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Geography

Geography is the study of the relationship between the earth and its people, between culture and the environment. Geographers receive training in both the natural and social sciences that prepares them for a wide range of careers in business, government, planning, and teaching. At the University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire, students can choose a comprehensive major with a resource management emphasis or international studies emphasis, a tradition major with a physical geography, human geography or a geographic techniques emphasis, or a geography teaching major. Students also have the option of a liberal arts geography minor, a geography teaching minor, or an anthropology minor.

What will I learn from studying Geography?

Knowledge:

As a Geography major, students will gain knowledge of maps and environments. In addition, they acquire an awareness of diverse cultures by studying both the land and the people. Geography graduates expand their knowledge of agricultural productivity, urban housing, waste disposal, environmental quality, and the value of land and real estate.

Skills:

  • Reading, writing and speaking
  • Managing time and resources
  • Acute form and spatial perception
  • Aptitude for accurate details
  • Thorough understanding of geographical skills and statistical techniques
  • Conduct and clearly explain scientific research
  • Read and construct maps and graphs

What are some of the interests and values related to Geography?

  • Intellectual growth
  • Independence
  • Desire to help and influence people
  • Desire to help people adapt to their environments
  • Resourcefulness
  • Spirit of scientific inquiry

What are related student and professional organizations?

Student:

Professional:

What career fields are related to a Geography Degree?

Potential Employers:

Geography majors are able to hold a variety of careers because of their knowledge and analytical skills. In addition to working in traditional geographic fields, geography majors work in administrative, planning, and even communications areas. Geography graduates are present in a variety of sectors including: government agencies, private and public industries, and research organizations.

Potential Job Titles:

  • Cartographer
  • Energy Researcher
  • Secondary Instructor
  • Energy Administrator
  • Real Estate Development Researcher
  • Travel Agent
  • Consulting Operations Administrator
  • Environmental Researcher
  • Forestry Aide
  • Historical Projects Coordinator

What are some jobs held by UW – Eau Claire Geography graduates?

  • Edit Cartographer, National Geographic, Silver Spring, MD
  • Soil Conservation Technician , NRCS, Chippewa Falls, WI
  • Central Irrigation Specialist , Spot Water Management, San Jose, CA
  • Association Market Research Ananlyst , Star Tribune, Minneapolis, MN
  • GIS Technician , Wood County, Wisconsin Rapids, WI
  • 7 th Grade Social Studies Teacher, River Falls School District, River Falls, WI

How can I learn more about Geography?

Department

Career Services:

  • Meet with a career counselor
  • Take interest inventories and self-assessment tests
  • Ask An Alum & Friends, a database of UW – Eau Claire Alumni & Friends available for informational interviewing

Career Discovery Center:

  • Opportunities in Forestry Careers , Christopher M. Wille
  • Careers in Community Development , Paul C Brophy & Alice Shabecoff
  • Careers for Environmental Types & Others Who Respect the Earth , Jane Kinney & Michael Fasulo
  • Opportunities in Environmental Careers , Odom Fanning

Internet:

What are some opportunities for experiential learning in Geography?

Internship

Internships are a way to gain hands-on experience in a position that interests you as a potential career. To find an internship in Geography or Anthropology that suites your interests, visit Career Services (Schofield 230) and speak with a Career Associate about the many available internships. Contact your advisor or the Geography & Anthropology department chair about enrolling in GEOG 498 to obtain academic credit for your internship.

Directed Studies or Independent Study Class

By participating in an Independent or Directed Studies course, students will be able to research an area that they find particularly interesting. Contact your advisor about enrolling in GEOG 395, 399 or 499 or ANTH 395, 399 or 499.