Geography, M.A.

Program Description

Geography is the systematic study of the spatial aspects of human activity, the natural world, and human-environment interaction. The discipline of geography occupies a unique position as a bridge between the social sciences (Human Geography), natural sciences (Physical Geography), and STEM fields (GIScience). From this interdisciplinary perspective, geography helps us understand and address numerous contemporary challenges ranging from economic development, urban planning, and ethnic conflict to climate change, environmental sustainability, and natural resource management. As a result, geography is an expanding discipline with diverse career opportunities across the environmental sciences, social sciences, and technological fields in both the public and private sectors.

The Geography Department prepares students to succeed as professionals in today's job market through an innovative curriculum focusing on building critical thinking, technical, and practical skills across a range of human geography, physical geography, and geospatial information science (GIScience) courses. The curriculum includes a mixture of classroom and lab instruction, hands-on projects, and professional internships experiences that actively engage students in the learning process and provide the skills necessary for lifelong learning. The department maintains state-of-the-art facilities, including technology-enhanced classrooms, a physical geography lab, and a GIScience computer lab, supporting students as they utilize the latest software and hardware. The department provides a supportive learning environment where students work closely with faculty and peers while enjoying numerous opportunities to participate in campus, state, and national professional activities.

Geography alumni have successfully applied their knowledge and practical skills in a variety of career paths in both the public and private sectors, including urban and regional planning, economic development, environment planning, natural resource and energy management, weather forecasting, emergency response and homeland security, GIS analysis, and education. Other alumni have continued studies at the doctoral level in geography, archaeology, and other fields.

Degree Options

Students wishing to earn a master's degree in geography have the option of selecting either a Master of Arts (M.A.) or Master of Science (M.S.) degree. The M.A. degree is for students interested in human geography or geography education, while the M.S. is suitable for students interested in GIScience and/or physical geography. Both the M.S. and M.A. degree options prepare the graduate for professional employment or advanced work at the doctoral level.

Program Requirements

In coordination with their advisor, students may choose to either:

1. Complete a capstone course GEO 679 Portfolio and Career Profile focusing on Career Advancement, Reflection on the degree completion experience, and a Comprehensive Exam
2. Write a thesis. The majority of our majors pursue the capstone course GEO 679 Portfolio and Career Profile option. The thesis option is the best choice for students wishing to engage in geographical research projects or in preparation for entrance into a doctoral program. Thesis students must pass GEO 615 Geographic Thought and GEO 616 Geographical Research Methods with grades of A and then must get permission from a potential thesis advisor before enrolling in GEO 681 Thesis.

Admission Requirements

Applicants should follow the admissions process described in the catalog. In addition, applicants must:

• Submit a curriculum vitae (CV) and/or resume with the graduate application
• Submit two letters of recommendation (either from employers or faculty members) with the graduate application

Degree Requirements

Candidates for the master's degree must meet the general requirements for graduate admission and complete a minimum of 34 total credits.

Plan of Study

A Plan of Study approved by the student's advisor must be submitted for approval to the academic dean before the student registers for his or her 12th semester hour. The Plan of Study is a student's "blueprint" for completing graduation requirements.

Course List

The following courses are required:

• GEO 615: Geographic Thought (3 credits)
• GEO 616: Geographical Research Methods (3 credits)
• Select one from the following:
  • GEO 679: Portfolio and Career Profile (3-6 credits)
  • GEO 681: Thesis (6 credits)
• Select one GEO GIScience course from the following:
  • GEO 523: Cartography & GIS (3-4 credits)
  • GEO 526: Geographic Information Systems (3-4 credits)
  • GEO 527: Principles of GIS II (3-4 credits)
  • GEO 529: GIS Location Analytics (3-4 credits)
  • GEO 530: Environmental Raster Analysis (3-4 credits)
  • GEO 531: Remote Sensing & Photogram (3-4 credits)
  • GEO 534: Flood Hazards and GIS (3-4 credits)
  • GEO 554: Drones: Remote Sensing & GIS (3-4 credits)
  • GEO 631: Applied GIS Projects (3-4 credits)
  • GEO 634: GIS Databases & Programming (3-4 credits)
  • GEO 690: Internship in Geography (using GIScience) (3-4 credits)
• Electives (22-23 credits)
  • GEO 502: Geography of Appalachia
  • GEO 504: Geography of Europe
  • GEO 505: Political Geography
  • GEO 506: Population Geography
  • GEO 508: Geog of South & Middle America
  • GEO 510: Urban Geography
  • GEO 522: Environmental Geography
  • GEO 523: Cartography & GIS
  • GEO 524: Transportation Geography
  • GEO 525: Climatology
  • GEO 526: Geographic Information Systems
  • GEO 527: Principles of GIS II
  • GEO 529: GIS Location Analytics
  • GEO 530: Environmental Raster Analysis
  • GEO 531: Remote Sensing & Photogram
  • GEO 534: Flood Hazards and GIS
  • GEO 550: Extreme Weather
  • GEO 554: Drones: Remote Sensing & GIS
  • GEO 607: Economic Geography
  • GEO 617: Seminars in Geography
  • GEO 618: Seminars in Geography
  • GEO 619: Seminars in Geography
  • GEO 620: Problems in Environ Geog
  • GEO 623: Regions of North America
  • GEO 631: Applied GIS Projects
  • GEO 634: GIS Databases & Programming
  • GEO 690: Internship in Geography

Total Credit Hours: 34-39

Marshall University

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Overview:

Marshall University is a public research university located in Huntington, West Virginia. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, as well as online and professional degrees. The university is known for its strong academic programs, vibrant campus life, and commitment to community outreach.

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Services Offered:

Admissions:

The university offers admissions services for first-year freshmen, transfer students, international undergraduate students, graduate students, international graduate students, and online students.

Financial Aid:

Marshall University provides financial aid options including tuition assistance, scholarships, and grants.

Student Resources:

Students have access to various resources such as residence halls, student affairs, student health services, and student policies.

Campus Resources:

The university offers libraries, online research tools, internship and career development services, and a campus bookstore.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

Student Organizations:

Students can participate in various clubs, organizations, student government, Greek life, and athletics.

Student Activities:

The university offers opportunities for community service, leadership development, and campus recreation.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Strong Academic Programs:

Marshall University boasts a variety of academic programs across various disciplines.

Vibrant Campus Life:

The university provides a lively campus environment with numerous student organizations, activities, and events.

Community Engagement:

Marshall University is deeply involved in the local community through outreach programs and initiatives.

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Academic Programs:

Undergraduate:

The university offers a wide range of undergraduate programs across various colleges and schools.

Graduate:

Marshall University provides graduate programs in various fields, including medicine and pharmacy.

Online:

The university offers online degree programs for students seeking flexible learning options.

Professional:

Marshall University offers professional programs designed to enhance career skills and knowledge.