Program Requirements

The M.A. program in geography gives the student a perspective on the nature of contemporary trends in geography, develops research skills, and provides a beginning to advanced training in the discipline.

The program consists of 30 graduate credits, at least half of which must be at the 600 level or above. The students may write a master’s thesis (which may counts for up to six credits) or two master’s papers.  The M.A. program assumes a basic foundation in geography, including work in human, environmental, and physical geography, as well as in relevant methods. Students without such a background must do additional work, such as attending courses, auditing, or reading.

The student’s advisor and committee approve the topic for and supervise research and the writing of the master’s thesis. Students electing to write two master’s papers instead of a thesis must have each paper approved by two members of the geography faculty.