geography student looking at map on computer

GeographyM.S. or M.A.

Study the science of physical geography and prepare to solve some of today’s most pressing problems in environmental management.

The field of physical geography is at the forefront of environmental action. With an M.A. in Geography from UND, you’ll be highly employable in government agencies and private industry. In the M.S. program, you’ll prepare for a dynamic career in natural resources management, geoscience, or geographic information science.

Program type:
Master's Degree
Format:
On Campus
Est. time to complete:
2 years
Credit hours:
30 (thesis option) or 36 (non-thesis option)

Why study geography at UND?

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

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.

Master of Arts in Geography

The M.A. program in Geography at UND prepares you to use technology and scientific reasoning to examine places, communities and the interaction between the two.

With a focus on community and urban development, the M.A. program prepares you for doctoral study or for a career in community development, local economic development, land use planning, federal government service, historic preservation, or travel and tourism.

As a student at UND, you will:

  • Create new knowledge and learn to solve geographic problems related to community and local economic development and land use planning.
  • Exhibit a fundamental understanding of the breadth, depth and integration of geography.
  • Integrate your learning in geography to the broader world.

Master of Science in Geography

With an M.S. in the field from UND, you'll be ready to make your mark in government, education, industry and beyond.

The M.S. program focuses on environmental geography with a particular emphasis on:

  • Land use and land use change
  • Climatology
  • Water resources
  • Human impact
  • Biogeography
  • Geomorphology
  • Landscape ecology

The M.S. program gives you a solid foundation in the concepts and theories of physical geography. You'll develop skills in the use of geospatial technologies and prepare for doctoral work in physical geography or for a rewarding career in natural resources management, geoscience, government service or geographic information science.

Geography Master's Degree at UND

  • Conduct high-level research on topics 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. 

Geography  Careers 

80K

Median annual salary for post-secondary geography teachers

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Postsecondary Teachers

6%

Anticipated job growth for geoscientists

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Geoscientists

The M.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

An M.A. in Geography from UND prepares you for a wide range of career fields, including:

  • Community and urban development
  • Land use planning
  • Federal government service
  • Historic preservation
  • Geographic information science
  • Travel and tourism

The M.A. is also excellent preparation for doctoral programs in geography and related fields.

UND Geography Alumni

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 You Could Take

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.

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.

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.

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