A Sense of Place

Geographers study the relationships between people and their environments. Physical geographers study climate, land, water and vegetation, and human geographers focus on cultural and social landscapes, economic development, and population problems. All geographers use maps to convey ideas. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are used to assemble data about physical and virtual space.

Careers
Cartographer; urban and regional planner; environmental specialist; economic development analyst; computer systems analyst; web developer; GIS specialist; teacher; journalist; location expert; market researcher

Employers
U.S. Government; state and local governments; Environmental Protection Agency; consulting firms; Smithsonian Institution (museums); ESRI (GIS & Mapping Software company); RATJA Software, Inc.; U.S. Geological Survey; Hughes STX Corporation; Geosystems, Inc.; Fannie Mae; Owens Corning; State Insurance Fund.

Salaries

Median annual earnings of cartographers and photogrammetrists were $48,240 in May 2006. The middle 50 percent earned between $37,480 and $65,240. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $30,910 and the highest 10 percent earned more than $80,520.

Median annual earnings of surveying and mapping technicians were $32,340 in May 2006. The middle 50 percent earned between $25,070 and $42,230. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $20,020, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $53,310. Median annual earnings of surveying and mapping technicians employed in architectural, engineering, and related services were $30,670 in May 2006, while those employed by local governments had median annual earnings of $37,550.

Median annual wage-and-salary earnings of urban and regional planners were $56,630 in May 2006. The middle 50 percent earned between $44,480 and $71,390. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $35,610, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $86,880. Median annual earnings in the industries employing the largest numbers of urban and regional planners in May 2006 were:

Engineering services $63,840
Architectural, engineering, and related services $62,890
Architectural services $61,700
State government $57,490
Local government $54,550

Curriculum
Geographers combine technical expertise with training in the liberal arts to acquire the high-level critical thinking, decision-making, and communication skills essential for success in their field. Students who select the geography major will specialize in a particular area: physical/environmental; urban and regional development; cartography, remote sensing and geography information systems; or general geography. Each option consists of core geography requirements to establish a common ground for future development, interdisciplinary requirements that provide breadth and allow students to explore geographic themes in other areas; and specialized courses within each option to hone and refine skills. Students may also want to explore the B.A. degree in geography conferred by the College of the Liberal Arts.