Geography and Geographic Information Science

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What is Geography and Geographic Information Science?

This major combines physical and social science and technology in the study of people, places, and the environment. You’ll learn how to analyze spatial processes, or why things vary from place to place. You will learn how to combine physical and social science, and understand global and local perspectives on places and space. You can choose from four concentrations:

General Geography
Geographic Information Science
Human Geography
Physical Geography

General Geography focuses on humans and their relationship with the earth. Geographic Information Science addresses relationships between businesses, humans, and the environment. Human geography specializes in the study of how humans affect modern geography. Physical Geography concentrates on the earth itself in its climates, land forms, vegetation, soils, and water.

Career Options

Business
Education
Environmental protection
Geology
Geospatial technology
Government
Nonprofit work

Post-Graduation Success¹

94% employed or continuing education

50% employed after graduation

44% attending graduate school

$62,840 average starting annual income

Sample employer destinations: IBM (2), United Airlines (2), University of California, Berkeley (1) View All

Sample grad school destinations: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, University of Maryland, College Park, University of Iowa View All

Program Resources

College of Liberal Arts & Sciences Program Webpage Degree Requirements

Review Criteria

First-Year Major-Specific Criteria

Demonstrated understanding of and interest in the major

View All Review Criteria

Transfer Criteria

Transfer Handbook

Graduation & Retention²

Years to degree: N/A

First-Year retention rate: N/A

Four-year graduation rate: N/A

Six-year graduation rate: N/A

Annual Program Costs³

Illinois Resident

Tuition: $13,252
Fees: $5,182
Expenses: $19,558
Total: $37,992

Non-Resident

Tuition: $35,928
Fees: $5,182
Expenses:$19,898
Total: $61,008

International

Tuition: $38,576
Fees: $5,182
Expenses: $19,898
Total: $63,656

Related Majors

Landscape Architecture - FAA

Urban Studies and Planning - FAA

¹ Post-graduate data was collected through the Illini Success initiative, which primarily relies on self-reported survey data sources. Statistics are aggregated from the past three years. Please note that total compensation may be greater than annual salary as other forms of compensation (e.g., signing bonus, commission, benefits) are not included. For more information on Illini Success data and methods, please visit the Illini Success website. For average wage or salary information five years after entry into an occupation, visit the Post-Secondary Employment Outcomes Explorer.

² Graduation and retention data comes from several majors within a similar interest area. Data may not yet be available for newly created programs. Years-to-degree data is only available for programs from which you can earn a degree. Retention and graduation rates are only available for programs that you can apply directly into. Retention rates reflect retention to the university, not necessarily retention within the major.

³ "Expenses" are estimated and include books, supplies, housing, and other living expenses. The exact amount you’ll pay depends on where you decide to live, the meal plan you choose, and your overall lifestyle. To learn more about costs, please visit the Office of Student Financial Aid website. To learn the average monthly student loan payment over a period of 20 years based on estimated cost, visit the Illinois College2Career website.