Arizona State University (Tempe campus)
Arizona State University (Tempe campus)

Arizona State University (Tempe campus)

1151 S Forest Ave, Tempe, AZ, United States Arizona, Tempe, USA Visit web page

Geography, MA

Study detals

: Master's degree : Geography, MA LAGEOGMA : Full time : 24 Month

Requirements

Admission requirements
  • Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.
  • Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree, in any field, from a regionally accredited institution.
  • Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program, or applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.

All applicants must submit:

  1. graduate admission application and application fee
  2. official transcripts
  3. personal statement
  4. resume
  5. one letter of recommendation
  6. proof of English proficiency

Additional Application Information

An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency.

The personal statement must address three items:*

  1. What area of geography does the applicant wish to pursue, and why?
  2. What aspects of the applicant's education (a description is needed) will enable the student to pursue this specialty?
  3. What additional training does the applicant believe can be obtained at Arizona State University to realize the applicant's educational and career goals?

*Applicants also should provide any other information they feel should be considered in their application for admission, e.g., research experience or information that might be drawn from the applicant's resume.

Speciality

Also available online

Additional information

Program description

Degree awarded: MA  Geography 

The MA program in geography is designed to offer specialized academic and professional training in geography so students may secure a sound graduate background for further specialization or for immediate employment. The program has sufficient flexibility to allow for individual needs and interests, allowing students to create a plan of study that fits their personal and professional goals.

In addition to innovative coursework, the state-of-the-art research centers, Spatial Analysis Research Center and Urban Climate Research Center, offer students the opportunity to work with exceptional faculty on diverse research projects. Students have the opportunity to work alongside some of the brightest minds in geography, including four members of the National Academy of Sciences and rising talent in the fields of urban heat island research, GIS and more.

Students earning the Master of Arts in geography have the ability to build a path of knowledge that reflects their personal interests within the realms of geography. Students benefit from a wide variety of coursework and research opportunities in four broad interdisciplinary themes that span the expertise of the faculty within the School of Geographical Sciences and Urban Planning:

  • computational spatial science
  • earth systems and climate science
  • place, identities and culture
  • sustainability science and studies

Accelerated program options

This program allows students to obtain both a bachelor's and master's degree in as little as five years. It is offered as an accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree with:

  • Geography, BA
  • Geography, BS
  • Geography (Meteorology-Climatology), BS

Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master’s during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program.

Career opportunities

Professionals with expertise in geographical sciences research, theory and practice are in high demand across sectors and industries, including consulting firms, government agencies, community organizations and public and private research facilities. Skills in geographical data analysis, mapping and climate science are valuable to businesses and institutions relying on research-based approaches to solve complex real-world problems.

Some graduates of the program continue on to pursue doctoral degrees.

Career examples include:

  • environmental scientist or specialist
  • geographic information systems technician
  • geological materials technician
  • geophysical data technician
  • geoscientist
  • geospatial information scientist or technologist
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