Geography provides a broad-ranging perspective on humans as inhabitants and transformers of the face of the earth. The search for this understanding involves thorough study of the physical earth, its habitation by humans, and the resulting diversity of regions and places. Geographers study the physical earth by examining the interlocking systems of the natural environment, including climate, landforms, soils, and biota. Humans are studied by examining those diverse historical, cultural, social, economic, and political structures and processes that affect the location and spatial organization of population groups and their activities. Regions and places, whether described as nations, cities, ecological units, or landscapes, are studied by integrating and interpreting their physical and human relations in an effort to better understand them and the problems that they face.
Geographers are often found working in business, industry, government, and education. Geographers are called upon to help understand and restore natural ecosystems; manage natural and urban environments; investigate sustainable land use worldwide; analyze the evolving relationship between people and places; become involved in diplomacy or intelligence; plan transportation routes; create Geographical Management Systems for industries and governmental agencies; apply their skills as cartographers; teach; and much more. No academic discipline offers a greater range of employment opportunities.
| Related Occupations | Related Occupations | Related Occupations |
|---|---|---|
| Weather Forecasters | Outdoor Guides | Coastal-zone Managers |
| Hydrologists | Soil Conservation or Agricultural Extension Agents | Environmental Manager |
| Forestry Technician | Park Ranger | Hazardous-Waste Planner |
| Diplomats | Intelligence Officers | Travel Agents |
| Travel Writers | Remote-Sensing Analysts | Surveyors |
| International Business Representatives | Community Developers | Health-Care Analysts |
| Market Researchers | Traffic or Route Delivery Managers | Real Estate Agents |
| Brokers | Appraisers | Economic-Development Researchers |
| Community Planner | Transportation Planner | Housing, Park, or Recreation Planner |
| Cartographers | Map Librarians | Land Developers |
| Elementary or Secondary School Teachers | College Professors | Overseas Teachers |
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Banks |
Cartographics Firms |
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Chambers of Commerce |
Charities |
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Colleges and Universities |
Consulting Firms |
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Environmental Systems Research Institute |
ERDAS |
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Foundations |
GIS Applications |
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Historical Societies |
Insurance Companies |
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Intergraph |
International Development Organizations |
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Legal Firms |
Libraries |
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Medical Groups |
Museums |
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Newspapers and Magazines |
NGOs |
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Public-Relations Firms |
Publishing Companies |
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Refugee Assistance Organizations |
Research Firms |
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Schools |
Science Policy |
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Social-Service Agencies |
Travel Industry |
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Wildlife Management Agencies |
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Army Corps of Engineers |
Bureau of Land Management |
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Bureau of the Census |
Central Intelligence Agency |
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Congressional Offices |
Defense Mapping Agency |
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Department of State |
Department of State Lands |
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Drug Enforcement Administration |
Environmental Protection Agency |
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Federal Bureau of Investigation |
Food and Agriculture Organization (United Nations) |
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Department of Agriculture |
Montana Office of Public Instruction |
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National Aeronautics and Space Administration |
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Adminstration |
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National Park Service |
National Science Foundation |
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Natural Resource Information System (Montana State Library) |
Organization of American States |
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Peace Corps |
Planning Agencies |
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Smithsonian Institution |
State Department of Transportation |
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State Historical Perservation Office |
United Nations Development Programme |
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United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization |
U.S. Agency for International Development |
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U.S. Forest Service |
U.S. Geological Survey |
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U.S. Information Agency |
VISTA |
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World Bank |
World Health Organization |
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World Meteorological Organization |
Law Enforcement |
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Related Web Links
Professional Associations
