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Geography

Subject Details

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that geographers in the U.S. earn a median salary of nearly $85,500 a year, or about $41 an hour.

CAREERwise Minnesota reports that geographers in the state earn more than $33/hour; top earners make more than $41/hour. Geographers most often work in the professional, scientific, and technical services sectors.

You can study this subject area as part of course requirements for an award - degree, diploma or certificate - in another discipline. If you want to eventually earn a Bachelor’s degree in this subject, talk to a counselor or advisor early on and create a transfer plan.

Geography at Inver Hills

Click each item below to see content

Geographer Typical Duties

  • Gather geographic data through field observations, maps, photographs, satellite imagery, and censuses
  • Conduct research via surveys, interviews, and focus groups
  • Create and modify maps or other visual representations of geographic data
  • Analyze the geographic distribution of physical and cultural characteristics and occurrences
  • Collect, analyze, and display geographic data with Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
  • Write reports and present research findings
  • Assist, advise, or lead others in using GIS and geographic data
  • Link geographic data with data pertaining to a particular specialty, such as economics, the environment, health, or politics

Geographer Skill Set

  • Comprehending spatial patterns and processes
  • Communicating proficiently
  • Making decisions
  • Solving problems
  • Reading and understanding maps, graphs and charts
  • Carrying out scientific research
  • Developing an eye for detail
  • Having a knack for statistics and mathematics
  • Using computers
  • Analyzing electronic information

Potential Job Titles

  • Biogeographer
  • Cartographer
  • Climatologist
  • Conservationist
  • Earth Scientist
  • Ecologist
  • Economic Development Planner
  • Environmental Impact Analyst
  • Environmental Planner
  • Geographic Information Specialist
  • Hazardous Waste Planner
  • Health Services Planner
  • Hydrologist
  • Land Use Planner
  • Map Editor
  • Map Librarian
  • Map, Air Photo & Satellite Image Interpreter
  • Natural Resource Manager
  • Regional Planner
  • Transportation Planner
  • Urban Planner
  • Water Resource Manager

Geography-Related Occupations in Detail

Geographers
Cartographers and Photogrammetrists

Atmospheric Scientists, Including Meteorologists
Geoscientists

Professional Organizations

  • American Association of Geographers (AAG): Jobs & Careers
  • American Geographical Society (AGS)
  • National Council for Geographic Education (NCGE): Professional Development
  • National Geographic Society: Professional Development
  • Society of Woman Geographers (SWG)

Geography at Inver Hills Adds Up

What you’ll accomplish as a student in our Geography department:

  1. Work directly with expert, student-centric geography faculty
  2. Benefit from small class sizes and collaborating with likeminded classmates
  3. Develop a strong foundation in the science of geography
  4. Gain hands-on experience completing lab exercises and classroom presentations
  5. Acquire a full range of transferable skills essential for career advancement in the social and Earth sciences as well as in other scientific fields
  6. Save money and continue your academic and professional careers with less student debt

According to U.S. News & World Report, national student loan debt topped $1.7 trillion in the second quarter of 2021, or roughly $740 billion more than U.S. total credit card debt.

In Minnesota, 900,000 student loan borrowers owe an average $31,250 in federal and private student debt. That debt translates into an average monthly payment topping $250. 

Tuition and fees for one year at Inver Hills costs a little less than $5,500. Compare that to $15,000 to $20,000 at a for-profit college, or $40,000 to $50,000+ at a private college or university. You can complete your first two years at Inver Hills getting a topflight, hands-on education from knowledgeable, caring and experienced faculty and then transfer to a four-year school as a junior all while saving thousands of dollars.

Additional Resources

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Inver Hills Foundation
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© 2023 Inver Hills Community College. Inver Hills is a member of Minnesota State, and an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer and educator. This information is available in an alternate format by calling TTY/Minnesota Relay at 1-800-627-3529 or contacting The Office for Accessibility Resources. HLC Accreditation