Geography is a social science that deals with
the effect people, animals, plants and natural resources have on the
Earth. There are two types of geographers: physical geographers, who
concentrate on natural phenomena on the Earth's surface and human
geographers, who deal with the relationships between people and places.
Degrees at the associate's and master's levels are available online.
Online Associate's Degree in Geography Overview
In most cases, a program leading to an Associate of Arts in Geography serves as an introduction to and overview of the field. Students are required to have a high school diploma and be competent in basic mathematics and computer operation. The associate's program provides a sound preparation in order for the student to pursue a bachelor's degree. At this time, bachelor's degrees in geography are only available on campus.Program Information and Requirements
Essentially a pre-major program, the associate's degree puts the individual on a solid footing for further academic work in geography. Graduates of what is generally a 2-year program are able to recognize and understand the mutual reliance and interdependence of human populations and the physical world. The program is usually conducted entirely online, so there is no call for person-to-person contact. Often, lectures and assignments are posted on the program's website. Various versions of discussion boards and chat rooms are employed as desired by instructors.Technical requirements include a computer with Internet access. The computer must be equipped with a compatible version of a browser. Necessary software can include Microsoft Office Suite 2007, RealPlayer, Adobe Acrobat Reader and Window Media Player.
List of Common Geography Courses
Students in the online associate's degree program complete all the general education requirements called for in any undergraduate degree. Usually this consists of 24-28 credits. The remainder of the 60-64 credits in the program consists of geography-related courses.World Geography Course
With an emphasis on the economic, cultural and physical aspects of the world's prominent nations, this course focuses on historical influences of natural environment, transportation and population growth on an area's development.Economic Geography Course
This is usually an introductory - survey course that shows the relationship of geography to economic development. Among the areas discussed are international trade, agriculture, fishing, mining, forestry, manufacturing, technology and transportation.Physical Geography Course
Students are exposed to the use of maps as an interpretive, educational tool in order to study the Earth's physical characteristics. Dealing primarily with forces that affect the Earth's surface, subjects include atmospheric patterns, land and water masses, climate, soils and vegetation.Human Geography Course
With an eye toward the future, this course deals with the development of human population from the beginning. Such factors as migration, population density, language development, races and the evolution of religion are examined as they relate to and are determined by land use and the development of cultures, along with the utilization of resources.Career Information for Graduates
Graduates holding an associate's degree are considerably limited in the career field and are encouraged to continue to pursue a bachelor's degree. Generally, this is the minimum requirement for an entry-level position in the field. In some cases, individuals holding an associate's in geography may be taken on in an apprentice program, but this is extremely rare.According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), opportunities for cartographers and photogrammetrists are expected to increase 27% from 2008-2018. Jobs for surveyors are anticipated to increase 15% during the same time period (www.bls.gov). BLS also stated that as of May 2009, the median annual salary for cartographers and photogrammetrists was $53,050, while surveyors came in at $54,180
Continuing Education Information
With additional, specialized training beyond the associate's level, students can earn a bachelor's degree in geography specializing in surveying, cartography or photogrammetry, which is the interpretation of geometric dimensions and properties of objects from photographic images.Voluntary certification is available for photogrammetrists through the American Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing. For surveyors, the National Society of Professional Surveyors offers voluntary certification for various levels of the profession.
All states require surveyors to go through a licensing process, which may differ somewhat by state, but all include a series of written examinations and a phase of supervised work experience. Some states require that photogrammetrists and cartographers be licensed surveyors, while others require separate licenses.
Online Masters Degree in Geography Overview
The online program, designed for professionals in the field, typically awards a Master of Geographic Information Systems (MGIS) or a Master of Science in Geographic Information Systems (M.S.). Usually, students are required to have a bachelor's degree, a specified minimum undergraduate GPA, a satisfactory GRE score, a number of letters of recommendation and sometimes a certain amount of professional experience-typically two years. Graduates fulfill the education requirements of the GSI Certification Institute to become designated as geographic information systems professional.Program Information and Requirements
This 32-35 credit hour program can take 3-4 years to complete. It is entirely online with no person-to-person contact necessary. Although the program typically employs e-mail, surface mail and telephone for contact between students and instructors, most instructors use a combination of online forums, chat rooms and discussion boards to present their courses. Course management systems, such as Blackboard, are standard. Often, instructors use a real time Web confluence program for discussion and interchange of ideas.Technical requirements typically include a computer with Internet capabilities-preferably DSL or cable and at least Windows XP for an operating system, a printer and sufficient hard drive space and memory. A DVD drive and sound and video card, along with a webcam, headset and microphone are often necessary.
List of Common GIS Courses
All courses are intended to refine the skills and develop the abilities of industry professionals to use the tools and techniques associated with the field of geographic information systems. Related to the fields of urban planning, computer science and natural science, the GIS courses serve to enable the individual to apply techniques and methods in the most effective manner.GIS Principles Course
Fundamentals of GIS are examined in detail. Topics include spatial data and its nature, vector models, raster models and primary operations of GIS analysis.GIS Database Course
With an emphasis on the design of GIS data pertaining to its spatial component, user-need assessment is addressed. The focus is on conceptual and physical database design, using GIS software to accumulate, process and integrate data from numerous sources.Cartographic Design Course
The emphasis here is on the theory and practice of cartographic principles in visual communication of spatial data. Using GIS software, students design, interpret and analyze maps and graphics relating geographic information.GIS Theory Course
With an in-depth study of data structure, algorithms and theories of geographic information systems, students learn advanced analytical methods. Students choose an independent research project in order to apply theory to practice.Career Information for Graduates
Individuals with a master's in GIS will find themselves in demand not only with all levels of government, but also as advisors or consultants with businesses, real estate developers, telecommunications companies, utilities and construction firms. The BLS predicted that job opportunities for geographers would increase by 26% from 2008-2018. In June 2010, PayScale.com determined $56,968 to be the median annual salary for GIS geographers.Continuing Education Information
Certification as a Geographic Information Systems Professional (GISP) is available through the GSI Certification Institute upon completion of a specified amount of experience and other criteria. While voluntary, certification may enhance an individual's standing in the profession and may accelerate advancement. Certification is renewable upon completion of continuing education credits.Membership in a professional organization, such as the Association of American Geographers, provides opportunity for further education. Courses and programs are also available through the Urban and Regional Information Systems Association and the University Consortium for Geographic Information Science.
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