Geography analyzes and explains the location of and interrelationships between human and physical features of the earth’s environment. Geographers also examine how and why features and their locations change over time, with particular interest in the many impacts of these changes on both people and natural settings. Geography is, therefore, both a social and a physical science. Because its fundamental subject matter is people and their environments, the discipline serves as an effective bridge between the physical and cultural worlds.

Geographers make valuable contributions to business, non-profits and government agencies, using skills in understanding social systems, improving the environment, and enhancing financial performance. In the private sector, geographers use skills related to spatial thinking, mapping, location analysis, logistics, database management or economic planning. In government agencies, geographers may focus on topics such as transportation, health, planning, development or GIS. Geographers in non-profit organizations may be involved in issues such as conservation, child welfare, development, health, education, culture and the arts, and historic preservation. Career opportunities in Geography International area specialist Business site selection Cartographer GIS analyst Environmental scientist Geoscientist Teacher Environmental planner Natural resource manager Geographer Geopolitical analyst Hydrologist Intelligence Analyst Land use planner/analyst marketing analyst urban/regional planner community developer technical writer