Major Discovery Series
Geography
Bachelor of Arts: Geography-Applied
Bachelor of Arts: Geography-Environmental
Bachelor of Arts: Geography-General
Bachelor of Arts: Geography-Globalization
Bachelor of Arts: Geography-Planning
Minors: Geography, Geography: Environmental Option, Geography: Planning Option
Geography is the study of the interrelationships between the earth and its people. As both a social and natural science,
geography focuses on climate, land, water, space, mineral resources, population density, changes in the environment and
how people adapt to them. Numerous tools and techniques are employed in geographic research including cartography
(the art and science of map making and use), geographic information systems (GIS), satellite imagery and air photo
interpretation, surveys, mathematical modeling and statistical analysis.
Graduates can find employment in business, government agencies, research and management fields. Employers
recommend one or more internships to be successful and competitive when entering this field.
Career themes associated with Geography
Common interests of Geography majors
Investigative, Realistic, and Enterprising
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Related skills, values, and qualities
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Proficiency with computers
Ability to read and interpret maps, charts and graphs
Proficiency in reading, writing, and speaking
Ability to analyze, make appropriate decisions, and
solve quantitative problems
 Ability to conduct and explain scientific research
 Aptitude for accuracy and detail
 Ability to work with people of varied backgrounds
Visiting natural science museums
Participating in outdoor activities
Solving analytical and logical problems
Hiking, camping, and backpacking
Exploring and traveling
Participating in Geography or science clubs
Reading professional publications
For more information about the major
Contact the Geography Department,
105 Graduate Center, 610-683-4364,
or visit www.kutztown.edu/Geography
KU Majors related to Geography
Courses Geography majors typically enjoy
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Earth Science
Economics
Civics
Geography (Physical/Cultural)
Social Science
Sociology
History
Environmental Science, Geology
Investigative students may also be interested in:
Anthropology, Biochemistry, Biology, Chemistry,
Computer Science, Criminal Justice, Economics*,
German Studies, History, International Studies*,
Mathematics, Multicultural Studies*, PA German
Studies*, Physics, Political Science, Psychology,
Sec Edu- Math/Science, Sociology, Spanish, and
Women’s Studies*
* minor only
For More Information on Geography Careers or to speak to a Career Counselor, contact
KU Career Development Center • 113 Stratton Administration Center • 610-683-4067 • careerhelp@kutztown.edu • www.kutztown.edu/careercenter
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 Attend your senior kick-off and
other info sessions to prepare
for job search/grad school.
 Enroll in the Career Success
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Update your resume and
Certificate.
LinkedIn profile.
 Complete an internship and/or
 Meet with CDC career
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Create cover letter drafts.
undergraduate research.
coach.
Enroll in the Career
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Gain experience through
 Attend info sessions to learn  Attend info sessions about
Exploration Certificate.
internships and/or
internships,
interviewing,
job
about resume writing, and
Attend info sessions to learn
undergraduate research.
search strategies, and grad
externships.
about career development
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Secure references for job/grad
school.
 Confirm your choice of major
and personal branding.
school applications.
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Build
a
LinkedIn
profile
and
and consider options for
Take a career assessment to
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Create your “30 second”
continue
to
monitor
your
online
double major or minor.
identify and confirm interests.
commercial.
presence.
 Research careers of interest.
Get involved in campus clubs
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Meet with CDC to develop
 Complete a mock interview.
 Complete a job shadowing
and organizations.
job search strategies.
 Build skills through research
(externship) experience.
Develop basic workplace skills
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Research employers.
projects,
part-time
employment,
through jobs or volunteer work.  Seek meaningful employand
volunteer
work.
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Network with professionals
ment or volunteer work in a
Talk with professors, family,
through events and social
 Participate in Coffee and
field
related
to
your
major.
and friends about career
media.
Convos
&
networking
programs.
 Explore options for underideas.
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Join a professional organization
 Attend internship & job fairs.
graduate research and
Conduct informational
in your discipline.
 Take on a leadership role in a
study abroad.
interviews with professionals
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Attend the senior etiquette
student
organization
or
work.
 Write a resume and have it
working in fields of interest.
dinner.
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Consider
graduate
school
reviewed
by
the
CDC.
Develop a relationship with
 Participate in job fairs and
options
and
prepare
for
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Manage
your
online
your professors and faculty
on-campus interviewing.
admissions tests.
presence.
advisor.
Sample Career Titles
Geography majors can be found working in a wide variety of career fields. Here are just some career titles that may be
of interest. Please note that some jobs may require further education and training.
 Aerial Photo Interpreter
 Agricultural Extension Agent
 Air/Water Quality Control
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Manager
Cartographer
Climatologist
Coastal Zone Manager
Community Developer
Computer Mapper
Computer Programmer
Demographer
Earth Scientist
Ecologist
Editor
Environmental Impact Analyst
Environmental Quality Specialist
Environmental Scientist
Environmental Technician
Facilities Planner
Forestry Technician
Geographic Area Specialist
 Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
Specialist/Analyst
 GIS Program Manager
 Geophysics Assistant
 Hazardous-Waste Planner
 Health Services Organization
 Health Services Planner
 Hydrologist
 Industrial Developer
 Industrial Planner
 Intelligence Agent
 International Business Representative
 International Investment Analyst
 Land Developer
 Land Economist
 Land-Use Analyst
 Location Expert
 Map Analyst
 Map Curator/Librarian
 Market Research Analyst
 Natural Resource Specialist
 Outdoor Guide
 Park Ranger
 Peace Corps Volunteer
 Planner
 Property Manager
 Public Utilities Specialist
 Remote Sensing Analyst
 Site Researcher
 Soil Conservationist
 Surveyor
 Systems Analyst
 Teacher/Professor
 Traffic Manager
 Transportation Analyst
 Transportation Manager
 Travel Agent/Specialist
 Urban/Regional Planner
 Weather Forecaster
 Wildlife Manager
 Writer/Author
 Zoning Investigator
To learn more about these careers, visit http://online.onetcenter.org or www.bls.gov/ooh.
Common Internship Sites and Employers
Geography majors often find internships and employment in the following industries:
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Airlines
Colleges/Universities
Construction Companies
Engineering Companies
Environmental Protection Organizations
Fuel Companies
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Museums
Research Laboratories
Railroads
State/Federal Government
Urban/Regional Planners
Utility Companies
KU Career Network is the primary online resource
for preparing and connecting students and alumni with employers.
www.kutztown.edu/KUCN
Useful Websites for Geography Majors
Whether you are researching related career fields, applying for internships or jobs, or planning to join
a professional association, these websites are for you!
Industry Information and Job/Internship
Search Sites
Bureau of Land Management
www.blm.gov
Environmental Careers World Job Bank
www.environmentaljobs.com
Environmental Protection Agency
www.epa.gov
Professional Associations
American Congress on Surveying and Mapping
www.acsm.net
American Geographical Society
www.amergeog.org
American Planning Association
www.planning.org
Environmental Systems Research Institute
www.esri.com
American Society for Photogrammetry & Remote
Sensing
www.asprs.org
GIS Jobs Clearinghouse
www.gjc.org
Association of American Geographers
www.aag.org
Geography.com
http://geography.com
GIS Certification Institute
www.gisci.org
Governmental Leadership Jobs—Call to Service
http://ourpublicservice.org/OPS/programs/
calltoserve
Geospatial Info & Techno Association
www.gita.org
New Scientist Jobs
www.newscientistjobs.com
Pennsylvania Spatial Data Access
www.pasda.psu.edu
US Geological Survey
www.usgs.gov/ohr/students
Imaging and Geospatial Information Society
www.asprs.org
Pennsylvania Geographical Society
www.thepgs.org
Society of Women Geographers
www.iswg.org
Urban and Regional Information Systems Assoc.
www.urisa.org
Building Your Resume for a Career in Geography
Building a strong resume for your career field starts long before you ever start your job search. Employers want to hire graduates
who not only have the necessary educational background but also have experience applying that knowledge to real life
situations.
Take note of the skills
and knowledge
obtained through your
educational background
and hands-on
experiences.
Highlight transferable
skills such as
communication and
critical thinking.
Learn more about your
field and develop the
necessary skills for
employment by gaining
hands-on experience
through externships,
internships, field work,
part-time jobs and
related volunteer
opportunities.
Develop professionally
through campus
involvement and
professional
memberships.
This illustrates
responsibility, leadership
abilities and time
management skills.