Master’s Degree in Geography – Enroll Now!

Explore the world. Expand your expertise. Advance your career.

Geography is a dynamic discipline that connects people, places, environments, and technologies. Marshall University’s Master of Arts (M.A.) and Master of Science (M.S.) in Geography prepare students to apply geographic knowledge and analytical skills to today’s professional challenges, pursue advanced research, and open doors to new career opportunities.

Our graduate students come from diverse backgrounds and professional experiences. They include AP Human Geography teachers, community college instructors, GIS professionals, meteorologists, environmental and natural resource specialists, and students pursuing advanced academic research. Whether you want to advance in your current profession, develop new technical skills, broaden your understanding of the world, or prepare for doctoral study, Marshall’s graduate Geography program offers a path forward. Our degrees are fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. We welcome you to come to campus as a traditional in-person learner OR pursue your master’s degree 100% online. Students can pursue their degrees while balancing professional, family, and other commitments.

The M.A. degree is for students interested in human geography or geography education, while the M.S. is suitable for students interested in GIScience, environmental geography, and/or weather/climate. Both the M.S. and M.A. degree options prepare the graduate for professional employment or advanced work at the doctoral level. In coordination with their advisor, students may choose to either: 1) complete a capstone course GEO679, focusing on Career Advancement, Reflection on the degree completion experience, and a Comprehensive Exam or 2) write a thesis GEO681. The majority of our majors pursue the capstone course GEO679 option. The thesis option is the best choice for students wishing to engage in geographical research projects or in preparation for entrance into a doctoral program.

Flexible learning. Meaningful opportunities.

The Master’s degree in Geography (M.A. or M.S.) requires 34 credit hours and is offered on campus or 100% online.  We’ve had students finish as quickly as 16 months (summer, fall, spring, summer).  The typical graduate student finishes in ~2 years.  Some students take a more relaxed pace, up to the maximum of 7 years.

Both degrees provide a strong foundation for professional advancement, expanded career opportunities, and further graduate study, including doctoral programs.

Working with a faculty advisor, students choose between two culminating experiences:

• Portfolio and Career Profile (GEO 679): A career-oriented capstone experience that emphasizes the application of geographic knowledge, professional development, reflection on graduate learning, and a comprehensive examination. This is the preferred pathway for students seeking to translate their graduate education into professional advancement.
• Thesis (GEO 681): An independent research project that provides an opportunity to investigate a geographical question in depth, develop research expertise, and prepare for doctoral study or research-oriented careers.

All students develop a foundation in geographic theory, research methods, and GIScience through graduate coursework. Core requirements include:

• GEO 615 Geographic Thought (3 credits)
• GEO 616 Geographical Research Methods (3 credits)
• GEO 640 Spatial Statistics and GIS (M.S. students only; 4 credits)
• Any GEO GIScience course (3-4 credits)
• GEO 679 Applied Projects (3 credits) or GEO 681 Thesis (1-6 credits)

Students work with their advisors to select additional coursework that supports their academic interests and professional objectives. Plan of Study:  Before students complete 12 credits in Geography Master’s program, they must complete this Plan of Study form.

Get Started

Whether you are an experienced professional looking to move forward, an educator seeking to deepen your expertise, a recent graduate ready for the next challenge, or an aspiring researcher preparing for doctoral study, Marshall University’s graduate Geography program can help you take the next step. Join a community of geographers who study the world, solve problems, and put geographic knowledge to work.  Here’s how to apply.  Master’s degree applicants should follow the admissions process described at www.marshall.edu/graduate. In addition, M.S. applicants must:

• Submit a curriculum vitae (CV) and/or résumé with the graduate application;
• Submit two letters of recommendation (either from employers or faculty members) with the graduate application.

Want to learn more?

Contact Dr. James Leonard about a graduate degree in Geography.

“God and my Master’s degree from Marshall landed me the position (GIS Analyst/Manager near Portland, OR).” ~ Mike, 2018

Master’s Degree in Geography Tracks

Here are some suggested tracks you could pursue, or you could always mix and match to suit your interest! In each case, choose enough courses to get to 34 credits minimum (including your core courses) with at least 17 credits at the 600-level.

Graduate Minors in Geography

Graduate students pursuing degrees in other disciplines can choose from four different Graduate Minors in Geography. See a Geography department advisor for more information.

• Regional Geography
• Physical Geography
• Human Geography
• Geographic Information Systems/Remote Sensing