Geographers study the Earth's surface.
Several degrees are available for those pursuing the study of geography, which is the examination of the features of the Earth's surface and the processes responsible for them. Through this study of the Earth and its inhabitants and features, geographers tackle issues such as the consumption and production of food, global trade and social justice. Students looking to earn a degree in geography have the choice of a bachelor's, master's or doctorate.
Bachelor's Degree
Bachelor's degree programs in geography offer concentrations in areas such as physical, global and human geography, as well as geographical techniques. Due to the different nature of majors, such as physical and human geography, many universities offer both bachelor of arts and bachelor of science degrees. In addition to fulfilling the classes required by the institution to earn a degree in the chosen major, students will also take a series of core classes that provide the basic foundations of geography. Students are admitted into bachelor's degree programs in geography on the basis of high school performance and completion; students must possess a high school diploma, or the equivalent, and it is recommended that students have a background in mathematics and science courses. Bachelor's degrees in geography are offered at many universities across the United States, such as the University of Kentucky and Massachusetts' Clark University.
Master's Degrees
Many universities provide students with the option of pursuing a master's degree in geography upon successful completion of their undergraduate studies. Master's degree programs in geography are typically two years in length and considerably more flexible than bachelor's degree programs, allowing students to focus in-depth on researching their area of interest. Examples of possible research concentrations include social, economic, urban and political geography, development studies and cultural studies. Students earning a master's degree in geography complete a research paper, thesis or final project during the final year of the program. Admission into these programs is often competitive and students must have a bachelor's degree and submit undergraduate transcripts, a statement of intent, Graduate Record Examination test scores and letters of recommendation. Master's degrees in geography are offered at many universities across the United States.
Doctoral Degrees
Those with a true passion for geography can pursue a Ph.D, or doctoral degree, in geography once they have completed both a bachelor's degree and a master's degree. In some individual cases, universities will admit those who do not have the prerequisites generally required. In order to apply, students must submit transcripts, a personal statement and Graduate Record Examination test scores. Those with master's degrees in programs outside of geography, such as geology or hydrology, can apply for Ph.D programs in geography. Doctorate programs are based upon research and students typically focus on a single area of geography, such as urban geography or biogeography. Students typically take between three and five years to earn a Ph.D in geography, which includes a research proposal and the completion and defense of a dissertation. As with bachelor's and master's degrees, students looking to earn a Ph.D in geography can do so at many United States educational institutions.
Careers in Geography
Bachelor's, master's and doctorate degrees can lead to many engaging, interesting career opportunities. Those with a bachelor's or master's degree in geography can find employment in private, public and non-governmental organizations in roles such as surveying, photogrammetrists, cartography and environmental planning. The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that, between 2008 and 2018, these occupations will increase by 19 percent. Individuals with a Ph.D in geography typically enter science-related career fields, such as environmental and research science, or become geography professors.
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