Program Overview

M.A. in Geography

The Department of Geography and Regional Studies (GEG) offers a Master of Arts (M.A.) in Geography that seeks to encourage the rigorous investigation of human-environment interactions and the analysis of spatial patterns and trends related to societal processes. The program focuses on three thematic areas: development studies, environmental analysis, and globalization and urban change.

Curriculum Requirements

The M.A. in Geography requires a total of 30 credit hours, including:

• Core Courses:
  • GEG 602: Geographic Thought and Analysis (3 credit hours)
  • GEG 603: Research Design in Geography (3 credit hours)
  • GEG 680: Spatial Data Analysis I (3 credit hours)
  • GEG 691: Geographic Information Systems I (3 credit hours)
• Select one of the following:
  • GEG 610: Survey Research Methods (3 credit hours)
  • GEG 681: Spatial Data Analysis II (3 credit hours)
  • GEG 692: Remote Sensing of the Environment (3 credit hours)
• Select one of the following options:
  • Master's Thesis:
    • GEG 810: Master's Thesis (2-12 credit hours)
    • GEG 820: Research in Residence (2-12 credit hours)
  • Advanced Independent Study:
    • GEG 625: Advanced Independent Study in Geography I (2-12 credit hours)
    • GEG 645: Advanced Independent Study in Geography II (2-12 credit hours)
• Electives: 6 credit hours

Suggested Plan of Study

The suggested plan of study for the M.A. in Geography is as follows:

• Year One:
  • Fall:
    • GEG 602: Geographic Thought and Analysis (3 credit hours)
    • GEG 680: Spatial Data Analysis I (3 credit hours)
    • GEG 691: Geographic Information Systems I (3 credit hours)
  • Spring:
    • GEG 603: Research Design in Geography (3 credit hours)
    • Select one of the following:
      • GEG 610: Survey Research Methods (3 credit hours)
      • GEG 681: Spatial Data Analysis II (3 credit hours)
      • GEG 692: Remote Sensing of the Environment (3 credit hours)
    • Elective (3 credit hours)
• Year Two:
  • Fall:
    • GEG 625 or 810: Advanced Independent Study in Geography I or Master's Thesis (6 credit hours)
    • Elective (3 credit hours)
  • Spring:
    • GEG 645 or 820: Advanced Independent Study in Geography II or Research in Residence (6 credit hours)
    • Elective (3 credit hours)

Mission

The Department of Geography and Regional Studies seeks to foster the examination, open discussion, and lively debate of geographic issues and urban studies among faculty and students from all fields of study. The department's core objective is to broaden, deepen, and transform the learning community at the university and beyond.

Goals

The graduate program (M.A.) aims to prepare students for positions in teaching, government, non-governmental organizations, private business, urban and regional planning, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), remote sensing (RS), resource management, and environmental analysis. The program focuses on three thematic areas: development studies, environmental analysis, and globalization and urban change.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the M.A. in Geography, students will:

• Have an advanced understanding of the concepts and theories in both human and physical geographies
• Be able to select and use advanced tools and methods to measure and assess spatial-temporal patterns and processes
• Integrate and apply advanced concepts and theories in human and physical geographies to conduct an original research project
• Demonstrate effective, advanced, and original written, cartographic, and oral communication skills.