{"id":476,"date":"2016-12-16T13:56:51","date_gmt":"2016-12-16T18:56:51","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.marshall.edu\/geography\/?page_id=476"},"modified":"2026-11-12T22:23:39","modified_gmt":"2026-11-13T03:23:39","slug":"masters-degree-in-geography","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.marshall.edu\/geography\/degrees\/masters-degree-in-geography\/","title":{"rendered":"Master’s Degree in Geography – Enroll Now!"},"content":{"rendered":"

Explore the world. Expand your expertise. Advance your career.<\/b><\/p>\n

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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.<\/p>\n

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. <\/span>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.\u00a0Students can pursue their degrees while balancing professional, family, and other commitments. <\/span><\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Flexible learning. Meaningful opportunities.<\/b><\/p>\n

The Master’s degree in Geography (M.A. or M.S.) requires 34 credit hours and is offered on campus or 100% online<\/a>.\u00a0 We’ve had students finish as quickly as 16 months (summer, fall, spring, summer).\u00a0 The typical graduate student finishes in ~2 years.\u00a0 Some students take a more relaxed pace, up to the maximum of 7 years.<\/p>\n

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Two degrees. Distinctive opportunities.<\/b><\/p>\n

Master of Arts in Geography<\/h2>\n

Emphasizes human geography and geography education, including the spatial dimensions of cultures, economies, populations, and cities. The M.A. is particularly well suited for K\u201312 educators, AP Human Geography<\/a> teachers, community college instructors, and students interested in human systems and their relationships with place. <\/span>Official catalog description<\/a> of the MA Geography program.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

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Master of Science in Geography<\/h2>\n

Emphasizes the scientific, analytical, and technological dimensions of geography. Areas of interest include Geographic Information Science (GIScience), environmental geography, meteorology, and weather and climate. The M.S. is particularly well suited for GIS professionals, environmental and natural resource specialists, and students seeking advanced technical or scientific expertise. Official catalog description<\/a> of the MS Geography program.\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n

Both degrees provide a strong foundation for professional advancement, expanded career opportunities, and further graduate study, including doctoral programs.<\/span><\/p>\n

Working with a faculty advisor, students choose between two culminating experiences:<\/span><\/p>\n