Careers in Geography

There are good reasons to major in geography as an undergraduate. One of these reasons include the value of understanding how the humans and the environment interact throughout the world by using Geographic Information Systems (GIS), remote sensing, and quantitative analyses. Knowledge of spatial interactions and the skills to know how to approach human-environmental connections are desirable and helpful in a wide range of careers and fields. Our students learn essential skills in communication such as descriptive writing, careful listening, social ease in different situations, and public speaking in addition to training in research such as data collection and management, participant observation, interviewing, and statistical analyses. The general liberal arts education provides students with skills in critical thinking, team-based learning, problem solving, decision-making, global awareness, and is innately collaborative and interdisciplinary.

Geographers are found in educational institutions, corporations, all levels of government, and non-profit associations. Colorado State University has a strong Career Center to assist our students with achieving their goals. Our Career Education Manager Kelsey Schultz helps our students with job search advice based on specific interests. In addition, our “Paths to Success” provide an excellent starting point for students interested in exploring potential careers. We have listed a variety of career options below for geography. As students start to explore their career goals, we suggest that they understand their interests, skills, values in relation to the type of job that they want.