Top Online Geography Degree Programs and Industry Salary 2023/2024

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Online Geography Degree majors learn about the physical features of the earth including climate, soil, and topography and how people relate to the land. Learners study both physical and social science.

Geography careers include geoscientist, geographer, and cartographer. Below, readers will find more information about pursuing a career in this field, including salary potential and links to helpful resources.

Geographers and related scientists study landforms, waterways, climate, and soil. They also explore the relationships between people and their environments, examining the ways that geographic location shapes political and social practices.

As an online geography major, you could pursue studies that can help prepare you for an exciting career in Earth science, cartography, or urban planning.

About Online Geography Degree

Geography is a discipline that focuses on the Earth and the atmosphere. Studying for a degree in geography can let you learn about the physical features of the planet.

You can also gain a better understanding of the people groups who live on the Earth. Geography studies often address the relationship between people and their environments.

To earn a degree in geography, you’ll typically take classes related to physical and human geography. Physical geography has to do with the landforms and waterways that cover the planet. Human geography relates to politics, culture, and relationships.

As a geography major, you’ll also study climate and environment. You can explore how these factors influence the ways that people in a certain area live. The coursework can also address ways that human actions affect the climate and the environment.

Another component of geography studies involves Geographic Information System (GIS) technology. Data systems play a role in a variety of geography-related activities, including mapping and regional planning.

Some geography majors choose a concentration for their studies. Options vary from school to school but can include:

Earth Science
Environmental Geography
Geographic Information Science
Human Geography
Meteorology
Physical Geography
Travel
Urban Planning

Some colleges encourage geography majors to participate in study abroad opportunities or other field experiences. Those activities can allow you to apply your classroom lessons in a real-world setting.

After graduation, geography majors can work in a variety of fields. Some go into scientific pursuits, such as conservation science or soil science. Others pursue work in a surveying or mapping role. Another line of work that appeals to some geographers is urban planning.

Geography-related jobs are often offered by government agencies. Research and development, engineering, and architecture firms also hire for geography-related roles.

Geography Careers & Salaries

Geography majors can pursue many different lines of work. Few roles for geography students have the word “geographer” in the title, but they still draw on the skills learned in a geography program.

Many geography graduates work as scientists of some sort. Examples of scientific specialties include conservation, atmospheric, environmental, soil, and plant science. Knowing how to use Geographic Information System (GIS) technology could be helpful in many of those fields.

Scientists with a geography background often hold government jobs. There may be federal, state, and local opportunities. Others are employed by nonprofit organizations, architectural firms, or research and development firms. Some even work as consultants.

Entering a scientific field often begins with working as a technician. For example, there are roles for soil science and environmental protection technicians. According to the Bureau of labor statistics, jobs in the life, physical, and social sciences pay a median annual salary of $69,760.

Careers	Annual Median Salaries
Atmospheric Scientists	$99,740
Geographers	$85,430
Urban and Regional Planners	$75,950
Environmental Scientists and Specialists	$73,230
Cartographers and Photogrammetrists	$68,380
Soil and Plant Scientists	$66,120
Surveyors	$65,590
Conservation Scientists and Foresters	$64,010
Environmental Science and Protection Technicians	$46,850
Surveying and Mapping Technicians	$46,200

Mapping is a key focus for many geography students. There are jobs for surveyors, cartographers, and photogrammetrists. Geographic information specialists are also included within this job category.

Your state may require licensure for some of these jobs, such as working as a cartographer. Entry-level roles in surveying and mapping often have the word “technician” in the title.

Some geography majors find work in urban and regional planning. Local governments typically hire for that role. A master’s degree is needed for many positions, but people with a bachelor degree in geography may work as assistants.

Online Geography Degree Curriculum and Courses

Of the 120 credit hours typically required for a bachelor’s degree, 30 or more of them may be centered around geographical studies. Here are some examples of courses you may come across with a geography major:

Climatology: You’ll study atmospheric conditions and weather patterns in various parts of the world.
Environmental Science: Your time in this class will focus on environmental issues, climate change, and people’s relationship with their natural surroundings.
Geographic Information Systems: You’ll learn about technological systems that record and organize geographic data for meaningful purposes.
Human Geography: In one or more classes, you’ll focus on people groups and human systems that shape countries and cultures.
Mapping: In this class, you’ll study the principles of cartography and learn about how to best use maps.
Physical Geography: This lab course will introduce you to landforms and waterways of the world and touch on ways that the Earth’s physical landscapes influence people groups.
Statistics in Geography: Taking this class will be an important step in learning to use geographical data for research and planning purposes.
Regional Geography: In a course on regional geography, you may take an in-depth look at the geographical features, people, and climate of a particular area.
Research in Geography: After learning about research methods used in this field, you may be tasked with developing a research project of your own.
Visualization of the Earth: In this course, you’ll gain hands-on experience with using various types of images, such as aerial photos and satellite feeds.

Your curriculum can depend on factors like the specialization you choose and whether you pursue a Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts in Geography.

Admissions Requirements

Your path to a geography degree begins with college admissions. Applying for college may require submitting materials like those listed below:

ACT or SAT scores (only some schools require them)
Personal essay
Reference letters from academic or professional supervisors
High school transcripts and a minimum GPA of 2.0 or higher

In addition to these materials, you’ll also fill out a form with your basic information. There may be an application fee to turn in as well.

Accreditation

For a respected geography bachelor’s degree, it’s strategic to choose a program at a school with regional accreditation.

The process of accreditation involves reviewing a school’s academics and operating practices. Colleges that demonstrate their competence in these areas can receive the distinction of being regionally accredited.

Earning a degree from an accredited institution has both academic and professional value. In the academic world, it could help you qualify to transfer credits to another school or get into a graduate program. Professionally, an accredited degree might help you qualify for an advanced role.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

You may be able to secure financial assistance to help you pay for college tuition. To get started, you can fill out the FAFSA.

The government often gives grants and loans to qualifying students to help with college costs. Eligibility is commonly based on need. Both federal and state programs may be available to you. Colleges often distribute their own financial aid as well. You might receive an institutional scholarship for one or more years of your program.

Other organizations give out scholarships, too. Sources might include national clubs or local philanthropic associations. You might even find some scholarship programs that are specifically for geography students.

There’s also a chance that your employer can help you pay for school. Some workplaces have scholarships or tuition reimbursement programs available.

What Can I Do with an Online Geography Degree?

Some professionals with geography degrees work as geographers. They may be physical geographers who study the land, or they may be human geographers, studying ways that people interact with their environments.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, most geographers work for the federal government. Another job for some geography graduates is cartography. Cartographers gather data and use it to create maps. Most cartographers work for local governments or architecture and engineering firms.

Some geography majors work in soil or plant science. That type of job might involve increasing crop production or encouraging sustainable land use.

Is Geography a Good Major?

Yes, geography is a good major. for many undergraduate students. There are a wide variety of applications for geography studies. Graduates could potentially work in environmental services, conservation, forestry, atmospheric science, or agricultural science. Other opportunities could include surveying, cartography, and regional planning.

Geography graduates tend to find work with the federal government or local governments. Federal jobs are often among the highest-paying roles in a job category. Geographers often conduct fieldwork. For those who like to spend time outdoors or travel to various places, that could be a nice job perk.

What Jobs Can You Get with an Online Geography Degree?

While considering your college major, you may wonder what you can do with a heap geography degree. Some geography students enter the field of urban planning. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, senior planner roles usually require a master’s degree. Associate positions may be open to those with a bachelors in geography.

Foresters may have geography degrees, too. Foresters can protect tree populations, encourage growth, or oversee harvesting practices. They can work in parks or take care of trees in urban settings. Knowledge of Geographic Information System (GIS) technology is useful for these jobs.

Geography graduates can also pursue a career as an atmospheric scientist. They may study how weather affects landscapes and human activities.

How Much Do Geographers Make?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, most geographers earn between $53,630 and $117,100 each year. At $92,080 per year, jobs for the federal government have the highest median salary.

Cartographers usually earn between $42,980 and $108,890 annually. Once again, federal government jobs pay the highest. The annual median wage for that employment category is $92,650.

Environmental scientists and specialists tend to make $42,960 to $129,450 each year. Positions within the federal government bring in a median annual pay rate of $103,180. Jobs in engineering services pay a median salary of $75,780 annually.

Is an Online Geography Degree Worth It?

Yes, a geography degree is worth it for many students. Today’s geography practices involve technological systems, and you can gain experience with these systems in a college geography program. As you study for a BA or BS in Geography, you can also learn to analyze data and statistics.

Many jobs in the geography field are growing. For example, the Bureau of Labor Statistics expects 6% job growth for atmospheric scientists over the next ten years. The same is true for environmental scientists and specialists. Positions in environmental science are increasing at an 8% rate. Jobs for urban and regional planners are growing by 11%.

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