GEOGRAPHY
WHAT IS GEOGRAPHY?
Geography is an interdisciplinary field that studies the nature of place. How do people interact with their environment? How are resources distributed? Why do certain cultural phenomena only occur in certain locales? Using knowledge and skills from the sciences and social sciences, geographers ask where things are and why.
Geography is an interdisciplinary field that studies the nature of place. How do people interact with their environment? How are resources distributed? Why do certain cultural phenomena only occur in certain locales? Using knowledge and skills from the sciences and social sciences, geographers ask where things are and why.
Geography matters today because it can explain human behavior and physical processes locally, regionally, and globally. On a global scale, geographers understand reasons for population growth, climate change, political conflict, and increased pollution. On a personal scale, geographers can explain where you live, what route you take to work or class, and why trees in your backyard are thriving.
Geography divides broadly into two categories—human geography and physical geography. Human geographers study why human activities occur in given places (for example, religions, business, and cities). Physical geographers study why natural forces occur as they do (for example, climates, land forms, and types of vegetation).
WHAT COURSES DO YOU NEED TO TAKE?
Most universities and colleges require a core curriculum comprising liberal arts courses to provide an overall body of knowledge. Because Latin America is increasingly important in the global economy, geography students can enhance their employment prospects by learning Spanish. Computing skills are especially important for geographers because most maps are now made with computer software. Presentation, speaking, and writing skills also are highly recommended. Introductory courses for a major in geography include:
- Economic Geography
- Historical Geography
- Introduction to Human or Cultural Geography
- Introduction to Physical Geography
- Introduction to World Regional Geography
- Weather and Climate
Specialization in one or more major areas of geography is possible, depending on your interests. Human geographers take courses in economic geography, urban geography, and urban planning. Physical geographers take courses in climatology, biogeography, and geomorphology. Regional geographers take courses in political geography, economic development, and specific regions, such as Latin America, East Asia, or the Middle East. In addition, geography students are expected to learn analytic tools of the trade, such as mapping principles, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and statistics.
A student may also minor in geography. Refer to the continuum of fields embraced by geography. A minor in geography may be a useful complement to another major.
WHAT CAN YOU DO WITH A DEGREE IN GEOGRAPHY?
A degree in geography enables you to do two types of jobs. First, you can be an expert in a subfield of geography, such as economic geography, geomorphology, or GIS. Second, you can be a well-rounded generalist who contributes a broad perspective to a variety of problems. Regardless of whether you are a generalist or specialist, jobs are available in government or private industry. Local, state, and federal government offices hire geographers to work in environmental protection, urban planning, economic development, parks and recreation, transportation, housing, data analysis, social services, and foreign service. You can work with private consultants, real estate developers, nonprofit agencies, banks, retailers, and companies doing business overseas.
Geography's future looks bright. Faced with the global crisis of diminishing natural resources and increasing population, humans are reassessing their relationship with the natural environment and reevaluating solutions for protecting our planet. Geographers have the knowledge and skills to help provide answers.