Requirements
Students will plan a program of study with an advisor and other members of the supervisory committee during the first term of residence (the first term after admission to the program). The program of study must include a minimum of 45 graduate credits for thesis students and 54 graduate credits for non-thesis students.
Core Courses
- Geog 521 Geographic Thought
- Geog 522 Research Design
- Geog 523 Geographic Research and Applications
MA Degree Requirements
- Those in the MA program must complete and present a thesis of the student’s independent research into a topic approved by the student’s graduate committee. It normally involves field work and is an original contribution to knowledge in the field of geography. A final oral examination by the student’s committee includes defense of the thesis.
- Students must take a minimum of 45 graduate credits with a minimum of 36 credits in geography, including 6 credits of Geog 503 (Thesis).
- MA students must demonstrate their competence in the use of a foreign language for geographic research
MS Degree Requirements
- Those in the MS program may choose between thesis and non-thesis options.
- The thesis option requires the presentation of the student’s independent research into a topic approved by the student’s graduate committee. It normally involves field work and is an original contribution to knowledge in the field of geography. A final oral examination by the student’s committee includes defense of the thesis.
- Students must take a minimum of 45 graduate credits with a minimum of 36 credits in geography, including 6 credits of Geog 503 (Thesis).
- Candidates electing the non-thesis option must register for 3 credits of Geog 501 (Research) to work closely with their advisor on writing a paper, which must be approved by their advisor and two additional faculty. A final oral presentation of the paper is required for completion of the degree.
- Students must take a minimum of 54 graduate credits with a minimum of 40 credits in geography, including 3 credits of Geog 501 (Research).
- MS students must show proficiency in advanced skills in geography or an equivalent research technique (8 credits of Techniques/Skills coursework).
Note: All graduate students, whether in thesis or non-thesis programs, are encouraged to attend the department’s speaker series.