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. 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. If this type of work sounds interesting, consider our environmental studies concentration .
Map making today is done mostly by computer.
Agencies and companies hiring cartographers include the US Geological Survey , National Imagery and Mapping Agency , the Bureau of the Census, planning departments and agencies, utility companies, and producers of road maps such as the American Automobile Association. GIS is widely used by municipalities, utilities, developers, businesses, and conservation organizations. If working with computers and maps sounds interesting, consider our technical concentration or at least taking some of the technical classes offered in the geography department. Planning courses also enhance your chances of finding employment as a cartographer or GIS specialist. 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.