Geography Graduate Programs

Geography Graduate Programs and Curriculum

Interested individuals can choose between earning a master’s degree in geography or a Ph.D. in geography. Online geography graduate programs may be a good option for those needing flexibility in their academic schedule.

Prospective applicants to geography graduate school should ideally possess the following characteristics:

• Fascinated by science and life on earth
• Curious about the interplay between people and environment
• Strong math skills

Before applying to a geography graduate program, it is important to identify an area of concentration. Are you drawn to physical or cultural geography? Do you anticipate studying a particular region in-depth? Do you want to become knowledgeable in geographic technologies? The following is a partial list of geography sub-disciplines to consider:

• Biophysical geography
• Cartography
• Climatology
• Economic geography
• Geomorphology
• Medical geography
• Natural resource geography
• Urban geography

Coursework for graduate degrees in geography will differ by school and area of concentration. Some common courses include:

• Geographic information systems
• Biogeography and conservation
• Fluvial forms and processes
• Markets and nature
• Land and landscape
• Geography and social theory
• Natural disasters

Master’s programs can take two to three years to complete, and often requires a thesis, while the Ph.D. can take five to seven years and involves a dissertation based on original research.

Applicants who anticipate studying physical geography may benefit from experience with biology, geology, or climatology. Those interested in cultural geography might benefit from coursework in social sciences. GRE scores, letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and TOEFL scores, if applicable, are general requirements for admission.

There are many professional organizations for geography professionals. The Geographic Information Systems Certification Institute (GISCI) offers geographers professional certification, in geographic information systems. The GISCI certification considerations include but are not limited to; level of education, coursework taken, conferences attended, professional experience, publications, awards received, volunteer efforts, and other contributions to the field.

Geography Career Paths

Geography may lend itself to a wide variety of career paths. While many geographers find work in the government, others work at environmental agencies. Those familiar with geography technologies such as GIS may be qualified for positions at telecommunications firms and utility companies. Urban planning, cartography, and climatology may also be options for those with graduate degrees in geography. This specialized knowledge could also lead to a career as a science writer or editor.

Geography Future Job Outlook

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, geographers are projected to enjoy a 35% increase in job growth between 2010 and 2020. This growth can be attributed to an increased need on the part of certain agencies for maps or imaging of land structures, as well as the ongoing need to repair infrastructure. The BLS also states that the federal government is the highest employing industry of geographers, who can expect to earn a median annual salary of $72,800.

The BLS also states employment for cartographers and photogrammetrists is anticipated to rise by 22% from 2010 to 2020. The median annual wage of a cartographer or photogrammetrists was $54,510. In addition, surveyors are expected to see a 25% job growth from 2010 to 2020. According to the BLS, the median annual salary of a surveyor is $54,880.

Data according to

Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2012-13 Ed.

Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2012-13 Ed.

Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2012-13 Ed.