Geography
What can I do with a major in Geography
Geography deals with some of the most exciting issues on Earth. It studies the interaction between human beings and the global environment and the resulting problems and opportunities. It is about everything from the original formation of the earth’s surface, to the effects we have on our environment: past, present and future.
We, as human beings, are an intrinsic part of the global ecosystem. We are a powerful part of nature and create imbalances that can have global influence. Geography is also concerned with spatial analysis: the distribution characteristics or network structures of a wide variety of physical and human features on the Earth's surface. It is from these concerns that Geographical Information Science (GIS) has emerged.
The primary focus of the program is to provide you with the theoretical knowledge and technical skills that will enable you to analyze the spatial organization and interaction of all creatures and ecological processes on the planet — and sometimes beyond it — in order to address real-world issues.
As a geography student, you will have access to the latest hardware and software available in geography, economics, environment, agriculture, ecology, planning and a host of other disciplines. You will also have access to state-of-the-art facilities, such as the Alberta Water and Environmental Science Building. This facility provides the infrastructure to support the research interests of our award-winning faculty — your instructors — as they investigate diverse areas such as: weather and climate, water, glaciers, sediments, plants and insects.
Students interested in Geography can complete:
- Bachelor of Arts
- Bachelor of Science
- Bachelor of Arts & Science
- Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Education
- Bachelor of Science/Bachelor of Education
- Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Business Administration
- Bachelor of Science/Bachelor of Business Administration
The combined degrees leverage synergies with other Bachelor programs and open up additional career opportunities.
Skills
- Communication
- Computer Knowledge
- Detail Oriented
- Enjoy Laboratory Work
- Enjoy Working on a Team
- Interest in field studies
- Observant
- Organized
- Patient & Self-Motivated
- Problem Solver
- Surveying Techniques
- Time Management
- Understanding the Interrelationship of Social, Economic, Political & Cultural Factors
- Visualization Skills
- Work Well Independently
Work Environment
Geography graduates often secure employment with local, provincial and federal government departments, or with corporations and consultants around the world. Graduates of this program typically work in industries/sectors such as environmental protection agencies, agriculture or energy departments, national or provincial forestry/park services, academic or research laboratories, real estate development companies, environmental surveying companies, market research firms, planning agencies, aeronautics and space administration agencies, oceanic and atmospheric administration agencies, map publishers, mapping/GIS/GPS software companies, environmental planning agencies, consulting firms, non-profit organizations, law firms, waste management companies, museums and historical sites, or international trade & development organizations. A degree in Geography also provides an excellent foundation for future studies in Environmental Law, Management, Journalism, Education or Geology.
Key Areas of Specialization:
- Physical Geography
- Environmental Geography
- Economic Geography
- Cultural & Human Geography
- Planning
- Tools & Technology
- Education
Career Possibilities
These jobs are normally intended for new graduates and require 0 to 2 years of experience. It is important to note that many entry level positions require some related experience or demonstrated ability to perform job-related tasks. Even those positions that do not require experience will still prefer an experienced candidate, if one is available.
- Assistant Policy Planner
- Assistant Transit Planner
- CAD Technologist
- Cartographic Aide
- Data Analyst/Technician
- Data Entry Technician
- Entry Level Remote Sensing Scientist
- Environmental Planning Intern
- Environmental Technician
- Field Research Assistant
- GIS Technician
- Graduate Planning Officer
- Junior CAD Technician
- Junior Electronics Technician
- Map Room Clerk
- Materials Property Specialist
- Network Operations Assistant
- Permit Specialist
- Planner (Country Highway District)
- Planning Technician
- Project Coordinator
- Research Analyst
- Research Project Coordinator
- Resource Development Planner
- Safety Education Outreach Internship
- Seasonal Remote Sensing Office Technician
- Survey Assistant
- Transportation Planner for Policy & Programming
These jobs generally require extensive, relevant work experience and/or further education.
- Agricultural Planner
- Biogeographer
- CAD/GIS/GPS Instructor
- Cartographer
- Community Developer
- Coastal Zone Specialist/Manager
- Demographer
- Demographic Analyst
- Drafter/CAD Chief
- Draftsperson
- Dredging Technician
- Earth Scientist
- Eco-Tourism Guide
- Ecologist Industrial Planner
- Environmental Assessment Officer
- Environmental Consultant
- Environmental Impact Specialist
- Foreign Area Study Consultant
- Geo-Coach Professional
- Geo-Database Product Engineer
- Geocoding & Geosearch Testing Product Engineer
- Geographer
- Geographic Area Specialist
- Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Analyst
- Geographical Laboratory Assistant
- Geologist
- Geomatics Field Supervisor
- Geomatics Plan Checker
- Geomatics Project Supervisor
- Geomatics Technician
- Geophysics Assistant
- Geospatial Application Analyst
- Geospatial Data Analyst
- GIS Cadastral Specialist
- GIS Coordinator
- GIS Data Specialist
- GIS Developer
- GIS Information Processer
- GIS IT Team Leader
- GIS Programmer
- GIS Return Data Specialist
- GIS Specialist
- GIS Technician/Manager
- GIS/IT Specialist
- GPS/Geomatics Technician
- Hazardous Waste Planner
- Hydrologist
- Impact Analyst
- Institutional Analyst
- Land Surveying Crew Chief
- Land-Use Analyst
- Location Analyst/Expert
- Map Editor
- Municipal & Resource Planner
- Natural Resources Specialist
- Outdoor Educator – Forest Program
- Park Ranger/Manager
- Physical Scientist
- Policy Advisor
- Project Manager, Geomatics Section
- Public Utility Specialist
- Radio Technician/GIS Mapping
- Remote Sensing Analyst
- Research Assistant
- Senior GIS Administrator & Developer
- Senior Mapping Technologist
- Soil Conservation Technician
- Soils Specialist
- Spatial Data Systems Developer
- Spatial Information Management Officer
- Tourism Developer
- Traffic Manager
- Transportation Analyst
- Urban & Regional Planner
- Water Resources Specialist
- Weather Forecaster
- Weather/Climate Specialist
- Web Mapping Developer
On average, people change their careers three to five times in their lifetime. So, no matter what major you choose, you may still be interested in opportunities totally unrelated to your program of study. We encourage you to be open to all possibilities! Your undergraduate degree can be a springboard for other educational pursuits, and your transferable skills and experience can prepare you to work in a multitude of settings.
- Application Developer
- Business Development Manager
- City Regional Planner
- Community Development Specialist
- Computer Programmer
- Construction Manager
- Consultant with Development Experience
- Cultural Resource Specialist
- Customer Support Intern
- Emergency Management Officer
- Enterprise Architect
- Environment Evaluator
- Environment Officer
- Environmental Project Manager
- Environmental Quality Specialist
- Geo-Database Product Engineer
- GIS Sales Specialist
- Health Service Planner
- Historic Prevention Planner
- Historical Consulting
- Housing Specialist
- Intelligence Agent
- Intermediate Technical Writer/Editor
- International Business Representative
- Interpretive Specialist
- Land Management Assistant
- Merchandising Representative
- Meteorologist
- Oceanographer
- Program & Communication Manager
- Property Manager
- Software Developer
- Technical Support Representative
- Travel Agent/Specialist
- Volunteer Coordinator
- Web User Interface Developer
- Wildlife Manager
- Writer/Author/Manager
Useful Resources
- Alberta Society of Surveying and Mapping Technologies http://www.assmt.ca/
- Association of American Geographers www.aag.org
- Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta http://www.apega.ca/
- Canadian Association of Geographers http://www.cag-acg.ca
- Canadian Federation of Earth Sciences https://www.cfes-fcst.ca/
- Canadian Institute of Planners https://www.cip-icu.ca
- Canadian Meteorological and Oceanographic Society http://www.cmos.ca/
- Eco Canada – Environmental Career Organization http://www.eco.ca
- Geological Association of Canada https://gac.ca/
- GIS Lounge http://www.gislounge.com/
- Natural Resources Canada https://www.nrcan.gc.ca/home
- The Royal Canadian Geographical Society http://www.rcgs.org/
Add Value to Your Degree
The more you do to differentiate yourself, the more likely you are to succeed in building a fulfilling career path for yourself. It takes more than just attending classes to stand out amongst other students and new graduates. Become an explorer! Try new things, challenge yourself, build unique skills, and connect with diverse people.
Use the ideas listed below to help you brainstorm experiences to add value to your degree. For more ideas on experiential opportunities at the University of Lethbridge, view the Student Experience Transcript.
Making connections with others is one of the best ways to learn about the world of work and gain access to career-building opportunities. Making meaningful connections with people is often called building a network. Building these connections can give you access to jobs before they are posted, or to jobs that are not publicly posted. Employers like to hire people they have already built relationships with, and are more likely to hire people who have been recommended by trusted colleagues and friends.
Start building your network by attending Career Fairs and other on-campus recruitment events found on the Career Services Events page within the Career Bridge portal. Get introduced to career professionals in a welcoming and approachable way through uLethbridge Connect at Ten Thousand Coffees. Consider joining a professional association to help you find opportunities to meet experienced professionals in your field, find training opportunities, be paired with a mentor, or get involved in committees or other volunteer positions.
d professionals in your field, find training opportunities, be paired with a mentor, or get involved in committees or other volunteer positions.
Co-operative Education allows you to earn income through real-world work experience that is related to your academic studies. Completing a co-op work term provides you with an opportunity to build your skills in a practical work setting, network with employers, and increase your marketability after graduation.
Co-operative education is available to undergraduate and graduate-level students within a variety of programs in the Faculty of Arts & Science, Dhillon School of Business, Faculty of Fine Arts, and Faculty of Health Sciences. Learn more about eligibility requirements and how co-op works here.
The Applied Studies program offers you the opportunity to earn academic credit for learning gained through employment or volunteer experiences. Placements provide skill development and experiential learning related to your studies by integrating principles learned in the classroom with practical situations encountered on the job.
Participating in clubs and running for student government are great ways to build employability skills, learn how to work with others, and demonstrate your leadership abilities.
The University of Lethbridge Students’ Union is committed to building a rewarding and enriching experience for undergraduate students. They have positions for Executive Council members and General Assembly members, as well as an extensive list of ratified clubs, offering opportunities to get involved in areas of interest and in leadership positions.
The Graduate Students’ Association’s mandate is to identify and advocate for graduate student needs. They have GSA Executive positions, GSA Council positions, and a mentorship program for incoming students.
The University of Lethbridge provides many different opportunities to gain research experience in addition to the required courses in your degree program.
An independent study is a chance for you to design your own research project for course credit under the supervision of a professor of your choice. Course work usually requires independent library research and/or field work and/or a major term paper. For more information, meet with an Academic Advisor and the Department or Faculty member under whom you wish to pursue an Independent Study.
You can also opt to complete an Undergraduate Thesis Course. This will allow you to earn an “Honours Thesis” designation on your degree and is a great springboard into graduate studies and professional programs. Fourth-year standing and a cumulative GPA of 3.30 is required to complete an Honours Thesis; it is also helpful to have previous research experience like Independent Studies. For more information, contact the Department or Faculty member under whom you with to pursue your Honours Thesis.
The Office of Research and Innovation Services has a wealth of information on additional research opportunities for students, including Student Funding, Student Research Positions, AGILITY, and events. The School of Graduate Studies has information on Research Opportunities/Graduate Student Positions and GA/Co-op/Internship Opportunities. If you are interested in building your research portfolio, do not miss out on these opportunities!
International experience builds valuable employability skills like adaptability, multi-cultural awareness, and the initiative to take on new challenges. Gain an international perspective by participating in Education Abroad opportunities like semester exchanges, study tours, field studies, work-study tours, internships, and more. Learn about international careers and resources through MyWorldAbroad (available within the Career Bridge portal).
Volunteerism is an excellent way to demonstrate your current skills, build new skills, and grow your network. If you are not sure where to get started, connect with UVolunteer, the University of Lethbridge’s partnership with Volunteer Lethbridge. If you already volunteer, UVolunteer can provide you with a framework to organize and document your volunteer work. If you are not sure how or where to get involved, UVolunteer can help you find volunteer opportunities that meet your needs and the needs of your community. Also consider volunteering with a local Board, Commission, or Committee.