Geographic Science

The geographic science program empowers students to address problems associated with the spatial patterns and processes of human and environmental change. it does this by taking a highly integrated approach that couples the study of people and the environment with the use of cutting edge tools such as digital mapping technologies and images of the earth collected from satellites and aircraft. this unique approach produces graduates who are ‘big picture’ thinkers and are valued by a wide range of employers and prepared for further study in geography and related disciplines.

Internships or a senior project and other forms of individual study are available to all students who are both interested and qualified. students should contact faculty coordinators in their areas of interest to gain further information. the geography club or gamma theta upsilon (international geographical honor society) are two organizations worth consideration as well.

• Type: Mandatory

• Duration: Contact us for up-to-date information

• Fees: Contact us for up-to-date information

Eography graduates find opportunities and careers from a diverse array of employers. as a graduate, you can apply the knowledge, skills, and perspectives gained from your geographical education in the private, governmental, and non-profit sectors. keeping that spirit of adventure associated with geography, both national and international employers are ready to use your technical skills and global understanding. the jmu geography program also has an excellent track-record of placement in some of the best graduate programs in the united states. students who concentrate in agis have found opportunities in industry with companies such as earth satellite corporation, geoeye, lockheed, spot image, logicom, saic, sanborn, booz-allen hamilton, boeing, and many others. private environmental organizations and consulting firms, as well as government agencies, have all hired students completing the environmental studies concentration (ecsd) at jmu. principal employers include the environmental protection agency, dewberry, the u.s. forest service, the national park service, u.s. geological survey and non-profit organizations including the nature conservancy and peace corps. many graduates choose typical career paths associated with this major. however, some graduates choose unrelated careers that utilize skills and experiences developed during their years in college. keep in mind, that some fields will require graduate study or further training. example of potential careers include the following: cartographer climatologist environmental scientist gis analyst global spatial intelligence analyst geospatial analyst information or imagery analyst intelligence analyst international development meteorologist nautical cartographic analyst oceanographer park ranger quality assurance coordinator satellite imagery scientist systems engineer urban planner wildlife manager wind analyst

Work while you study

First-year students can only work on campus, and only under certain conditions. In the second year, students can work in practical, curricular or elective jobs. Students may be allowed to consider other types of employment, depending on their circumstances.

Partnerships

Most universities in United States have partnerships with different companies and organisations to ensure their students get enough professional training as students. In addition to increasing their students' chances to get hired by one of the universities. James Madison University has partnerships with the following companies: