Surveyor measuring with theodolite.

Master of Arts

Geography

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Study Regional Landscapes and Cultures


Learn how to collect, analyze, and interpret patterns in topographic, ecological, economic, and cultural data to deepen your understanding of social and environmental issues in different regions of the world.

The master’s program in geography at UAlbany prepares you for careers in which you measure and study diverse phenomena related to human civilization, the earth’s surface, and subterranean resources. You can specialize in physical geography or human geography and globalization.

The curriculum covers topics such as environmental degradation, climate change, population density, and urban development. You also gain practical experience in geographic statistical analysis, digital mapping technologies, geographic information systems (GIS), and remote sensing devices.

Program of Study

programofstudy

The master’s in geography offers a two-year thesis track or one-year, non-thesis track. Choose the thesis track if you intend to pursue further academic study or the non-thesis track if you are obtaining a master’s degree to advance your career in the field.

UAlbany is exceptionally strong in:

  • Climate and environmental systems
  • Geographic information systems (GIS)
  • Remote sensing
  • Cartography
  • Computer applications and spatial analysis
  • Urban, social, cultural, and economic geography

Areas of interest include Europe, Latin America, North America, Africa, and East Asia. 

Program Tracks
Non-Thesis Track (One Year)

The non-thesis track requires a minimum of 30 credits.


Required Courses

  • Introduction to Graduate Study in Geography: Geographic Thought
  • Statistical Methods
  • Human Dimensions of Global Change
  • Energy, Environment, and Climate Change
  • Geographic Information Systems
  • Master’s Research Paper in Geography


Specialization Courses

Four courses in physical geography or human geography and globalization.

 

See the Graduate Bulletin for details.

For more information, contact Dr. Alexander Buyantuev at [email protected].

Thesis Track (Two Years)

The thesis track requires a minimum of 36 credits. You must choose your thesis topic and advisor during your first semester.


Required Courses

  • Introduction to Graduate Study in Geography: Geographic Thought
  • Statistical Methods
  • Human Dimensions of Global Change
  • Energy, Environment, and Climate Change
  • Geographic Information Systems


Specialization Courses

Four courses in physical geography or human geography and globalization.


Master's Thesis in Geography

During the summer session between their first and second year, most students either begin their thesis research or pursue an internship.

Thesis credits are typically earned over one academic year (3 credits per semester). We recommend that you take up to two additional courses per semester in your area of interest.

 

See the Graduate Bulletin for details.

For more information, contact Dr. Alexander Buyantuev at [email protected].

Career Outcomes

After completing the program, 98% of our graduates work in geography-related fields in education, business, government, and nonprofit organizations, and earn an average salary of $75,000 per year.

Sample job titles for an MA in Geography:

  • Cartographer
  • Environmental consultant
  • Market researcher
  • Post-secondary instructor
  • Town planner
  • Transport planner 

Two people conducting a land survey on a farm

career

"Geography is at the intersection of disciplines. It gives you the freedom to study the world as a system, and use tools that help tell its story. Through the geography program at UAlbany I learned the skills necessary to tackle the questions that I find most interesting."

- Clare Gaffey, Master of Arts in Geography, '18

Accelerated Undergraduate/Graduate Option

If you’re a current UAlbany undergraduate student with at least a 3.2 GPA, you can save time and money by beginning your graduate degree coursework as early as your junior year. Up to 12 academic credits, billed at the undergraduate rate, will count towards both degrees – so you can complete your combined program in only 5 years and spend less than you would if you completed each program separately.

Contact your undergraduate advisor to see if you’re eligible and learn about your combined graduate program options.

UAlbany graduate with confetti at Commencement.
Admissions Requirements
Deadlines
  • Fall: Rolling
  • Spring: Rolling
  • Summer: Not Available

There is no departmental assistantship consideration for this program.

Required Application Materials
  • Transcripts from all schools attended
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Statement of goals
Special Notes

This program requires an internship, field experience, study abroad component, or clinical experience requirement. Students who have previously been convicted of a felony are advised that their prior criminal history may impede their ability to complete the requirements of certain academic programs and/or to meet licensure requirements for certain professions.  If applicants have concerns about this matter please contact the Dean’s Office of the intended academic program.

admissions
Student Learning Objectives

Learning objectives that UAlbany students are expected to attain through their course of study within their academic program.

Master of Arts
  • Knowledge of the historical development of geographic thought, of current themes and research frontiers in the discipline, and of contemporary geographic scholarship.
  • Proficiency in geographic applications of statistics, geographic information systems (GIS), and one or more programming languages.
  • Specialized knowledge in one of the areas of human geography, physical geography, or geographic information systems.
  • Research experience in their area of specialization.
  • Familiarity with geographic ideas and methods in practical applications.
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