What is Geography?

Geography is the study of places on Earth and their relationship with each other.  It can be defined as an integrated study of people, places, and environments.  It includes both physical, human, and regional approaches.  Geographers employs a spatial perspective to analyze the interactions between humans and their environment.  It is more than identifying locations or knowing facts about world places; it is a unique discipline concerned with process and pattern, and nature and society.

Geographers employs essential geospatial skills to help explain our world.  We create and utilize maps and spatial data to interpret information from local to global scales.  Geographers analyze patterns to solve problems.  Geography integrates concepts from many different sciences and humanities to address current issues of local, national, and international importance.  

• Knowledge of geography helps us become better citizens.  Geographically informed students will be more effective leaders.
• Geography supports local and international development- many geographic factors influence the type of economy a country or region will have.
• Geographers research the impact of environmental factors on human behavior.  They identify the ways that humans change their environments and predict the long term environmental impacts of social trends.

People often ask us what types of careers there are are for geographers.  As it turns out, there are very few jobs labeled 'geographer,' but there are dozens of fields that hire geographers for essential spatial knowledge and geographic skills.  The Bureau of Labor Statistics employment outlook for geographers is very strong!