Best Geography and Environmental Studies institutions in the US, ranked by earnings
Compare 54 U.S. colleges offering Geography and Environmental Studies by graduate earnings, cost, and outcomes. Federal data across 32 states.
About Geography and Environmental Studies programs
The Geography and Environmental Studies program is a multidisciplinary field that explores the intricate relationship between humans and the environment. This program is designed for students interested in understanding complex environmental issues through the integration of physical sciences, social sciences, and humanities. It prepares graduates to address contemporary challenges in both natural and built environments.
Students in this program develop essential skills in writing, critical thinking, and data analysis. Coursework typically covers geography, ecology, environmental science, and public policy, equipping students with a comprehensive understanding of environmental systems and human interactions.
Top 54 institutions, ranked by graduate earnings
Earnings = median 1 year after graduation (College Scorecard, predominant credential).
Offered across 32 states
The same program, compared state by state. Pick a state for in-state earnings and institutions.
| State | Institutions | Median earnings | Top institution by earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabamalimited | 1 | — | — |
| Arizonalimited | 1 | — | — |
| Californialimited | 2 | — | — |
| Coloradolimited | 1 | — | — |
| Connecticutlimited | 1 | — | — |
| Delawarelimited | 1 | — | — |
| Florida | 4 | — | — |
| Georgialimited | 1 | — | — |
| Hawaiilimited | 1 | — | — |
| Illinoislimited | 2 | — | — |
| Indianalimited | 1 | — | — |
| Kansaslimited | 2 | — | — |
| Louisianalimited | 1 | — | — |
| Marylandlimited | 1 | — | — |
| Massachusettslimited | 2 | — | — |
| Michiganlimited | 2 | — | — |
| Minnesotalimited | 2 | — | — |
| Missourilimited | 1 | — | — |
| Nevadalimited | 1 | — | — |
| New Hampshirelimited | 1 | — | — |
| New Yorklimited | 2 | — | — |
| North Carolinalimited | 1 | — | — |
| Ohio | 4 | — | — |
| Oklahomalimited | 2 | — | — |
| Oregonlimited | 1 | — | — |
| Pennsylvanialimited | 2 | — | — |
| South Dakotalimited | 1 | — | — |
| Texaslimited | 2 | — | — |
| Utah | 3 | — | — |
| Virginialimited | 1 | — | — |
| Washingtonlimited | 2 | — | — |
| Wisconsin | 4 | — | — |
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 19-3092, Geographers, and its national outlook.
Graduates of the Geography and Environmental Studies program may pursue various careers, although the field is projected to experience a decline of 3.1%. There are approximately 100 annual job openings, with a median wage of $97,200. A typical requirement for entry-level positions is a Bachelor's degree.
Top-paying metros
Related careers
Skills & knowledge in Geography and Environmental Studies programs
From the U.S. Dept. of Labor for the occupation this program most leads to.
Skills you'll build
Knowledge areas
What graduates do on the job
- Create and modify maps, graphs, or diagrams, using geographical information software and related equipment, and principles of cartography, such as coordinate systems, longitude, latitude, elevation, topography, and map scales.
- Gather and compile geographic data from sources such as censuses, field observations, satellite imagery, aerial photographs, and existing maps.
- Teach geography.
- Write and present reports of research findings.
- Provide geographical information systems support to the private and public sectors.
- Study the economic, political, and cultural characteristics of a specific region's population.
Tools & technology
Concentrations within Geography and Environmental Studies
Specializations under this field (NCES CIP 2020).
- Geography and Environmental StudiesCIP 30.4401
A program that focuses on interactions between people and the natural and built environments
Common questions
What is Geography and Environmental Studies?+
It is a multidisciplinary program that examines human interaction with the environment, integrating various fields of study.
What skills will I develop in this program?+
You will enhance skills in writing, critical thinking, data analysis, and geographical information systems.
What are the career prospects after graduation?+
While the field is projected to decline, there are about 100 annual job openings with a median wage of $97,200.
What level of education is required for this program?+
A Bachelor's degree is typically required for entry-level positions in this field.
Related programs
Other programs in the same field of study.
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