Western Carolina University

change style to text

About WCU

Admissions

Academics

Hunter Library

Student Life

Athletics

News & Events

Giving to WCU

WCU > Academics > Departments, Schools & Colleges > College of Arts and Sciences > College of Arts and Sciences Departments > Geosciences & Natural Resources Department > Geography Program > Careers in Geography

Careers in Geography

AREAS	EMPLOYERS	STRATEGIES
Physical Environment:
Water and Natural Resources Planning Environmental Impact Terrain and Land Use	Federal government Publishers of textbooks and maps Travel agencies Manufacturing and retail firms Real estate developers Corporations or companies in insurance, environmental work, transportation, communications and international trade Scientific and research groups Forestry, mining, engineering, architectural and surveying firms	Learn federal government job application process Become skilled in related computer technology Obtain related experience Take elective courses in botany, plant science and wildlife
Human (socio-economic)
Economic Development Population Transportation Social Sciences Research Policy Research Program Development Program Administration Health Care Data Collection & Analysis Housing Statistics	State, regional, and local government Federal government, including Central Intelligence Agency, Defense Mapping Agency, Bureau of Census, Dept. of State Publishers of textbooks and maps Travel agencies Manufacturing and retail firms Real estate developers Corporations or companies in insurance, environmental work, transportation, communication, and international trade Scientific and research firms Forestry, mining, engineering, architectural, and surveying firms	Learn federal, state, and local government job application process Become skilled in related computer technology Develop excellent communications skills Obtain related experience Understand local language, history, customs, and culture
Cartography:
Mosaics Photogrammetry Stereo Plotting Mapping Private and Reproducing	Federal government, including Depts. of Defense, Interior, Commerce, Agriculture, and State State and local government agencies Private industry, including utilities, construction, engineering, energy, environmental planning, and consulting firms	Become skilled in related computer technology Learn photography skills Take courses in surveying and measurements, photogrammetry, technical mathematics, drafting, statistics, optics, remote sensing, art, and graphics Seek summer internships Learn federal, state, and local government job application process
Remote Sensing Geographic Information Systems (GIS):
	Private companies Colleges and universities Federal agencies, including U.S.G.S., Forest Service, Soil Conservation Service, Defense Mapping, Army Corps of Engineers, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Admin., Environmental Protection Agency, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, and Central Intelligence Agency State and regional government: Dept. of Transportation, Agriculture, Environmental, and Health Planning Agencies	Develop excellent communications skills Become skilled in related computer technology Learn federal, state, and regional government job application process
Planning (Urban & Regional):
	City, county, and regional planning agencies State government research organizations Private business Banks Industrial firms Airline companies Utility companies Federal government agencies, including Agency for International Development, World Bank, Dept. of Housing, and Urban Development Real estate development	Develop teamwork skills Learn federal, state, and local government job application process Maintain excellent academic undergraduate record Obtain master's degree in planning

For more careers information, visit the University of Southern California geography department website.

Specialties in Geography

Browse the links below for job listings for various specialties in geography.

Copyright 2013 by Western Carolina University • Cullowhee, NC 28723 • Contact WCU
Maintained by the Office of Web Services • Directions • Campus Map • Emergency Information • Text-Only

Return to Original Version of This Page

Change color to Yellow Text on Black Background

Change color to Black Text on Cream Background

Office of Web Services