geography student looking at map on computer

Master's in Geography

Master of Science (M.S.)

Acquire a broad foundation in geography and geospatial techniques and be prepared to solve some of today’s most pressing problems in environmental management.

The field of physical geography is at the forefront of environmental action. In UND's Geography master's program, you’ll prepare for a dynamic career in education, government, or the private sector.

Program type:
Master's Degree
Format:
On Campus
Est. time to complete:
2 years
Credit hours:
30-36

Why earn a master's in Geography?

Graduate Application Deadlines
Fall:
Aug. 1
Spring:
Dec. 1
Summer:
May 1

If you're an international student, refer to the international application process for deadlines.

Geography encompasses some of today's most interesting careers. From natural resources management and the geosciences to cartography and GIS technologies, job opportunities in geography are varied and plentiful.

Geography Master's

With a master's in Geography, you'll be ready to make your mark in government, education, industry and beyond.

The Geography master's program focuses on environmental geography, as well as community and urban development. Your studies will place a particular emphasis on:

  • Land use and land use change
  • Water resources
  • Biogeography
  • Geomorphology
  • Human impacts of development
  • Community development
  • Urban and regional development
  • Transportation geography
  • Geospatial intelligence and big data

The Geography master's gives you a solid foundation in the concepts and theories of physical geography, human geography, and GISc.

This master's has a thesis (30 credits) and non-thesis (36 credits) option.

Master's in Geography at UND

  • Conduct high-level research on to pics within the northern Great Plains or other locations around the world.

  • Choose the thesis option (for more emphasis on research) or the non-thesis option (if you're more interested in developing skills that can be applied to specific problems and projects).

  • Work side by side with faculty who are renowned for their achievements in the field.

  • Build expertise in GIS, remote sensing, cartography and spatial analysis through courses in geospatial technologies.

  • Earn a stipend through a graduate assistantship.

  • Enjoy access to high-end software including the full ESRI suite of products. 

What can I do with a master's in Geography?

84k

Median annual salary for postsecondary teachers, 2023

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

93k

Median annual salary for geoscientists, 2023

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Graduates of the Geography master's program are employed by planning commissions and other government agencies at different levels, consulting and engineering firms, business and industry and educational institutions. The program helps students develop and advance professional competence in geographic theories and knowledge, analytical skills, and geospatial tools that are of value to graduates in entering an array of career paths.

The master's in Geography prepares you for doctoral work in physical geography and for a wealth of career options, including:

  • Natural resources management
  • Geoscience
  • Local, state or federal agencies
  • Geographic information science

Master's in Geography Jobs

Geography alumni have gone on to a variety of successful careers with:

  • AE2S
  • Bolton & Menk, Inc.
  • City of Bismarck
  • City of Grand Forks
  • Colorado State University

Geography Master's Courses

GEOG 501. Geographic Thought Through Time. 2 Credits.

Required of all graduate students. A scholarly examination of the scope and content of geography from its inception to the present.

GEOG 521. Advanced Physical Geography. 3 Credits.

An investigation of an advanced topic in physical geography. May be repeated if a different topic is examined. Prerequisite: Instructor consent. Repeatable.

GEOG 574. Advanced Techniques in Geographic Information Systems. 3 Credits.

An advanced course designed to extend GIS knowledge and experience and to prepare students to become effective GIS analysts. The course follows a hands-on, problem-solving approach that integrates the interests and analytical needs to participating students. Prerequisite: GEOG 474 or an equivalent approved by the department.

GEOG 575. Seminar in Remote Sensing. 3 Credits.

A seminar in the analysis of remote sensing techniques as applied to contemporary research problems in geography. Prerequisite: GEOG 475 or consent of instructor.

GEOG 576. Field Methods and Analysis in Geography. 3 Credits.

An advanced, intensive approach to the measuring and mapping of cultural and physical features of the earth in the field. Familiarization with the practical problems involved in data collection techniques in rural as well as urban areas and transfer of the pattern of phenomena of an area to a scale suitable for mapping.

Gain the Insights to Lead

Students learn through hands-on experience in a variety of ways, including augmented reality.

Explore More Options

Check out the faculty you'll work with at UND or discover additional education opportunities.

Department Contact
Enru Wang
Graduate Program Director
P 701.777.4590
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