What careers can I get with a geography degree?
Earning a geography degree can lead to many rewarding careers that blend a diversity of skills across physical science, cultural studies, and technology to solve some of the world’s most complex problems. Geography degrees are for anyone passionate about learning about the world and how it works. It’s natural interdisciplinary nature enables you to expand your knowledge and bring together multiple skills to the work force and get you ready for the career that best fits your interests!
Why get a geography degree?
At the heart geography is a study of how people and places are connected. A cross-disciplinary curriculum of science, society and human influence give you the breadth of knowledge and analytical skills to solve complex real-world problems.
“We cannot solve the big challenges of our times like climate change by working in silos,'' said Sara Meerow, assistant professor in the School of Geographical Sciences and Urban Planning at Arizona State University. “We need different perspectives and methodologies, and geography offers that.”
From studying how people interact in economic, political, social, and spatial contexts, to studying conservation, climate change and natural resource management, to learning how to use the latest geospatial tools, drones and technology to tease out new patterns and insights of everyday life, earning a geography degree can prepare you for a rewarding career.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, median wages for Geographers were $81,970 in 2019. Even the lowest paid 25% of Geographers made $63,300 annually, far exceeding the median wages for all income earners.
While it's almost impossible to list all the career options you can get from a geography degree, a common trait among geographers is a shared inquisitive nature and deep drive to make a place better.
Here are 5 careers you can get with a geography degree:
1. Political Scientists
Job Duties: Political scientists study the origin, development, and operation of political systems.
Entry-level Education: Master's degree
2024 Media Pay: $139,380
2. Economists
Job Duties: Economists conduct research, prepare reports, and evaluate issues related to monetary and fiscal policy. They also may collect and analyze statistical data.
Entry-level Education: Master's degree
2024 Media Pay: $115,440
3. Geoscientists
Job Duties: Geoscientists study the physical aspects of the Earth.
Entry-level Education: Bachelor's degree
2024 Media Pay: $99,240
4. Postsecondary Teachers
Job Duties: Postsecondary teachers instruct students in a variety of academic subjects beyond the high school level.
Entry-level Education: Educational requirements vary with the subject taught and the type of educational institution. Typically, postsecondary teachers must have a Ph.D. or other doctoral degree in their field. However, a master's degree may be enough for some postsecondary teachers at community colleges. Other postsecondary teachers may need work experience in their field of expertise.
2024 Media Pay: $83,980
5. Urban and Regional Planners
Job Duties: Urban and regional planners develop comprehensive plans and programs for use of land and physical facilities in cities, counties, metropolitan areas, and other jurisdictions.
Entry-level Education: Master's degree
2024 Media Pay: $83,720
Learn more about our programs and careers at https://sgsup.asu.edu/
(*Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics. Employment figures are for 2018; projected growth is for the period 2018-2028; median wages are for 2019)