Everything to know about choosing a geography major

Key takeaways

• A geography major studies people, places, and the connection between them.
• You’ll explore both physical geography (earth science) and human geography (culture and society).
• Common courses include GIS, cartography, and environmental studies.
• Career paths range from urban planning to environmental consulting.
• Geography majors can earn solid starting salaries, with growth potential in tech and environmental fields.

So, what is a geography major?

Think of geography as way more than just memorizing maps—it’s about understanding the world around us. A geography major explores the relationships between people, places, environments, and cultures. You’ll learn how physical landscapes shape societies and how human activity impacts the planet. If you’re curious about climate change, cities, cultures, or global issues, this could be the major for you.

Types of geography I'll study

Most programs split into two main branches:

• Physical geography: The science side—landforms, climate, ecosystems, and natural hazards.
• Human geography: The people side—populations, cultures, economics, and urban development.

Some schools even let you focus on areas like geographic information systems (GIS), environmental geography, or global studies.

Typical courses for geography majors

Your classes will mix science, social studies, and tech. Expect to take:

• Geographic information systems (GIS)
• Cartography (map-making)
• Urban geography
• Environmental studies
• Statistics and research methods
• Global development and policy

Double majors and minors that pair well with geography majors

Geography majors often add a second focus to make themselves more career-ready. Common combos include:

• Environmental science
• Political science
• Economics
• Sociology
• Computer science (great for GIS careers)

Skills I’ll gain as a geography major

A geography degree gives you a blend of technical and soft skills that employers value:

• Data analysis and problem-solving

• Spatial thinking and mapping technology

• Research and critical thinking

• Communication and presentation

• An eye for cultural awareness and global perspectives

Popular careers for geography majors

Your options are broader than you might think. Geography majors go into:

• Urban and regional planning

• Environmental consulting

• Cartography and GIS analysis

• Government or nonprofit policy work

• Education or research

• International development

You can also explore scholarships tailored to your field through Scholarships for geography majors.

How much will I earn with a geography degree?

Earnings vary depending on your career path, but the outlook is promising. For example, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that geographers earn a median salary of about $90,000 per year, while related roles like urban planners and environmental scientists earn between $70,000–$80,000. Many entry-level positions start lower, but tech-heavy fields like GIS often pay more as you gain experience.

Notable schools for geography majors

If geography feels like your path, here are a few schools known for strong programs:

• University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)

• University of Washington

• University of Wisconsin–Madison

• Penn State University

• Clark University

Pro tip: you can use the Scout College Search tool to explore even more options.

Finding scholarships for geography majors

Paying for school doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. Sallie offers tools to help you discover scholarships that match your goals, including Scholarships by major, Scholly Scholarships, and the Scout College Search tool. You can also check out opportunities like the $2,000 No Essay Scholarship, which makes applying quick and easy. These resources can help you find funding options tailored to geography majors and beyond, so you can focus on your studies without as much financial stress.