Students majoring in geography explore the relationship between people and the environment through the social sciences, humanities, and natural sciences. This entails looking at how manmade and natural surroundings have changed over time and comprehending how people have interacted with them.
When you study geography in college, you'll learn a wide range of information about various topics. While your focus will be on human and physical geography, you will also study history, economics, culture, social issues, and science.
Students majoring in geography understand how the environment and people interact and influence one another. Physical geography, human geography, and geographic representation and analysis are some fields that can help students understand this vast subject.
At undergraduate and graduate levels, geography programs at prestigious American institutions often provide various alternative modules.
You can start building your undergraduate geography degree in the first year and choose what topics you want to focus on; whether you want to learn more about the stresses on the planet or the fundamentals of the world, the choice is yours.
Although alternative modules are also available for postgraduate degrees, you will typically already pursue a specialization from the course you have chosen to enrol in.
For students to get practical experience before graduation, many US university programs also include a compulsory internship or research component. Students interested in learning about the environment, using digital maps, and finding hidden relationships may consider majoring in geography.
Graduates from the geography discipline may collaborate with experts in disciplines like civil engineering and urban planning. They assist large-scale public works initiatives, prevent natural calamities, and distribute natural resources collectively.
Graduates may also find employment with conservation groups or as market research analysts in corporations. Many attend graduate school to secure prestigious positions as researchers or in formal education.
Geographers made a median salary of around $85,000.
This major is for you if you enjoy working with cutting-edge equipment and gathering data to create comprehensive portraits of people and places.
Top Geography Universities in the USA (QS World Ranking by Subject 2022)
These are the finest universities for studying geography in the USA, according to the QS Ranking published by TopUniversities. If you match the admission criteria, you can join their esteemed graduate list.
Check out some of the best US schools below that offer geography majors.
Global Ranking |
University |
Score |
4 |
University of California, Berkeley (UCB) |
94.8 |
8 |
University of California, Los Angeles |
90.6 |
19 |
University of Chicago |
85.3 |
32 |
University of Washington |
82 |
35 |
University of Wisconsin- Madison |
81.8 |
41 |
Pennsylvania State University |
81.8 |
43 |
University of North Carolina |
80.6 |
51-100 |
The Ohio State University |
- |
51-100 |
Arizona State University |
- |
51-100 |
City University of New York |
- |
Top Universities for Geography in the USA: Bachelor of Geography
Before moving on to more advanced and complicated topics, an undergraduate geography degree will cover the fundamental geographic notions. Environment, society, economics, research methodologies, and development are topics you'll study in undergraduate modules.
Top Universities for Geography in the USA: Bachelor of Geography, Program and Course Duration
The American Universities' Bachelor of Geography curriculum has a significant international component. Social, economic, political, and environmental challenges in Asia, Latin America, Africa, and Europe are covered in the courses.
Modules for the curriculum cover knowledge and abilities in geosciences, earth systems, urban design, culture and modernity, theory, and space and society.
Some of the best institutions for bachelor's degrees in Geography in the USA are listed below with program and course details.
University |
Program |
Duration |
University of California, Berkeley (UCB) |
BA in Geography |
4 years |
University of California, Los Angeles |
BA in Geography |
4 years |
University of Chicago |
BA in Geographical Studies |
4 years |
University of Washington |
B.A. in Geography |
4 years |
University of Wisconsin- Madison |
B.A. in Geography |
4 years |
Pennsylvania State University |
BA/BS in Geography |
4 years |
University of North Carolina |
B.A. in Geography |
4 years |
The Ohio State University |
Geography (BA, BS) |
4 years |
Arizona State University |
Geography (BA, BS) |
4 years |
City University of New York |
B.A. in Geography |
4 years |
Top Universities for Geography in the USA: Bachelor of Geography, Tuition Fees
An undergraduate-level (bachelor’s) geography degree usually lasts three or four years. The tuition can cost between around $20,000 and $60,000 annually.
Here is a list of Top Universities for Bachelor of Geography in USA with tuition fees:
University |
Tuition (Annual) |
University of California, Berkeley (UCB) |
$44,008 ($14,254 + $29,754) |
University of California, Los Angeles |
$44,830 ($31,026 + $13,804) |
University of Chicago |
$61,179 |
University of Washington |
$40,740 |
University of Wisconsin- Madison |
$39,630 |
Pennsylvania State University |
$37,946 |
University of North Carolina |
$28,800 ($960*30) |
The Ohio State University |
$36,722 |
Arizona State University |
$32,760 |
City University of New York |
$18,600 ($620*30) per credit) |
Academic Requirements: Bachelor of Geography in USA
Eligibility Criteria
- Official high school transcript(s) with proof of graduation
- Or GED diploma and GED scores
- SAT or ACT scores
- TOEFL score (International applicants only)
- English language proficiency test ( IELTS- a minimum band of 6, TOEFL- minimum 80)
Other Requirements
- must have a 3.00-grade point average (GPA) (a "B" or better where "A"=4.00) from a secondary school.
- Math: four years (algebra I, geometry, algebra II, and one course requiring algebra II as a prerequisite).
- Laboratory science: three years total (one year each from any of the following areas is accepted: biology, chemistry, earth science, integrated sciences, and physics).
Top Universities for Geography in the USA: Master of Geography
A Master of Geography is a degree in physical or human geography that prepares students with various tools and methods for researching topics including climate change, human-earth interactions, and the analysis of geographic data, etc.
In the USA, a Master of Geography program typically lasts two years. Graduates from the program can work as planners, researchers, analysts, teachers, etc. in various academic settings and governmental and non-governmental organizations.
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Top Universities for Geography in the USA: Master of Geography, Program and Course Details
In the USA, an MS in Geography often earns $64,000 yearly, whereas an MA in Geography typically earns $66,000 yearly.
Some of the best institutions for master's degrees in Geography in the USA are listed below with program and course details.
University |
Program |
Duration |
Northeastern Illinois University |
M.A. in Geography and Environmental Studies |
2-3 years |
University of Washington |
MA in Geography |
2 years |
University of Wisconsin- Madison |
MS in Geography |
1.5 - 2 years |
The Ohio State University |
MA Geography |
2 years |
Arizona State University |
MA Geography |
1.5 - 2 years |
City University of New York |
MA Geography |
2-3 years |
Ken State University |
MS in Geography |
2 years |
Top Universities for Geography in the USA: Master of Geography, Tuition Fees
The total program tuition can cost between $30,000 and $60,000. In the USA, master's degrees in geography are available in science and art.
Here is a list of Top Universities for Master of Geography in the USA with tuition fees:
University |
Tuition (Annual) |
Northeastern Illinois University |
$27,204 ($13,602*2) |
University of Washington |
$30,192 |
University of Wisconsin- Madison |
$25,504 |
The Ohio State University |
$41,743 |
Arizona State University |
$25,200 |
City University of New York |
$25,650 ($855*30) |
Ken State University |
$21,952 |
Academic Requirements: Master of Geography in USA
Eligibility Criteria
- A bachelor’s degree or the recognized equivalent from an accredited institution;
- A grade point average of B or better (3.0)
- Adequate proficiency in English to do graduate work, as evidenced by a TOEFL score of at least 90 on the iBT test, 570 on the paper-and-pencil test, or an IELTS Band score of at least 7 on a 9-point scale
Required Documents
- Official Transcripts
- Letter of Recommendation
- Evidence of English Proficiemcy
- Statement of Purpose
- Three letters of academic appraisal
Top Universities for Geography in the USA: PhD of Geography
The focus of this PhD program is on location, which is at the core of geography, urban planning, climatology, and GIS. Here, you can work with esteemed teachers to address the critical societal and environmental issues that the world is currently experiencing.
It is a research-based course work that lasts for a minimum of 6+ years but can be extended per the research duration.
After completing this course, candidates can pursue careers as teachers, professors, water conservation specialists, geomorphologists, geospatial analysts, hydrologists, oceanographers, and geographers.
Top Universities for Geography in the USA: PhD of Geography, Program and Course Details
Some of the best institutions for doctoral degrees in Geography in the USA are listed below with program and fee details.
University |
Program |
Duration |
Ohio State University |
Doctor of Philosophy |
5 years |
Ken State University |
GEOGRAPHY - PhD |
3-4 years |
Top Universities for Geography in the USA: PhD of Geography, Tuition Fees
Here is a list of Top Universities for PhD in Geography in the USA with tuition fees:
University |
Tuition (Annual) |
Ohio State University |
$41,743 |
Ken State University |
$10,977.00 |
Academic Requirements: PhD of Geography in USA
Eligibility Criteria
- Bachelor’s, master’s degree from a regionally accredited institution
- Your last degree earned is from an unaccredited college or university, and your program requires the score
- The cumulative GPA for your last degree earned is below 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale or equivalent), and your program requires the score
Required Documents
- Official Transcripts
- Letter of Recommendation
- Evidence of English Proficiency
- Statement of Purpose
- GRE/GMAT Scores
- Writing Sample
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Top Universities for Geography in the USA: Scholarships
Deserving students receive funding from the Scholarships, which also promotes and distributes university scholarships. To help many students who struggle financially, this initiative was created.
Each scholarship grant contains information about the scholarship (amount and category). Please read the list below for a thorough description of the USA's top institutional scholarships and tuition waivers.
University |
Scholarships/Award |
Details |
Northeastern Illinois University |
The NEIU Diversifying Faculty in Illinois Fellowship |
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Arizona State University |
Completion Fellowship |
|
University of Arizona |
Graduate College Fellowships |
|
Ohio State University |
National Buckeye Scholarship for non-residents Eminence Fellows Program & Scholarships |
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Top Universities for Geography in the USA: Career and Job Scope
Graduates from a program in geography in the USA can find employment in the private, public, and government sectors. Another option is to remain in the academic field and develop a career as a geography teacher.
People with solid research aptitudes and interests can work as researchers or scientists.
The average yearly wage for an MS in Geography in the USA is $65,000, while an MA in Geography is $68,000.
Pursuing geography in the USA is a tremendous opportunity in academic and non-academic disciplines.
Job Title |
Average Salary |
Geographer |
$79,350 |
Geography Teachers |
$60,084 |
Geoscientists |
$68,478 |
Cartographers and Photogrammetrists |
$68,900 |
Atmospheric and Space Scientist |
$91,260 |
Urban and Regional Planners |
$56,635 |
Environmental consultant |
$60,179 |
Residential surveyor |
$56,690 |