"What exactly is geography?" Geography is such a broad discipline that it is hard to pin down one all encompassing definition. To give an sense of what geography is, here are a couple examples of definitions: Geography is the study of spatial patterns, of differences and similarities from one place to another in environment and culture. Geography is the science that studies the interdependence among geographic areas, natural systems, processes, society, and cultural activities over space - a spatial science. Themes of geography include: location, place, movement, regions, and human-earth relationships. "What can I do with a geography degree?" Geographers are in demand in a wide variety of fields: Area Specialist: Geographers with considerable knowledge of particular countries and their cultures bring their expertise and understanding of issues to US foreign policy, international development, and international business. Such geographers have often complemented their major in geography by developing a proficiency in a foreign language and by having taken advanced coursework in anthropology, history, economics, and/or political science. As professionals, area specialists may interpret information from the foreign media, intelligence reports, and aerial photography and then brief diplomats, investors, businessmen, and policymakers in a variety of governmental and private agencies, such as the US State Department, the Central Intelligence Agency, World Bank, and -- increasingly -- companies with business overseas. Environmental manager, technician, advocate, or analyst: The environmental field is extremely diverse and can accommodate a wide variety of interests and skills. A background in geography with a specialization in environmental coursework can lead to jobs in resource conservation and environmental management, planning, law, regulation and enforcement, monitoring, advocacy, or education. Specializations include wildlife management, energy conservation, air and water quality management, solid waste management, conservation of biotic diversity, soil conservation, and disaster planning. For careers in the environmental field, geographers also need coursework in chemistry, biology (especially ecology), geology, and/or physics; statistics; natural resource or environmental economics; government or public policy; and written and oral communications. Cartography and GIS skills also enhance employability. Environmental specialists work in federal, state and local governmental agencies, non-government conservation organizations, industries, and private consulting firms. Cartographer or Geographic Information Systems specialist: Map making today is done mostly by computer. Agencies and companies hiring cartographers include the US Geological Survey, Defense Mapping Agency, the Bureau of the Census, planning departments and agencies, utility companies, and producers of road maps such as the American Automobile Association. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are computerized systems for compiling, storing, displaying, and analyzing mapped information. GIS is widely used by municipalities, utilities, developers, businesses, and conservation organizations. Urban or Rural Planner: Planners guide the development of cities, towns and rural communities while promoting wise use of resources, economic sustainability, environmental quality, and efficiency in the delivery of public services. Specialization may be in urban planning, rural planning, environmental planning, transportation planning, solid-waste disposal systems, emergency services, social services, and so forth. In addition to geography, planners need to understand public administration and finance, government, economics, and factors that influence the value of land and real estate. Planners find work in all levels of government, and with developers, consulting firms, and non-government organizations. Other employment categories: Geographers also find jobs as educators (primary, secondary, and college level), retail location experts, market analysts, real estate agents, travel agents, map librarians, and peace corps volunteers. Information courtesy of Dr. Michael Peterson