The Geography Information Science concentration in the Geography major familiarizes students with human and physical geography, research methods, geographic information systems (GIS), spatial analysis, modeling, and remote sensing and prepares them to apply principles of remote sensing and GIS analysis to the study of built and natural environments. Graduates in this concentration will have valuable skills to contribute to their work as researchers, planners, policy and development advisers, and cartographers. This concentration is also excellent preparation for graduate studies in geosciences, geography, planning, or landscape architecture. Some of the job titles listed below may require an advanced degree.
Potential Career Areas:
- Consulting
- Cartography
- Development
- Planning
- Conservation
- Risk assessment
- Research
- Policy analysis
- Fire mapping
- Defense
Sample Employers:
- Research institutes
- Conservation organizations
- Consulting firms
- U.S. Geological Survey
- Government agencies
- Nonprofit organizations
-
Planning/development firms
-
Park and forest services
- U.S. Military
Sample Job Titles and National Salary Ranges:
| Job Title | Salary Range |
|
GIS Analyst
|
$42,500 - $72,800
|
|
GIS Technician
|
$41,700 - $79,200
|
|
Digital Cartographer
|
$33,300 - $54,500
|
|
Regional Planning Aide
|
$21,400 - $37,200
|
|
Precision Agriculture Technician
|
$25,600 - $43,300
|
|
Environmental Restoration Planner
|
$37,900 - $61,700
|
|
Intelligence Officer
|
$33,979 - $60,274
|
|
Recreation Planner
|
$30,000 - $50,000
|
|
Fire Scientist
|
$30,000 - $40,000
|
|
GIS Consultant
|
$30,000 - $80,000
|
|
Environmental Technician
|
$33,218 - $59,197
|
|
Land Development Project Manager
|
$40,000 - $50,000
|
|
Range Manager
|
$34,710 - $53,750
|
Sources of Information: United States Department of Labor: Bureau of Labor Statistics (2010); DISCOVER (2011); Facts on File: Ferguson’s Career Guidance Center (2011).