The Master of Arts degree program provides advanced analysis of spatial and environmental interrelationships. This 33 credit hour program prepares students for positions in environmental policy planning, and management in government, industry, and non-profit organizations; in environmental education and nature interpretation; and in other areas where geographers, planners, and environmental professionals are needed.
Requirements for Admission to the Program:
Students must fulfill the requirements for admission to the Graduate College. Applicants must have the equivalent of an undergraduate minor in Geography & Environmental Studies or will be required to take extra undergraduate coursework prior to full admission. Students must provide a two-page Statement of Goals and Objectives as part of their application. This statement should demonstrate the student’s writing skills and should specify as clearly as possible academic/professional goals and the reasons for selecting the G&ES program of study.
G&ES M.A. Web Page
Degree Requirements:
All graduate credits must be at the 400 level, except for a maximum of 10 credit hours from a limited list of university approved 300-level courses. Please consult the department for details.
Students must complete the requirements of either a thesis (6 cr.) or capstone portfolio (3 cr.) under the supervision of a Program Advisor and faculty committee. For students undertaking the thesis, an oral defense is also required.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| GES-411 | Scope And Philosophy Of Geography And Environmental Studies | 3 |
| GES-413 | Advanced Research Methods | 3 |
| Select two of the following: | 6 | |
| Introduction To GIS | ||
| Geographic Problems In Quantitative Measurements | ||
| Qualitative Research Methods In Geography And Environmental Studies | ||
| One of the following: | 3-6 | |
| GES-499 | Capstone Portfolio | 3 |
OR 6 cr. hrs. of Thesis Hours (GES 5901, 5902, 5903) | ||
| Approved Electives | 15-18 | |
| Total Hours | 33 | |
Students enrolled in the thesis option (6 credit hours) are required to take 15 credit hours of electives, while students enrolled in the non-thesis option (3 credit hours) are required to take 18 credit hours of electives. In that way, along with the other requirements of the program, ALL students finish with a total of 33 credit hours.
Thesis Defense (thesis option)