by our College Data Analytics TeamIf you're fascinated by maps, geography and the climate of different regions a major in Geography and Cartography could be perfect for you. This study will involve exploring Physical Geography: mountain ranges, soil, water, and climate. Another aspect is Human or Cultural Geography which involves the study of how humans use the land and space given to us. In addition to those studies, you will also learn Cartography and how to make maps using GPS technology, computers, photographs, and mathematics.
Your classes will cover many different topics including geographic methods, environmental change, cartography, climatology, geology, statistics, research methods, air pollution meteorology, and environmental remote sensing.
In 2020-2021, geography and cartography was the 110th most popular major nationwide with 8,526 degrees awarded. This represents a 4.8% reduction in geography degrees awarded over the prior year's total of 8,936.
Our 2023 Best Geography & Cartography Schools ranking analyzes 234 of these schools to determine the best overall colleges for geography and cartography students. Explore this or one of our many other custom geography rankings further below.
Accuracy and attention to detail is critical in this field. You will need to complete accurate research with the appropriate data to create developmental plans or maps. Students in this field should be strong in math and science. You will spend a lot of hours in the computer lab researching and assembling data for written. A good sense of direction and spatial skills will also aid you.
Students should be creative problem solvers with the ability to think outside the box. You will work with many different people and perspectives and should be able to clearly explain thoughts and ideas to others. Many schools will require you to get experience in the field by working on an independent research project in the area that interests you the most.
A high school diploma or equivalent is typically required for most geography degree programs and many students will need a minimum GPA and SAT/ACT score depending on the school. Specific geography careers may require a certain level of degree attainment or additional certifications beyond that.
Geography degree levels vary. You can get anything from a in geography and cartography to the highest geography degree, a . The type of geography degree you choose will determine how long it takes to get your diploma.
| Degree | Credit Requirements | Typical Program Length |
|---|---|---|
| Associate Degree | 60-70 credits | 2 years |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 120 credits | 4 years |
| Master’s Degree | 50-70 credits | 1-3 years |
| Doctorate | Program required coursework including thesis or dissertation | At least 4 years |
A bachelor's degree is the most common level of education achieved by those in careers related to geography, with approximately 49.3% of workers getting one. People currently working in careers related to geography tend obtained the following education levels.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s Degree | 46.4% |
| Doctoral Degree | 19.4% |
| Master’s Degree | 16.2% |
| Post-Secondary Certificate | 5.5% |
| Associate’s Degree (or other 2-year degree) | 5.1% |
About 84.8% of workers in careers related to geography obtain at least bachelor's degrees. The chart below shows what degree level those who work in geography and cartography have obtained.
This of course varies depending on which geography career you choose.
A degree in Geography and Cartography will allow you to become a geographer or a cartographer. You may also create maps using data gathered from social media.
Geographers study the land and human interactions as related to geography. The majority of geographers are employed by the federal government. Students with advanced degrees will have the best job prospects.
Want a job when you graduate with your geography degree? Geography & Cartography careers are expected to grow 8.2% between 2016 and 2026.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to geography and cartography.
| Occupation Name | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Managers | 1,071,700 | 8.0% |
| Cartographers and Photogrammetrists | 15,000 | 19.0% |
| Geography Professors | 5,400 | 8.0% |
| Geographers | 1,700 | 13.3% |
Recently graduated geography and cartography students earned an average of $39,151 in 2019-2020. Earnings can range from as low as $17,450 to as high as $87,475. As you might expect, salaries for geography graduates vary depending on the level of education that was acquired.
Salaries for geography and cartography graduates can vary widely by the occupation you choose as well. The following table shows the top highest paying careers geography grads often go into.
| Occupation Name | Median Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Managers | $115,590 |
| Geography Professors | $88,950 |
| Geographers | $80,530 |
| Cartographers and Photogrammetrists | $68,340 |
With over 1,268 different geography degree programs to choose from, finding the best fit for you can be a challenge. Fortunately you have come to the right place. We have analyzed all of these schools to come up with hundreds of unbiased geography school rankings to help you with this.
One of 12 majors within the Social Sciences area of study, Geography & Cartography has other similar majors worth exploring.
| Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Geography | 4,954 |
| Geographic Information Science | 3,231 |
| Other Geography | 341 |
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Political Science & Government | 49,282 |
| Economics | 49,055 |
| Sociology | 38,475 |
| General Social Sciences | 18,997 |
| International Relations & National Security | 14,306 |
