What is Geography?
Geography is the study of places and the relationships between people and their environments. Geographers explore both the physical properties of Earth’s surface and the human societies spread across it. They also examine how human culture interacts with the natural environment and the way those locations and places can have an impact on people. Geography seeks to understand where things are found, why they are there, and how they develop and change over time. Physical geography is the study of Earth’s seasons, climate, atmosphere, soil, streams and forms, and oceans. Human geography is the study of the distribution of networks of people and cultures on Earth’s surface.
Why Study Geography?
- Describe how water cycles and ocean currents work.
- Helps to lessen the impacts of disasters.
- Develops an understanding of where countries and cultures are located relative to one another.
- Gives us a good idea of why towns and cities were established in certain locations and why some have flourished more than others.
- An understanding of Geography lets us know which locations aren’t ideal for development as well as how best to develop or expand cities and towns.
- Geography informs us of how to sustainably utilize the resources that are available as well as help to improve the status of those that are in danger of running out.
- To understand global interdependence and to become a better global citizen.
Career opportunities for Geography Majors
- Cartographer
- Climatologist
- Emergency Management Specialist
- Geospatial analyst
- Hydrographer
- Environment lawyer
- Weather Forecaster
- Catastrophe Modeler/Emergency Planner
- Landscape Architect
- Commercial/Residential Surveyor
- Environmental Consultant
- Geography information systems officer
- Conservation officer
- Consultant
- Planning and development surveyor/Town Planner
- Urban Planner
- Social worker/Sociologist