Geography and Environmental Studies: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Geography and Environmental Studies is an interdisciplinary field dedicated to understanding the complex relationships between human societies and the Earth’s natural and constructed environments. This program equips students with analytical and technical skills to address pressing global challenges related to environmental change, resource management, and sustainable development.
- Climate Science: Examines the physical processes driving weather patterns and long-term climate change, including atmospheric dynamics and climate modeling.
- Sustainability: Focuses on strategies and practices that balance ecological integrity, economic viability, and social equity across time and space.
- Environmental Science and Policy: Integrates scientific principles with governance frameworks to evaluate and shape responses to environmental issues.
- Research Methods: Develops rigorous approaches to data collection, analysis, and interpretation across qualitative and quantitative paradigms.
- Geographic Information Systems (GIS): Applies digital mapping technologies to visualize, analyze, and interpret spatial data for decision-making.
- Human Geography: Investigates how people shape and are shaped by places, cultures, economies, and political systems across the globe.
- Physical Geography: Studies natural landforms, ecosystems, and environmental processes such as erosion, hydrology, and biogeography.
- Remote Sensing: Utilizes satellite and aerial imagery to monitor environmental changes and support geographic analysis.
- Public Policy: Explores the development, implementation, and evaluation of regulations and initiatives aimed at environmental protection and urban planning.
Geography and Environmental Studies Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Geography and Environmental Studies Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Geography and Environmental Studies degrees, including Natural Sciences Managers, Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other and Geographers. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 299,550 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Natural Sciences Managers 11-9121 | $161,180 | $79,830 - $239,200 | 100,870 | $77.49 |
| Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other 19-3099 | $100,340 | $62,570 - $160,810 | 36,970 | $48.24 |
| Geographers 19-3092 | $97,200 | $62,390 - $133,680 | 1,380 | $46.73 |
| Environmental Science Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1053 | $87,710 | $50,670 - $164,290 | 7,130 | N/A |
| Geography Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1064 | $86,730 | $49,990 - $164,350 | 3,290 | N/A |
| Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health 19-2041 | $80,060 | $50,130 - $134,830 | 84,930 | $38.49 |
| Conservation Scientists 19-1031 | $67,950 | $45,260 - $107,720 | 25,590 | $32.67 |
| Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health 19-4042 | $49,490 | $36,130 - $85,630 | 39,390 | $23.79 |
Salary Comparison
Geography and Environmental Studies Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $53,817 in Delaware to $113,476 in California—a 111% difference. The highest-paying states include California, District of Columbia, and Massachusetts. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 299,550 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Geography and Environmental Studies by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 55 institutions offering Geography and Environmental Studies programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Geography and Environmental Studies is found at Dartmouth College (78 graduates), Pennsylvania State University, Main Campus (65 graduates), University of Colorado Boulder (CU) (56 graduates), University of Oklahoma (OU), Norman Campus (52 graduates), and Clark University (41 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 1,008 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Admissions | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dartmouth College |
Bachelor's
|
78 |
SAT: 1500-1570 ACT: 33-35 |
Hanover, New Hampshire | Private | dartmouth.edu |
| Pennsylvania State University |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
Other Award
|
65 |
SAT: 1220-1400 ACT: 27-32 |
University Park, Pennsylvania | Public | psu.edu |
| University of Colorado Boulder (CU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
56 |
SAT: 1230-1420 ACT: 28-33 |
Boulder, Colorado | Public | colorado.edu |
| University of Oklahoma (OU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
52 |
SAT: 1140-1330 ACT: 23-29 |
Norman, Oklahoma | Public | ou.edu |
| Clark University |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
41 |
SAT: 1240-1400 ACT: 30-33 |
Worcester, Massachusetts | Private | clarku.edu |
| University of California (UCLA) |
Bachelor's
|
40 | N/A | Los Angeles, California | Public | ucla.edu |
| Ohio State University |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
39 |
SAT: 1330-1480 ACT: 29-32 |
Columbus, Ohio | Public | osu.edu |
| University of Washington (UW) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
39 | N/A | Seattle, Washington | Public | washington.edu |
| Ohio University (OHIO) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Other Award
|
35 |
SAT: 1100-1290 ACT: 22-28 |
Athens, Ohio | Public | ohio.edu |
| University of Florida (UF) |
Bachelor's
|
32 |
SAT: 1300-1480 ACT: 28-33 |
Gainesville, Florida | Public | ufl.edu |
| University of Minnesota (UMD) |
Bachelor's
|
32 |
SAT: 1128-1335 ACT: 23-28 |
Duluth, Minnesota | Public | d.umn.edu |
| The University of Alabama (UA) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
31 |
SAT: 1170-1400 ACT: 24-31 |
Tuscaloosa, Alabama | Public | ua.edu |
| University of Oregon (UO) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
31 |
SAT: 1130-1360 ACT: 22-30 |
Eugene, Oregon | Public | uoregon.edu |
| Southern Illinois University (SIUE) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
27 |
SAT: 900-1160 ACT: 20-26 |
Edwardsville, Illinois | Public | siue.edu |
| Macalester College |
Bachelor's
|
26 |
SAT: 1350-1510 ACT: 30-33 |
Saint Paul, Minnesota | Private | macalester.edu |
| Miami University |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
25 |
SAT: 1210-1380 ACT: 26-31 |
Oxford, Ohio | Public | miamioh.edu |
| University of Kansas (KU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
Other Award
|
23 |
SAT: 1050-1290 ACT: 21-27 |
Lawrence, Kansas | Public | ku.edu |
| South Dakota State University (SDSU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
23 |
SAT: 1040-1300 ACT: 19-26 |
Brookings, South Dakota | Public | sdstate.edu |
| Western Washington University (WWU) |
Bachelor's
|
22 |
SAT: 1110-1350 ACT: 23-29 |
Bellingham, Washington | Public | wwu.edu |
| University of Maryland (UMBC) |
Bachelor's
|
21 |
SAT: 1220-1410 ACT: 23-30 |
Baltimore, Maryland | Public | umbc.edu |
| Western Michigan University (WMU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
20 |
SAT: 990-1220 ACT: 20-27 |
Kalamazoo, Michigan | Public | wmich.edu |
| Texas Tech University (TTU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
20 |
SAT: 1090-1270 ACT: 22-28 |
Lubbock, Texas | Public | ttu.edu |
| University of Wisconsin (UWL) |
Bachelor's
|
17 | ACT: 21-27 | La Crosse, Wisconsin | Public | uwlax.edu |
| University of Florida (UF Online) |
Bachelor's
|
15 |
SAT: 1255-1390 ACT: 27-31 |
Gainesville, Florida | Public | ufonline.ufl.edu |
| Old Dominion University (ODU) |
Bachelor's
|
14 |
SAT: 1110-1290 ACT: 22-27 |
Norfolk, Virginia | Public | odu.edu |
| University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) |
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
13 |
SAT: 1270-1510 ACT: 29-34 |
Champaign, Illinois | Public | illinois.edu |
| Indiana State University (ISU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
12 | N/A | Terre Haute, Indiana | Public | indstate.edu |
| West Chester University of Pennsylvania (WCU) |
Master's
|
12 |
SAT: 1100-1270 ACT: 24-28 |
West Chester, Pennsylvania | Public | wcupa.edu |
| University of Delaware (UD) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
10 |
SAT: 1200-1360 ACT: 27-31 |
Newark, Delaware | Public | udel.edu |
| University of Toledo (UToledo) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
10 |
SAT: 1050-1300 ACT: 22-28 |
Toledo, Ohio | Public | utoledo.edu |
| Michigan State University (MSU) |
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
9 |
SAT: 1150-1350 ACT: 26-31 |
East Lansing, Michigan | Public | msu.edu |
| University of North Texas (UNT) |
Master's
|
9 |
SAT: 980-1230 ACT: 19-27 |
Denton, Texas | Public | unt.edu |
| Utah State University (USU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
9 |
SAT: 1060-1300 ACT: 20-28 |
Logan, Utah | Public | usu.edu |
| Northern Arizona University (NAU) |
Bachelor's
|
8 | N/A | Flagstaff, Arizona | Public | nau.edu |
| Westminster University |
Bachelor's
|
8 |
SAT: 1148-1378 ACT: 23-29 |
Salt Lake City, Utah | Private | westminstercollege.edu |
| University of Hawaii (UHM) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
7 |
SAT: 1020-1240 ACT: 20-27 |
Honolulu, Hawaii | Public | manoa.hawaii.edu |
| Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College (LSU) |
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
7 |
SAT: 1150-1330 ACT: 24-29 |
Baton Rouge, Louisiana | Public | lsu.edu |
| Bridgewater State University (BSU) |
Bachelor's
|
7 |
SAT: 1040-1230 ACT: 18-27 |
Bridgewater, Massachusetts | Public | bridgew.edu |
| University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
7 | ACT: 18-24 | Milwaukee, Wisconsin | Public | uwm.edu |
| University of Wisconsin-Madison |
Other Award
|
6 |
SAT: 1360-1510 ACT: 28-32 |
Madison, Wisconsin | Public | wisc.edu |
| University of Connecticut (UConn) |
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
5 |
SAT: 1210-1420 ACT: 29-33 |
Storrs, Connecticut | Public | uconn.edu |
| Kansas State University (K‑State) |
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
5 |
SAT: 1040-1260 ACT: 20-27 |
Manhattan, Kansas | Public | k-state.edu |
| University of Nevada (UNR) |
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
5 | N/A | Reno, Nevada | Public | unr.edu |
| University at Buffalo (UB) |
Doctorate (R)
|
5 |
SAT: 1210-1380 ACT: 27-32 |
Buffalo, New York | Public | buffalo.edu |
| SUNY Buffalo State University |
Bachelor's
|
5 | SAT: 960-1190 | Buffalo, New York | Public | suny.buffalostate.edu |
| University of Miami (UM) |
Bachelor's
|
4 |
SAT: 1330-1470 ACT: 30-33 |
Coral Gables, Florida | Private | miami.edu |
| University of Wisconsin |
Other Award
|
4 | ACT: 18-25 | Kenosha, Wisconsin | Public | uwp.edu |
| University of Missouri (UMKC) |
Bachelor's
|
3 |
SAT: 1150-1540 ACT: 21-29 |
Kansas City, Missouri | Public | umkc.edu |
| University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG) |
Doctorate (R)
|
3 |
SAT: 1100-1280 ACT: 22-27 |
Greensboro, North Carolina | Public | uncg.edu |
| Modesto Junior College (MJC) |
Associate's
|
2 | N/A | Modesto, California | Public | mjc.edu |
| University of South Florida (USF) |
Doctorate (R)
|
2 |
SAT: 1140-1330 ACT: 24-29 |
Tampa, Florida | Public | usf.edu |
| Dalton State College (DSC) |
Bachelor's
|
2 | N/A | Dalton, Georgia | Public | daltonstate.edu |
| Northeastern State University (NSU) |
Bachelor's
|
2 |
SAT: 920-1145 ACT: 18-23 |
Tahlequah, Oklahoma | Public | nsuok.edu |
| Brigham Young University (BYU) |
Bachelor's
|
2 |
SAT: 1290-1450 ACT: 28-32 |
Provo, Utah | Private | byu.edu |
| Jacksonville University (JU) |
Bachelor's
|
1 |
SAT: 1110-1260 ACT: 24-28 |
Jacksonville, Florida | Private | ju.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Geography and Environmental Studies programs
How much can I earn with a Geography and Environmental Studies degree?
Salaries for Geography and Environmental Studies graduates vary by role and location. Natural Sciences Managers earn a median of $161,180 annually, while Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other earn around $100,340. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in California average $113,476 compared to $53,817 in Delaware. Approximately 299,550 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Geography and Environmental Studies programs?
Currently 55 accredited institutions offer Geography and Environmental Studies degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Dartmouth College (78 graduates), Pennsylvania State University, Main Campus (65 graduates), and University of Colorado Boulder (CU) (56 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
What career paths are available with a Geography and Environmental Studies degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Natural Sciences Managers, Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other, and Geographers. Related occupations employ approximately 299,550 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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