Geography, Applied (MS)

Master of Science in Applied Geography
Unit: College of Arts and Sciences (GA)
Department: Geographic and Environmental Sciences
Program Website 
Academic Plan Code(s): AGEOMS

Program Information

The Master of Science in Applied Geography is designed to provide students with the analytical skills and background knowledge needed to solve real-world problems with geographic dimensions. Graduate students experience a nucleated body of coursework designed to foster and support the theoretical knowledge and advanced skill sets demanded for the professional and academic/research fields. Coupled with the enhanced level of course content, quantitative, qualitative and spatial data analysis applications, and the departmental emphasis upon critical reasoning, effective writing and communication skills, graduates will be capable and prepared for effective integration into a broad diversity of professional fields.

Our course offerings and faculty research areas include geographic information systems (GIS), remote sensing, climatology and meteorology, urban and regional studies, quantitative and qualitative methods, medical geography, globalization, glaciology, hydrology and water resources, geomorphology, glaciology, transportation and location analysis, border security, land use/land cover change and the geography of food and race.

Geographic information systems (GIS) proficiency is required for all students. If not attained at the undergraduate level or in a job-related environment, students will be required to take GEOG 558 in addition to the coursework listed as program requirements. The department has state-of-the-art computer facilities with GIS and remote sensing software.

The program offers both thesis and non-thesis options. Students who choose the non-thesis option are required to take a written comprehensive exam near the end of their course of study. Students may attend either full- or part-time.

Admission Requirements

Students from geography and related fields are encouraged to apply. All applicants must hold a BA or BS degree from an accredited college or university and must have earned  a minimum cumulative 3.0 GPA. 

All applicants must complete/submit the following:

• A graduate admissions application
• Official transcripts from all colleges and/or universities attended
• Two  letters of recommendation addressing the candidate's academic abilities,  readiness for graduate study, and potential for success. Letters from current and/or former faculty members are preferred.
• A statement of interests and intent covering relevant experience, potential areas of research/study, academic/career goals, and how the MS in Applied Geography would allow the applicant to achieve these goals.

All materials must be submitted to the Graduate School. 

Program Requirements

The Master of Science in Applied Geography is a 30 credit hour program with both a thesis and a non-thesis option.

Geographic information systems (GIS) proficiency is required for all students. If not attained at the undergraduate level or in a job-related environment, students will be required to take GEOG 558 in addition to the coursework requirements listed below.

Thesis Option

After the second semester, each thesis student will choose a thesis advisor and two other faculty members for a thesis committee. 

Non-Thesis Option

Non-thesis students will choose a three member advising committee to administer and evaluate the comprehensive exam.