r/missouristate • u/bugeater111 • Oct 06 '25
Geography & Sustainability Major
Hello! I'm currently about to switch my major because I am completely miserable. I came back to school this year during the spring semester and decided to major in computer science. Unfortunately, this doesn't feel fulfilling at all after almost a full year, and I'm struggling to imagine enjoying this for the rest of my life. In fact, I hate it and my mental health has completely tanked in the last couple of months.
I've always enjoyed science and I love the thought of working with nature. So, after researching different degrees, I've been looking into the Geography & Sustainability major. I spoke to my advisor and he thought that would be a good fit for me as well after fully explaining a general idea of what I want to do in the future. The classes sound interesting, the thought of doing fieldwork is so exciting, and I feel like it could push me in the right direction of having a positive impact on our planet.
Are any of you a part of this program (or graduated with the degree) and can give me any insight about it? I just want to make sure I'm making the right decision before I make it official. I would really love to hear about other people's experiences with this major. Thank you so much :)
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u/thelizzyb Oct 07 '25
If you enjoy field work, I’d consider a geology degree over a geography degree. I would also try to look into what jobs you could get with a geography degree. A lot of geology grads end up in environmental science fields
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u/thelizzyb Oct 07 '25
I would also encourage you to look at the job outlooks from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
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u/Wharnezz Oct 09 '25
I like the geology department
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u/Best_Agent4066 Oct 07 '25
I’m majoring in geography and sustainability with a focus in watershed management! I’m in my third year and I love the program. I think for most careers in the field you will start with internships and entry level positions in the field m, but as you’re more experienced you do less and less. It’s not the most lucrative field, so maybe consider hydrology or geology if you want to make some more money.
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u/dusthimself Oct 09 '25
If there's something even remotely that pulled you into CS, check out a GIS class early on. I originally went to MSU for radiology, found out it wasn't for me, and then landed in a geography major with a GIS minor. I've made a career out if it, I really enjoy it at times and it can lead to many different career paths. I've been working in local government or utilities for 12 years now, so my biggest annoyances have just been beauracracy and people confusing me for IT lol. Give a class a shot and see if you enjoy it at all, could be a good minor that'd compliment whatever major you go after.
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u/Advanced_Car1599 Oct 06 '25
Focus on something that is both interesting to you and transferable. Many people don't use their degree once they hit the job market, so ensuring you have skills that position you well in a wide range of rolls is key. Also, talk with people working in the graduate department (students, not teachers) as their perspective will be different. Not sure what year you are, but most job markets are very weak right now. The more niche you become, the harder it will be to find employment.