Geographers

High School

Plan on continuing your education after high school, so take your school's college prep curriculum. Naturally, you will focus on science classes such as geography and earth sciences. In addition, you will benefit from taking classes in sociology, computer science, English, history, and mathematics.

Postsecondary Training

A bachelor's degree with a major in geography is the basic educational requirement for most positions as a professional geographer. Advanced degrees in geography or in geographic information systems are usually required for most college teaching positions, most jobs outside the federal government, and for those opportunities involving a considerable amount of research activity.

Many colleges and universities offer undergraduate programs in geography. A good number of these institutions also have a curriculum leading to a master's degree or doctorate in geography. Visit http://www.aag.org/cs/geogdepts for a list of schools. 

Courses taken by geography students include general physical geography; political, economic, human, urban, and regional geography; general courses such as business, economics, and real estate; and specialized courses such as meteorology, GIS technology, and cartography. Undergraduate study usually includes formal classroom instruction, as well as some field study (such as internships and field research).

Other Education or Training

Many professional associations provide continuing education opportunities to geographers. For example, the Association of American Geographers offers CE classes and workshops at its annual conference Recent workshops included Career Planning for Students and Recent Graduates, Entering the Geography Workforce, Becoming a Certified GIS Professional, and Professional Networking Strategies. The American Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing, Association of American Geographers, and the National Council for Geographic Education also provide CE opportunities. Contact these organizations for more information.