Program Overview

Geography, M.A.

McCausland College of Arts and Sciences

Explore human interactions with the environment through our geography program, with a special focus on physical and environmental processes as well as geospatial technologies.

As a master's student, you will engage in original research and learn skills and techniques that are applicable to many career fields. Students choose our program for our outstanding faculty and facilities, strong research focus, supportive environment, and vibrant student community.

Program Highlights

• Classes and Faculty: Receive individualized attention from our award-winning and approachable faculty through our smaller class sizes.
• Course Variety: Enroll in courses in physical sciences, social science, and technology taught by faculty with diverse expertise.
• International Expertise: Learn about global cultures in regions such as Europe, the Middle East, Sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America, and Central Asia.
• Force for Change: Create strong connections with urban and environmental policy makers and stakeholders across South Carolina.

What You’ll Study

Our program offers advanced seminars in a variety of subfields, including urban geography, political geography, environmental geography, geographic information systems, and remote sensing. These seminars are taught by our renowned faculty who are engaged in the discipline as journal editors and organization leaders.

Building Skills

Gain the professional and personal intelligence it takes to have a successful career.

• Multicultural Awareness: Understanding cultural variation and adapting behaviors and communication styles accordingly
• Data Analysis: Examining and interpreting information to uncover insights and inform decision making
• Critical Thinking: Analyzing and evaluating information to make informed decisions or judgments
• Writing: Creating professional written content for inclusion in scholarly journal articles, books, and reports
• Research: Gathering and analyzing information to increase knowledge or solve problems
• Presentation Skills: Preparing and delivering effective and engaging presentations to inform, persuade, or inspire

Using your degree

Make your college experience the foundation for a successful future.

• Potential Careers:
  • Urban Planner
  • Natural Resource Manager
  • Emergency Manager
  • Geospatial Intelligence Agent
  • Environmental Policymaker
  • GIS Consultant
• Job Titles of Alumni:
  • GIS Analyst
  • GIS Manager
  • GIS Specialist
  • Meteorologist
  • Senior GIS Analyst
• Average Alumni Salary: Five to 10 years after graduation without additional education $88,133
• Workplace Settings:
  • Government
  • Insurance
  • Nonprofits and NGOs
  • Business
• Employers of Alumni:
  • South Carolina Emergency Management Division
  • National Weather Service
  • South Carolina Office of Resilience
  • U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

Advanced Degrees

Advance your career or options with post-graduate education.

• Doctorate: Geography, Ph.D. (McCausland College of Arts and Sciences)