Discover your opportunities
The geography and sustainability program prepares students to be career-ready, by equipping students with critical thinking skills analytical skills, reading, writing and oral communication, statistical reasoning ability, research skills (quantitative and qualitative), a spatial sense, and an understanding of the importance of sustainability. Many students complete internships while earning their undergraduate degree to gain hands-on experience and prepare for the job market.
The job outlook and income potential for geography and sustainability degree holders varies widely depending upon the focus of the degree. GIS has been considered a top-three job prospect according to the U.S. Department of Labor for many years and even entry-level positions generally begin at very competitive salaries. The employment outlook for professionals seeking new and emerging sustainability careers is bright as sustainability is increasingly becoming a critical part of business strategy and operations. Tourism remains the largest industry in the world and making sure that it is done sustainably is becoming more and more important.
Geography is also classified by the U.S. Department of Labor as a “Bright Outlook” occupation while geospatial technology is considered to be a high growth industry. The U.S. Department of Labor projects “much faster than average” growth, in excess of 20 percent or more, in jobs for geographers, geoscientists, cartographers, urban and regional planners, and other geographic professionals.
See what our alumni are up to!
Career Opportunities
Geography
Geographers make a difference in the world. Geographers develop solutions to some of society’s most pressing problems. Geographers are employed in many different professions such as:
- Environmental Consultant
- Conservation Officer
- Town Planner
- Cartographer
- Geographical Information Systems Officer
- Sustainability Coordinator
- Emergency Management Planner
- Demographic Analyst
- Transportation Analyst
- Landscape Architect
- Teacher/Lecturer
Geo-Information Science
Geo-information science is a multi-billion dollar per year industry. Graduates of our program are working in careers in industry, government and the non-profit sector, as well as pursuing doctoral studies. Graduates of our program are serving in the following positions:
- GIS analyst for the Defense Intelligence Agency
- Staff member on NASA’s BOREAS Project
- Supervisor of Survey and Records for NSTAR
- Staff member at Massport (operates Boston port and airport, etc.)
- GIS analyst Vanasse Hangen Brustlin, Inc.
- GIS analyst Army Corps of Engineers
- Research Assistant, University of California
- Information Technologist, Complex Research Center, University of New Hampshire
- GIS Manager, City of Cambridge
- GIS Coordinator, Town of Natick
- Geospatial analyst, FBI
- GIS specialist, Massachusetts Water Resource Authority
Sustainability
Sustainability is a growing field, with job opportunities in the sciences, social sciences and the humanities. Sustainability professionals promote environmental protection, social responsibility, and profitability. Potential employment opportunities include:
- Sustainability Specialist
- Climate Change Analyst
- Supervisor of Production and Operating Workers
- Accountant
- U.S. Military Service Member
- Sustainability Consultant
- Insurance Broker
- Public Relations Specialist
- Sustainability Specialist
- Climate Change Analyst
- Supervisor of Production and Operating Workers
- Accountant
- U.S. Military Service Member
- Sustainability Consultant
- Insurance Broker
- Public Relations Specialist
- Ecotourism Guide
Continuing Education: Graduate and Professional School Degree Opportunities
Many graduates of Salem State's Geography and Sustainability department go on to graduate or professional school within four years of graduation. The most common graduate and professional programs that graduates go onto are:
- Geography
- Sustainability
- Geographic Information Science (GIS)
- Urban regional and environmental planning
- Business and law
Learn about Salem State's Master of Science in Geo-Information Science and Geo-Information Science Graduate Certificate.