Geography is the study of people, plants, animals, and natural resources, and how each affects the Earth. Students learn to observe relationships found in different environments. They learn about mapping methods. They may learn to apply their findings to land use planning.

When you hear the word "geography," what do you think of? Maps, you say. In elementary school you probably had to memorize all 50 state capitals. Or list all the countries in South America. Yes, geography is about maps. But it is also about predicting weather, analyzing population growth, and studying changes in the environment. As a geographer you can study glaciers, mountains, and the ocean floor to see if they are changing. You can also study the different ways people live in the country, in the city, and in different countries. Maybe now when you hear "geography," you think, Exciting!

With a degree in geography, you can work as a city planner, environmental analyst, cartographer, or real estate developer. Or you can work for a government agency such as the Natural Resources Conservation Service. You can even become the weatherperson on TV!

Geography has two main areas of study. Human geography studies how people use space to live and work. Physical geography concentrates on the land and climate.

In a geography program, you take courses in statistics, economics, biology, and geology. You learn about how landscapes change (geomorphology), populations grow (demography), and weather happens (climatology). You can study specific areas of the world, such as Asia or North America. You may learn a mapmaking computer system called GIS, or Geographic Information System. You can also take courses that focus on urban issues, such as transportation and pollution. You can even take courses about different kinds of soil.

Most four-year colleges and universities offer bachelor's degrees in geography. Most community colleges offer two-year programs that can be transferred to a four-year school. Many schools offer graduate degree programs in geography. These programs take from two to five years after you finish your bachelor's degree. Most people who earn graduate degrees in geography become professors or scientists.