COURSE CURRICULUM

The Master of Arts in Geography is a 30-unit graduate program that offers two pathways: Plan A (with thesis) and Plan B (without thesis), allowing students to tailor their studies based on academic and professional goals. The program emphasizes geographic theory, spatial analysis, and advanced geographic information science (GIS) techniques, integrating both conceptual understanding and applied skills in modern geography.In Plan A (Thesis option), students complete a 3-unit core seminar, GEOG 290 (Seminar in Research Design for Geographic Information Science, GWAR), which prepares them for advanced research design and academic writing. They also take 6 units of geography seminars chosen from courses such as GEOG 239 (Geographic Information Technology), GEOG 279 (Geographic Information Science Applications), GEOG 282 (Advanced Geographic Techniques), or GISC 205 (Spatial Data Literacy and Ethics, GWAR). The culminating experience consists of GEOG 299 (Master’s Thesis, 1–6 units), where students conduct original research. Additionally, students complete 15 units of electives in geography or related fields, selected with advisor approval, often including advanced GIS, remote sensing, Python programming, spatial statistics, drones and spatial data collection, and web GIS applications.In Plan B (Non-thesis option), students again complete GEOG 290 as the core seminar but take 9 units of geography seminars from the same approved course list. Instead of a thesis, they complete GEOG 298 (Special Study, 6 units) as their culminating experience. They also complete 18 units of electives, with at least 3 units at the 200-level, chosen in consultation with an advisor. These electives may include advanced geographic techniques, open-source GIS, remote sensing, spatial data science, Python programming, and spatial modeling.Overall, the MA in Geography provides a flexible and interdisciplinary education that blends geographic theory with advanced technical training in GIS and spatial analytics. Graduates are prepared for careers in environmental analysis, urban and regional planning, geospatial technology, research, and policy, or for further doctoral study in geography and related fields.