Students wishing to earn a master’s degree in geography have the option of selecting either a Master of Arts (M.A.) or Master of Science (M.S.) degree. Both the M.S. and M.A. degree options prepare the graduate for professional employment or advanced work at the doctoral level. Because M.S. students are required to complete a thesis, the M.S. option is the best choice for students wishing to engage in geographical research projects or in preparation for entrance into a doctoral program.

The Geography Department offers a supportive atmosphere featuring responsive, accomplished faculty and state-of-the-art facilities. The faculty maintains a flexible curriculum, involves students in research, keeps offerings updated with changes in the field and the job market, and helps students obtain internships. As a result, many of our students secure employment as professional geographers before graduation. Master’s degree students are trained in the traditions and methods of geography including the latest geo-spatial technologies such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Remote Sensing (RS).

Some of the fields that our graduates are employed in include: Cartography, Disaster Response, Economic Development, Environmental Conservation, Flood Prevention, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Professions, Higher Education, Historic Preservation, Homeland Security, International Business, Military Intelligence, Natural Resources Management, Public Health Planning, Public Education, Real Estate, Regional and Urban Planning, Transportation Planning, Tourism Planning and Marketing, Water/Waste Infrastructure Management..

• 19-3092.00 Geographers   Bright Outlook  
• 15-1199.04 Geospatial Information Scientists and Technologists   Green
• 15-1199.05 Geographic Information Systems Technicians
• 11-9121.02 Water Resource Specialists
• 15-1142.00 Network and Computer Systems Administrators
• 17-1021.00 Cartographers and Photogrammetrists
• 17-1022.01 Geodetic Surveyors
• 19-4091.00 Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health   Bright Outlook     Green
• 11-9161.00 Emergency Management Directors   Bright Outlook
• 17-3025.00 Environmental Engineering Technicians   Bright Outlook     Green
• 19-2041.02 Environmental Restoration Planners   Bright Outlook     Green
• 15-1111.00 Computer and Information Research Scientists   Bright Outlook
• 19-3099.01 Transportation Planners   Bright Outlook     Green
• 19-4061.01 City and Regional Planning Aides
• 17-2199.03 Energy Engineers   Bright Outlook     Green
• 13-2021.00 Appraisers and Assessors of Real Estate
• 11-9141.00 Property, Real Estate, and Community Association Managers
• 19-4093.00 Forest and Conservation Technicians   Green