In today's global marketplace, it's becoming more and more important to distinguish yourself from the crowd and maximize your marketability to potential employers. Geography allows you to follow your passion for studying and understanding the natural world and gain employable skills.
Jenna DeShaney, '18
Geography: Environmental Science
"I work at a national consulting firm as an Environmental Scientist. I apply many of the disciplines I've learned at UWL to my career, including field work techniques and GIS."
Taylor Prill, '20
Geography: Environmental Science
"UWL has provided me with the strong foundation in research, planning and knowledge needed to be where I am today."
Career Opportunities
There are hundreds of occupations that require knowledge of and skills in Geography and Environmental Science, and the diversity of career opportunities continues to grow. Below is a sampling of the types of positions available to graduates from our program. Click the linked Job Titles to learn more about the profession, including what they do, how to become one, pay, and job outlook.
| Job Title | Median Wages |
| Atmospheric Scientists, including Meteorologists | $83,780a |
| Cartographers and Photogrammetrists | $71,890a |
| Climate Change Analyst | $71,360b |
| Conservation Scientists and Foresters | $63,750a |
| Environmental Restoration Planners | $71,360b |
| Environmental Science and Protection Technicians | $48,380a |
| Environmental Scientists and Specialists | $76,480a |
| Geographer | $88,900a |
| Geoscientists | $87,480a |
| Geospatial Data Technician | $51,130b |
| Geospatial Information Scientists and Technologists | $88,500b |
| Hydrologists | $85,990a |
| Remote Sensing Technician | $50,550b |
| Soil and Plant Scientists | $63,200b |
| Surveying and Mapping Technicians | $47,180a |
| Surveyors | $63,080a |
| Transportation Planner | $83,330b |
| Urban and Regional Planners | $79,540a |
Sources:
a2022 Median Pay from the 2023 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook
b2019 Median Pay from the 2020 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook
Additional information about careers in Geography, including wage and growth data, can be found at the American Association of Geographers' Jobs and Careers Page. You are also encouraged to discuss careers with Geography and Environmental Science Faculty. See where Geography and Environmental Science alumni are working by joining the department's LinkedIn group. Receive job announcements by joining the department's Google Group by contacting Anita Willis-Frels.
Where Our Graduates are Employed
Graduates from our program have achieved a high rate of success finding meaningful employment in discipline-related fields. Click "Read more" below to expand the table and view a sampling of where our majors have worked.
Job Posting Sites to Search
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Michigan
Missouri
Nebraska
North Dakota
Ohio
South Dakota
- American Association of Geographers
- Offers career resources for members and non-members
- CoolWorks
- "The go-to source for Jobs in Great Places."
- QNV5 Geospatial (formerly Quantum Spatial, Inc.)
- North America's largest geospatial services firm
- Sanborn Maps
- Provides mapping, analytics, and software/consulting for US cities and towns
- SWCA
- Works to offer "comprehensive environmental planning, regulatory compliance, and natural and cultural resources management services"
- Randstad
- Job search website for temporary and permanent jobs
- Occupational Information Network (O*NET) Online
- Online Database developed with the US Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration
- North American Association for Environmental Education
- "The hub for environmental education professional development"
- Texas A&M University Dept. of Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences Job Board
- Comprehensive site with national job postings