Geography
Major, Minor
Earn your geography degree
Tackle today's biggest environmental challenges with a geography degree. Geography is more than just the study of the physical earth. It's also the study of people, their environment and the affect they have on each other. By studying these elements together, geography can help people make better decisions.
As a geography major, you'll gather and analyze data to help make the word a better place. You'll help answer questions like:
- What's the most profitable location for a new grocery store?
- How can communities adapt to a changing climate?
- Where should we prioritize conservation areas for wildlife habitat?
- Where should we locate fire stations to have the most efficient and equitable emergency response?
- How do political borders affect our daily lives?
You'll also learn the field's latest technology and software. These advanced tools will give you an in-depth look at Earth's processes and the impact humans can have on them.
A geography degree will equip you with the knowledge, skills and hands-on experience you need to launch your career. More importantly, it will prepare you to solve the biggest issues facing our planet today.
AT A GLANCE
Why should you earn a geography degree?
If you love learning about the environment, exploring digital maps and finding hidden connections, consider earning your geography degree.
You'll study topics like:
- Economic geography
- Population geography
- Urban and community planning
- Infrastructure
- Environmental management
- Soil science
- Oceanography and more.
You'll also train in advanced geospatial technology like remote sensing and geographic information systems (GIS). GIS is computing software that combines information with physical location. This could cover anything from traffic patterns to predicting floods.
While earning your degree, you'll get first-hand experience with these tools to better understand how, why and when processes happen. You'll then put this knowledge to use to tackle complex issues — using the where and why to help solve big-picture 21st century issues.
Geography degree highlights
Earning your geography degree at CMU puts you on a path to a career.
As a part of this program, you'll have opportunities to:
- Earn hands-on experience: CMU is home to The Center for Geographic Information Science (GISCI). This state-of-the-art facility hosts top-of-the line industry software and equipment. As a geography major, you'll have access to sensors, spectrometers and even satellite and unmanned aerial systems.
- Build your professional network: Join the Geography and Environmental Club at CMU to connect with fellow geography majors and network with industry professionals. Club members also participate in volunteer projects. Members have helped remove invasive trees and clean up litter and pollution.
- Benefit from small class sizes: Small classes mean you'll get special access to field trips and opportunities to complete research with faculty. You'll also participate in class projects that help solve problems for local agencies.
Geography degree jobs
Environmental challenges mean that the geography field is more important now than ever. You'll graduate with in-demand skills for careers in government, non-profit and private organizations. Your geography degree will prepare you for a variety of fields, like urban planning, program management, real estate and even market research.
| Career | Projected Salary |
|---|---|
| Urban and Regional Planner | $81,800 |
| Cartographer | $76,210 |
| GIS Analyst | $78,594 |
| Geographic Information Systems Technologist and Technician | $98,740 |
| Geodetic Surveyor | $63,080 |
State-of-the art tech
Access the field's latest technology and equipment with the Center for Geographic Information Science. The center provide space, software and equipment for students, government agencies, non-profit organizations and private companies.
You can work with custom cartography, object-based image analysis, digital elevation models, unmanned aerial systems (like drones) and even get help with your latest research project. Plus, you'll be able to work with faculty from a variety of fields including geography, biology, art and more.
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