Anybody study geographic science at JMU?

[Goodspeed]

I'm stuck in a rut with my current major of IR...its really "easy" and convenient for me, but I just can't seem to get myself truly interested in it so I figure its time to change before it bites me in the ass. I'm having a hell of a time figuring out what you can actually DO with it, and thats starting to bother me :?

I'm interested in switching to this field of study...it seems like theres a number of smart, environmentally minded people on here, so I thought maybe some of you studied it?

If so, how did you like the program? the professors? the workload? Any details you can give me would be appreciated.

[Feersty]

Do Global Information Systems.

[.RJ]

Do Global Information Systems.

Well, can you provide a bit more information on the major, what it is, and what the employement possibilities are out of school aside from the blind recommendation?

I've said it plenty of times before, doing what you enjoy while in school, doesnt necessarily equate to doing the same thing out of school, or even getting a job in the same area of study. It may be easier to get a degree in something thats recognized by most employers (for instance, business) along with a minor that serves your interests and then work that industry after you graduate. What you learn in school isnt really the subject matter, its learning how to solve problems.

[Goodspeed]

What you learn in school isnt really the subject matter, its learning how to solve problems.

I thought that was high scool? WTF!?!? :lol:

I see what you're saying RJ. I'm hoping to go from something I don't really enjoy now and probably wouldn't enjoy in the future to something I'll enjoy learning about, then see what happens in the future. Basically I like programs of study that offer specialized, distinct possibilities after college...I know "broadness" is usually recommended but I just plain like to know what I'm going to do with something i'm spending 4+ years of my life on.

I thought about the idea of studying business, but again I just didn't seem motivated to do it. I know a lot of business majors (isn't like 3/4 of JMU business majors??) and NONE of them enjoy their coursework (except Aaron lol), they dread classes and the work they have, and thats definately not for me.

What I'd like to do in the future after graduating is probably pursuing further education in a region i'd like to live/work and go from there

[ScottyB]

to take what RJ said a step further....

being an art major meant that i knew all through school that getting a job would be hard as crap. i ended up getting solid in about 4 different types of design/art as opposed to being a specialist and it saved my butt.

whatever you decide on, i'd recommend at least becoming aware and knowledgable of things related to it (not that you wouldn't, just saying). i know thats not the most helpful advice but it's at least something i can offer in terms of advice.

[WRXtranceformed]

In my opinion, college is just a passport for employment to many companies. There are a TON of people who do nothing at all related to their college majors out there, including myself. Unless of course you're going on to get your Masters degree and are dead set on specializing in a certain field, odds are you aren't going to have the luxury of choosing a job within the field in which you studied in college.

Keep that in mind, and study what you find interesting. What's really important is that piece of paper you'll get in a few years

[Feersty]

Take a look at job annoucements for major companies and see what they require, then make that part of your coursework.

[Goodspeed]

Take a look at job annoucements for major companies and see what they require, then make that part of your coursework.

I found a large job listings site for GS/GIS specialists only and found 100's of jobs across the US, so theres def. a market out there. The JMU program seems to be highly focused and technical, and they say on their website that graduates have gone straight into jobs in gov/industry, so I hope it works out...I changed my schedule already to switch into the program.

I'm definately looking at this from a career standpoint, and the jobs seem very interesting, and theres actual resources out there to learn about them. I know lots of people studying this and that, and when I ask what they want to do with it the usual answer is "uhh....i dunno...". I feel better already about the switch, thanks for the replies keep em coming