction and control of how lands are impacted by human use.

Sample Occupational Titles Associated With Government & Planning Agriculture Extension Agent Air/Water Quality Control Manager Cartographer Climatologist Demographer Environmental Impact Analyst Intelligence Agent Natural Resource Specialist Park Ranger Public Utilities Manager Surveyor Traffic Manager Urban Planner Zoning Investigator

Distribution Of Employed Persons With A Bachelor’s Degree In Geography, By Sector Source: Fogg, N.P, Harrington, P.E. & Harrington, T.F, (2004). College Majors Handbook (2nd ed). Indianapolis, IN: Jist Publishing.

Top 10 Occupations That Employ Persons With Only A Bachelors Degree In Geography 1 Top and mid-level managers, executives 2 Other management related occupations 3 Surveying and mapping 4 Sales (including retail) 5 Other service occupations (except health) 6 Other administrative (i.e. record clerk) 7 Protective-service occupations 8 Construction trades, miners, well-drillers 9 Post-secondary professors 10 Civil engineers, including architectural and sanitary Source: Fogg, N.P, Harrington, P.E. & Harrington, T.F, (2004). College Majors Handbook (2nd ed). Indianapolis, IN: Jist Publishing.

Strategies For Developing Skills To Get The Job You Want Become skilled in related computer technology Gain experience by obtaining a related summer job, co-op, or internship Research the federal, state, and local government job application process Develop excellent communication skills Learn another language and the customs and cultures of foreign lands Learn photography skills Develop ability to work with a team

Strategies For Developing Skills To Get The Job You Want Take courses in surveying and measurement, photogrammetry, technical mathematics, drafting, statistics, optics, remote sensing, and graphics Develop research, evaluation, and presentation skills Take elective courses in botany, plant science, and wildlife Obtain a business minor Obtain teaching certification Research obtaining a master’s degree in planning

Books And Web Resources Books Outdoor Careers by Ellen Shenk Web Resources Jobs in Geography c/geo/geography/jobs.htm c/geo/geography/jobs.htm Careers for Geographers- u/geogjobs/ u/geogjobs/ The Association of American Geographers

Resources For More Information USC’s Department of Geography Career Center library Geography Related Websites College of Arts and Sciences Career Development Program

Career Center Contact Information University of South Carolina Career Center 6th Floor, H. William Close Building (BA Building) Columbia, SC Phone: On-call counseling without an appointment: M - F, 1:00 am - 4:00 pm (Summer and holiday hours may differ, please check the website at