Learning Outcomes
Thesis Program
Students who successfully complete the MA program with a thesis in geography will demonstrate:
- both broad knowledge of the field of geography and deep knowledge in their area of research concentration;
- an ability to communicate their research concisely and effectively to both general and specialist audiences in written and verbal formats;
- an ability to formulate research questions; select, design, and apply appropriate research methods (e.g., testable hypotheses, data collection, management, analytical techniques); and utilize critical thinking skills to build knowledge, theory, and/or practice in their area of research concentration;
- competence in teaching geography, environmental, or sustainability-related courses; and
- understanding of and an ability to operate under professional standards of ethical conduct.
The Master of Arts in geography requires a minimum of 30 s.h. of graduate credit with thesis and 32 s.h. of graduate credit without thesis. Students must maintain a Graduate College program grade-point average of at least 3.00. The MA is designed to be completed in four semesters.
Thesis students must earn 15 s.h. of credit in courses numbered 3000 or above. These hours include up to 6 s.h. of thesis credit and 2 s.h. earned in SEES:7000 School of Earth, Environment, and Sustainability Research Colloquium. Students who earn more than 30 s.h. may use the additional work to increase their breadth of knowledge in their field and to tailor their program of study to their individual interests.
Nonthesis students build skills across a range of topics in geographical and sustainability sciences during their first year and develop skills in particular application areas during their second year. They must earn 15 s.h. of credit in School of Earth, Environment, and Sustainability Sciences courses (prefix SEES) numbered 5000 and above.
Students demonstrate competence by completing appropriate coursework and completing and defending an MA thesis (for thesis students) or completing a portfolio of finished work and having it reviewed (nonthesis students).
More information is available on the School of Earth, Environment, and Sustainability website.
Applicants must meet the admission requirements of the Graduate College; see the Manual of Rules and Regulations on the Graduate College website. Application information can be found on the School of Earth, Environment, and Sustainability website.
A bachelor's degree with a major in geography is not required, but applicants must have an undergraduate background relevant to the field. Strength in social science, environmental science, or geographic information science and interest in exploring the spatial perspectives that characterize modern geography are important in admission decisions.
Graduates hold a wide variety of positions with colleges and universities, private research organizations, and business and government and frequently go on to complete doctoral studies. The degree also provides a solid background for professions including law, health care, environmental engineering, and business.
The Pomerantz Career Center offers multiple resources to help students find internships and jobs.
Sample Plan of Study
Sample plans represent one way to complete a program of study. Actual course selection and sequence will vary and should be discussed with an academic advisor. For additional sample plans, see MyUI.
Geography, MA
Plan of Study Grid (Manual)
| Academic Career |
|---|
| Any Semester |
|---|
| a |
|
| | Hours | 0 |
| First Year |
|---|
| Fall |
|---|
| b |
3 |
| b |
3 |
| b |
3 |
| SEES:7000 |
School of Earth, Environment, and Sustainability Research Colloquium c |
1 |
| | Hours | 10 |
| Spring |
|---|
| b |
3 |
| d |
3 |
| d |
2 |
| SEES:7000 |
School of Earth, Environment, and Sustainability Research Colloquium c |
1 |
| | Hours | 9 |
| Second Year |
|---|
| Fall |
|---|
| b |
3 |
| d |
3 |
| d |
2 |
| SEES:7000 |
School of Earth, Environment, and Sustainability Research Colloquium c |
1 |
| | Hours | 9 |
| Spring |
|---|
| d |
3 |
| d |
2 |
| SEES:7000 |
School of Earth, Environment, and Sustainability Research Colloquium c |
1 |
| e |
|
| | Hours | 6 |
| | Total Hours | 34 |
