Program Overview

Master's in Geography

The Master of Science (M.S.) in Geography at the University of North Dakota is designed to provide students with a broad foundation in geography and geospatial techniques, preparing them to solve some of today's most pressing problems in environmental management.

Program Details

• Program type: Master's Degree
• Format: On Campus
• Estimated time to complete: 2 years
• Credit hours: 30 (thesis), 36 (non-thesis)

Why Earn a Master's in Geography?

Geography encompasses some of today's most interesting careers, from natural resources management and the geosciences to cartography and GIS technologies. With a master's in Geography, students will be ready to make their mark in government, education, industry, and beyond. The Geography master's program focuses on environmental geography, as well as community and urban development, with a particular emphasis on:

• Land use and land use change
• Water resources
• Biogeography
• Geomorphology
• Human impacts of development
• Community development
• Urban and regional development
• Transportation geography
• Geospatial intelligence and big data

Master's in Geography at UND

The program offers students the opportunity to:

• Conduct high-level research on topics within the northern Great Plains or other locations around the world
• Choose between a thesis option (for more emphasis on research) or a non-thesis option (for developing skills applicable to specific problems and projects)
• Work side by side with renowned faculty
• Build expertise in GIS, remote sensing, cartography, and spatial analysis through courses in geospatial technologies
• Earn a stipend through a graduate assistantship
• Enjoy access to high-end software, including the full ESRI suite of products

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the Geography master's program are employed by planning commissions and other government agencies at different levels, consulting and engineering firms, business and industry, and educational institutions. The program helps students develop professional competence in geographic theories and knowledge, analytical skills, and geospatial tools, preparing them for a wealth of career options, including:

• Natural resources management
• Geoscience
• Local, state, or federal agencies
• Geographic information science Geography alumni have gone on to successful careers with various organizations, such as AE2S, Bolton & Menk, Inc., City of Bismarck, City of Grand Forks, and Colorado State University.

Geography Master's Courses

Some of the courses offered in the program include:

• Geographic Thought Through Time (GEOG 501): A scholarly examination of the scope and content of geography from its inception to the present
• Advanced Physical Geography (GEOG 521): An investigation of an advanced topic in physical geography
• Advanced Techniques in Geographic Information Systems (GEOG 574): An advanced course designed to extend GIS knowledge and experience
• Seminar in Remote Sensing (GEOG 575): A seminar in the analysis of remote sensing techniques applied to contemporary research problems in geography
• Field Methods and Analysis in Geography (GEOG 576): An advanced, intensive approach to measuring and mapping cultural and physical features of the earth in the field

Application Deadline

• Fall: May 1
• Spring: October 1 International students should refer to the international application process for deadlines.