The master of arts program in geography gives students a critical perspective on contemporary trends in geography, develops research skills and provides advanced training in the discipline. Maxwell faculty members offer concentrations in urban, cultural, political and economic geography; community geography; political ecology, resource geography and environmental history; historical geography and geohumanities; climate science, biogeography and geomorphology; and geospatial technologies. M.A. students have a variety of funding opportunities available to them and most are fully funded.

Student Learning Outcomes

1. Design and conduct independent research in their chosen field in the discipline
2. Communicate the results and significance of their research in both written and oral form
3. Examine social and environmental processes, with a particular focus on space and place, critical theory, practical application, analysis, and intervention in chosen field within the disciplines of Geography
4. Follow established ethical guidelines for research and teaching

Program Requirements

The M.A. program in geography gives the student a perspective on the nature of contemporary trends in geography, develops research skills, and provides a beginning to advanced training in the discipline.

The program consists of 30 graduate credits, at least half of which must be at the 600 level or above. Students may write a master’s thesis or two master’s papers and may count either option as six thesis credits toward their required credit total. The M.A. program assumes a basic foundation in geography, including work in human, environmental, and physical geography, as well as in relevant methods. Students without such a background must do additional work, such as attending courses, auditing, or guided readings. Additional work is flexible and may be customized according to a student’s interests and schedule.

The student’s advisor and committee approve the topic for and supervise research and the writing of the master’s thesis or two-paper option, the final drafts of which must be defended in a formal defense involving the student’s committee.