There are many careers that use math and science, but finding one that also uses geography is a bit more difficult. Geography can be involved in a couple of ways, including working with maps and physically traveling to other countries.
Meteorologist
Meteorologists use math and science to study weather patterns around the world. Meteorologists need a bachelor's degree with at least 24 semester hours of meteorology/atmospheric science, plus math courses like ordinary differential equations, statistics, chemistry, physics and thermodynamics. A working knowledge of geography also helps in the mapping and tracking process. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics the median salary for an atmospheric scientist in May of 2008 was $81,290.
Aerospace Engineer
Aerospace engineers work for the aerospace industry with electrical engineers, industrial engineers and mechanical engineers to research, design, test and build aerospace vehicles. These jobs require people to be knowledgeable in computers, math and science. Because of the planning of trajectories and orbiting the Earth, knowledge of geography also is essential. Aerospace engineers usually need either a Bachelor of Science degree in aerospace engineering or a Master of Science in aeronautical engineering. According to a December 2010 Payscale survey, aerospace engineers with a bachelor's degree earn between $56,463 and $77,497. Aeronautical engineers with a Master of Science degree earn between $63,588 and $88,770.
Petroleum and Mining Engineer
Petroleum engineers design systems to locate and extract energy sources like oil and gas from beneath the Earth's crust or the ocean floor. Petroleum engineers sometimes travel to remote locations to monitor the equipment and solve problems. Mining engineers serve a similar function for the mining industry for coal, metals and minerals. Petroleum and mining engineers typically need either a Bachelor or Master of Science degree. According to a December 2010 Payscale survey, petroleum engineers generally earn between $83,938 and $142,914. Mining engineers earn between $63,359 and $91,990.
Geologist and Geoscientist
Geoscientists use sophisticated equipment to study the surface and structure of Earth. Hydrologists study water both underground and on the surface. Oceanographers use biology and chemistry to study the chemical and physical properties of the oceans. Geoscientists often spend a significant portion of their time in the field, conducting geological surveys, constructing field maps and monitoring remote sensing equipment.
According to the May 2008 Bureau of Labor Statistics survey, the median annual salary for geoscientists was $79,160 and the median salary of hydrologists was $71,450. Entry-level positions are available for geoscientists and hydrologists with only a bachelor's degree but a master's degree is preferred for most research positions in private industry.
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