Geography Major
At UNI, geography majors are prepared to be informed, engaged and empowered global citizens, with strong cross-cultural interpersonal skills.
That means using cutting-edge technology to research, discover and ultimately broaden your knowledge about our planet, its inhabitants and their effect on each other.
It’s also honing in on your observational and analytical skills. Learning how to take in vast quantities of information and think critically. Understanding continuity and change in a range of contexts.
Pretty cool, right?
In Demand
Job Market
High growth industry and one of the top three emerging career paths. “Geographer” was rated a top ten job in science by U.S. News and World Report with a median salary of $85,430.
Cutting-Edge
Technology
Analyze physical, cultural, economic and social phenomena.
Hands-on
Research
Participate in funded, collaborative research with faculty (as an undergrad!).
Want to learn more?
Fill out your information here and we'll be in touch!
Contact us directly at:
Department of Geography
205 ITTC
University of Northern Iowa
Cedar Falls, IA 50614-0406
319-273-2772
Why Geography?
A geography degree at UNI is offered around distinct tracks, to help customize your education and focus on the areas that meet your future goals:
- Geography: Globalization and Regional Geography
- Geography: Environmental Systems and Sustainability
- Geography: Planning and Developing
If you’re looking for something with a stronger technology focus, ask about our Geographic Information Science (GISc) degrees as well! GISc comprises a series of tools and techniques, such as geographic information systems (GIS), remote sensing, global positioning systems (GPS), and cartography.
Shape your future.
UNI’s geography major prepares students for lucrative careers. Many of our students are hired prior to graduation and continue to be sought after in fields such as:
- Geospatial Information Scientists and Technologists
- Geophysical Data Technicians
- Cartographers and Photogrammetrists
- Remote Sensing Technicians
- Precision Agriculture Technicians
- Urban and Regional Planners
- Transportation Planners
- Environmental Scientists and Specialists
- Environmental Restoration Planners
- Atmospheric and Space Scientists
Go beyond.
Internships and research opportunities are strongly encouraged in geography, as is study abroad and international travel.
Service to community is also a vital aspect of the department. While individual geography faculty members engage their students in applied projects in the Cedar Valley and across Iowa, departmental centers/organizations are campus leaders in providing expertise and training to the state and region.
A geography degree at UNI is offered around distinct tracks, to help customize your education and focus on the areas that meet your future goals:
- Geography: Globalization and Regional Geography
- Geography: Environmental Systems and Sustainability
- Geography: Planning and Developing
If you’re looking for something with a stronger technology focus, ask about our Geographic Information Science (GISc) degrees as well! GISc comprises a series of tools and techniques, such as geographic information systems (GIS), remote sensing, global positioning systems (GPS), and cartography.
Shape your future.
UNI’s geography major prepares students for lucrative careers. Many of our students are hired prior to graduation and continue to be sought after in fields such as:
- Geospatial Information Scientists and Technologists
- Geophysical Data Technicians
- Cartographers and Photogrammetrists
- Remote Sensing Technicians
- Precision Agriculture Technicians
- Urban and Regional Planners
- Transportation Planners
- Environmental Scientists and Specialists
- Environmental Restoration Planners
- Atmospheric and Space Scientists
Go beyond.
Internships and research opportunities are strongly encouraged in geography, as is study abroad and international travel.
Service to community is also a vital aspect of the department. While individual geography faculty members engage their students in applied projects in the Cedar Valley and across Iowa, departmental centers/organizations are campus leaders in providing expertise and training to the state and region.
Not your average professor
“Consider UNI Geography if you’d like to participate in paid internships or paid undergraduate research that relates to the dynamics between people and the environment. In addition to the financial support, students in our program all have the opportunity to contribute to real-world projects that have a tangible, positive impact whether tackling climate change in Linn County, reducing the flood hazard risk along the Maquoketa River, enhancing biodiversity in Ecuador, or advancing sustainability in the Arctic.”
-- Prof. Alex Oberle
Panther POV
“Teaching science without the consideration of how people interact with our natural world isn’t practical in today’s society. Being taught science at a higher level with this lens has allowed me to better connect to the thousands of people I have contact with every year.”
-- Katie Klus, Class of 2011, Naturalist III at Black Hawk County Conservation
Explore . . .
You have a passion and a bold vision for your future. We have the tools to bring that dream to life. Customize your learning experience with targeted minors and certificates. Get engaged with student orgs and community/campus engagement. Thinking about grad school? We can help with that too!
