What Can I Do With A Degree In Geography?

Are you considering majoring in geography, but aren't sure what careers it will prepare you for? This site is designed to explore some of the numerous opportunities open to you. The geography major will prepare students for a variety of careers including but not limited to:

For information on these careers and others, please consult the following links:

• Sonoma State University Geography Department Homepage
  For information regarding classes and degrees offered at SSU in the field of Geography, please consult this link.
  
• Association of American Geographers; Careers in Geography
  This site gives extensive listings of career options open to geography majors as well as a section that looks at relating interests to geography. A very informative site!
  
• Geography at UMD
  This site gives simple description of what geographers do and why geography is so important to society.
  

What skills are used?

Careers in geography share similar characteristics where skills are concerned. Skills include the ability to operate computer equipment, the ability to analyze data and conduct meaningful research, good visualization skills, and a desire to work in a team atmosphere. High levels of math and language competency are important as is the ability to interpret data. Must feel comfortable making decisions.

Where are the jobs?

Geography related employment can be found in such sectors as Business (Environmental Issues, Cartography), Education (teaching, research), Government (analysts, research) and Engineering Services.

How much will I earn?

For salary information please consult the links below:

JobSmart Salary Survey
WAGEWEB
Occupational Outlook Handbook

For additional salary information come into the Career Services to utilize the National Association of Colleges and Employers Salary Survey.  It is updated every three months and gives national average starting offers by major and occupation.

Where can I learn more?

The Sonoma State University Career Services is located in Salazar 1070 and has extensive information for geography related careers. Resources of interest include: Choices & Eureka (computerized career exploration programs), Career Library (over 500 books on careers), Internship and Job Postings, Community Involvement Program Listings (volunteer for credit and experience) and much, much more.