online geography phd programs

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In This Section

The Ph.D. is a different kind of degree from the master’s degree. A doctoral candidate in Geography must be capable of making original contributions to knowledge and scholarship. It is unlikely that a person will make such contributions unless he or she concentrates on a narrow and clearly defined field of study. We require, however, that doctoral candidates know more of geography than their particular specialties; thus, any aspirant for a doctorate must obtain master’s training or its equivalent before being admitted to doctoral candidacy. In short, admission to doctoral candidacy is official recognition that a student’s general foundation in the breadth of geography is satisfactory. Students then devote their attention to developing depth in chosen specialties.

The general requirements for a doctoral degree in geography are more rigorous than those for a master’s degree. At the same time, the greater flexibility of the doctoral program allows advanced students to pursue programs of study tailored to their special interests and needs.

Progress through the degree is marked by: 

·       a successful performance in a verbal qualifying exam; 

·       a four-day written comprehensive exam, with a verbal portion after the written answers have been assessed by the committee;  

·       a formal dissertation proposal; and 

·       a verbal defense of a completed dissertation.

The four-year Ph.D. program is reserved for students who have a master’s degree from another graduate program. That can be another geography program at another university, a non-geography program at another university, or a non-geography program at Penn State.

Students entering the four-year Ph.D. program must take the doctoral qualifying exam in their first year. A committee from three of the four fields of geography and formally appointed by the Graduate Program Officer will administer the qualifying exam. The qualifying exam can take place any time during the year, but students in the four-year Ph.D. program typically take it during spring semester.

Students in the four-year Ph.D. program complete a comprehensive exam and defend their dissertation proposal in the second year. Depending on the needs of their research, and in agreement with their doctoral committee, students can fulfill these two requirements in either order. Once students have successfully passed their comprehensive exam and defended their proposal, they typically take two years to research, write, and defend their dissertations.

Our online Graduate Student Handbook explains the program requirements for all degrees.

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PhD in Geography

Phd in geography, university of north carolina at charlotte.

Now accepting applications for Fall 2024

GRE requirement waived for 2024 Admissions

The priority deadline for funding consideration is February 15th, 2024

The PhD in Geography is our department’s core doctoral program reflecting the multi-disciplinary research and teaching expertise of our exceptional and award-winning faculty. Graduate students engage in coursework from within and across three areas of focus: Urban and Regional Analysis, Earth and Environmental Systems, and Geographic Information Science. A broad range of elective courses build upon shared training in the theoretical and methodological foundations of Geography, advanced research approaches (quantitative and/or qualitative) and spatial technologies and analysis. Independent research follows yielding a dissertation that advances knowledge in Geography and its related disciplines.

Doctoral students in Geography at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte are members of a student-centered, well-resourced and collegial department comprised of social, physical and applied scientists. As many as half of our PhD students are supported through competitive Graduate Assistantships or Fellowships and our students are frequent recipients of the university’s most prestigious scholarships and national awards. Currently, the program’s Graduate Assistantships include a 9-month stipend of $21,000 plus tuition and health care support through a Graduate School GASP Award.

Our commitment to professional development translates into student involvement in faculty-led research and outreach teams; summer field work grants; financial support to present at national and international conferences; and preparation for teaching and research excellence both pre and post-graduation. Doctoral students in the program have established a tradition of engagement and leadership in the department, across campus, and within national and international professional associations such as the American Association of Geographers and its regional and specialty groups.

The program is structured to be completed within 4 years and our graduates find professional success across the occupational spectrum – as tenure-track professors, international researchers, community planners, analysts with local to national scale governments, post-doctoral fellows, applied scientists, spatial entrepreneurs, private sector consultants and more.

We are now accepting applications for Fall 2024 Admission. Applications received before February 15, 2024 will be given priority consideration for available assistantship and fellowship funding.

Please note that our program will continue to waive the GRE requirement for applicants seeking admission for Spring and Fall 2024. If applicants wish to submit GRE scores they may still do so and those will be considered in the review process.

Admission and requirements? Please refer to UNC Charlotte Graduate Catalog

Ready to apply? Please refer to UNC Charlotte Graduate School Admissions

Questions? Please contact program director Dr. Isabelle Nilsson [email protected]

Resources for PhD in Geography Program

• PhD GEOG Students
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• Typical Timeline for UNC Charlotte Doctoral Programs
• Fellowships, Awards and Competitions

Alumni Dr. Paul McDaniel and students Tonderai Mushipe and Jaeho Ko connect at Race, Ethnicity and Place (REP) conference in Austin, TX, Fall 2018.

Publications by our PhD Geography Students and Recent Alumni (and their faculty co-authors)

• J. Claire Schuch & Tonderai Mushipe . 2021. “Light Rail and Neighborhood Change: Comparative Perspectives of Residents, Local Media, and Other Stakeholders” Housing Policy Debate , https://doi.org/10.1080/10511482.2021.1949371
• Elizabeth Delmelle, Isabelle Nilsson & Providence Adu . 2021. “Poverty Suburbanization, Job Accessibility, and Employment Outcomes” Social Inclusion , DOI: 10.17645/si.v9i2.3735
• Brisa U. de Hernandez, J. Claire Schuch , Janni Sorensen & Heather A. Smith. 2021. “Sustaining CBPR Projects: Lessons Learned Developing Latina Community Groups.” Collaborations: A Journal of Community-based Research and Practice , DOI: http://doi.org/10.33596/coll.69
• Paul H. Jung & Jun Song. 2021. “Multivariate Neighborhood Trajectory Analysis: An Exploration of the Functional Data Analysis Approach” Geographical Analysis , https://doi.org/10.1111/gean.12298
• Yu Lan , Michael R. Desjardins , Alexander Hohl & Eric Delmell e. 2021. “Geovisualization of COVID-19: State of the Art and Opportunities” Cartographica: The International Journal for Geographic Information and Geovisualization , DOI: 10.3138/cart-2020-0027
• Maryam Khabazi & Isabelle Nilsson. 2021. “Connecting people with jobs: Light rail’s impact on Commuting patterns” Travel Behaviour and Society , https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tbs.2021.03.003
• Claudio Owusu , G ary S.Silverman , David S.Vinson, Rajib Paul , Kathleen M. Baker & Eric M. Delmelle. 2021. “Predicting coliform presence in private wells as a function of well characteristics, parcel size and leachfield soil rating” Science of the Total Environment , https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.143701
• Daidai Shen , Jean-Claude Thill & Jiuwen Sun. 2021. “The determinants of city population in China” Asia-Pacific Journal of Regional Science . https://doi.org/10.1007/s41685-020-00170-8
• Minrui Zheng , Wenwu Tang, Akinwumi Ogundiran & Jianxin Yang. 2020. “Spatial Simulation Modeling of Settlement Distribution Driven by Random Forest: Consideration of Landscape Visibility” Sustainability , https://doi.org/10.3390/su12114748

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PhD in Geography

The PhD is a highly individualized degree that emphasizes advanced training and research. Students develop and demonstrate both depth and breadth in geographical inquiry. They gain an understanding of the major epistemological and methodological questions that have shaped the development of geography as a discipline and master a set of research methods that are appropriate to their area of specialization. Students acquire a detailed understanding of a particular sub-field of geography, conduct and disseminate independent research in that sub-field and broaden their backgrounds through study in one or more allied disciplines. The program is intended to lead students into innovative research as demonstrated in research seminars, independent investigations, and the completion of a dissertation. The student's academic performance must be marked by initiative, intellectual integrity, a sense of problem, and critical acumen.

Students can enter the PhD program through two routes:

• after earning a Bachelor’s degree   or
• after earning a Master’s degree

Admission to the PhD is limited to those who have achieved distinction in previous undergraduate and graduate work (a 3.2 GPA on a 4 point scale is a generally accepted criterion) and who have demonstrated the determination and initiative required for doctoral success.

Accelerated PhD Program for students entering with a Bachelor's Degree

Geography phd requirements - university of illinois academic catalog.

Online Geography Programs in America

1-14 of 14 results

Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences

Los Angeles, CA •

University of Southern California •

Graduate School

University of Southern California ,

Graduate School ,

LOS ANGELES, CA ,

College of Forest Resources and Environmental Science - Michigan Technological University

Houghton, MI •

Michigan Technological University •

Blue checkmark.

Michigan Technological University ,

HOUGHTON, MI ,

College of Mines and Earth Sciences - University of Utah

Salt Lake City, UT •

University of Utah •

University of Utah ,

SALT LAKE CITY, UT ,

University of Arizona College of Agriculture & Life Sciences

Tucson, AZ •

University of Arizona •

• • Rating 5 out of 5   1 review

Graduate Student: CALS really cares about student development and professional success. There is lots of guidance to ensure all steps required for graduation are completed. ... Read 1 review

University of Arizona ,

TUCSON, AZ ,

1 Niche users give it an average review of 5 stars.

Featured Review: Graduate Student says CALS really cares about student development and professional success. There is lots of guidance to ensure all steps required for graduation are completed. .

Read 1 reviews.

College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics - University of Denver

Denver, CO •

University of Denver •

University of Denver ,

DENVER, CO ,

Calvin University

Grand Rapids, MI •

• • Rating 4.44 out of 5   9 reviews

Master's Student: So far I have only been through the admissions process as a postgraduate student. The staff has been so helpful and even celebratory when I received an acceptance phone call. ... Read 9 reviews

GRAND RAPIDS, MI ,

9 Niche users give it an average review of 4.4 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says So far I have only been through the admissions process as a postgraduate student. The staff has been so helpful and even celebratory when I received an acceptance phone call. .

Read 9 reviews.

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University of North Dakota College of Arts and Sciences

Grand Forks, ND •

University of North Dakota •

University of North Dakota ,

GRAND FORKS, ND ,

Henson School of Science and Technology

Salisbury, MD •

Salisbury University •

Salisbury University ,

SALISBURY, MD ,

College of Arts and Sciences - Northwest Missouri State University

Maryville, MO •

Northwest Missouri State University •

Northwest Missouri State University ,

MARYVILLE, MO ,

Northern Arizona University College of the Environment, Forestry, and Natural Sciences

Flagstaff, AZ •

Northern Arizona University •

Northern Arizona University ,

FLAGSTAFF, AZ ,

College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics - University of Central Arkansas

Conway, AR •

University of Central Arkansas •

University of Central Arkansas ,

CONWAY, AR ,

Penn State World Campus

University Park, PA •

• • Rating 4.6 out of 5   97 reviews

Other: Penn State World Campus offers me the flexibility I need to be in school while working full-time and raising two children. I love the flexibility I have to work on school when I can. My instructors work hard to motivate students and are very encouraging. Overall, my experience with online learning at Penn State has gone very well. I was nervous to return to school. After all, it has been ten years since I have been in school. Penn State has a very extensive online orientation and even offers a Smart Track to Success course. I have enrolled in the Smart Track to Success course to help me stay on track and earn additional scholarships. I have a GPA of 3.67 because Penn State has been such a wonderful program and offers me the flexibility needed to do school work outside of my work hours. I am very confident I will achieve my goals with Penn State World Campus! ... Read 97 reviews

UNIVERSITY PARK, PA ,

97 Niche users give it an average review of 4.6 stars.

Featured Review: Other says Penn State World Campus offers me the flexibility I need to be in school while working full-time and raising two children. I love the flexibility I have to work on school when I can. My instructors... .

Read 97 reviews.

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Unity Environmental University

Unity, ME •

• • Rating 4.29 out of 5   24 reviews

Alum: I did my undergraduate degree at Unity College in wildlife conservation, 100% online. I personally loved my time at Unity! The structure is set up a bit different than other colleges, all the classes are only 5 weeks (graduate terms are I believe 8 weeks). The classes are more intense since they're so short but I liked the setup! If you were in a class you didn't like, you knew the class would be over in a short amount of time. I had variety of different classes and minus one or two I thought they were all extremely knowledge and helpful. I was also pleasantly surprised at the diversity of students in most of my classes. All the students were super caring and happy to help each other if someone had a question. As an older than average student (32), I feel like the online program was perfect for me since I was able to go more at my own face around my work schedule. While online school, isn't for everybody I would 100% recommend any of Unity's online programs for anyone interested. ... Read 24 reviews

UNITY, ME ,

24 Niche users give it an average review of 4.3 stars.

Featured Review: Alum says I did my undergraduate degree at Unity College in wildlife conservation, 100% online. I personally loved my time at Unity! The structure is set up a bit different than other colleges, all the classes... .

Read 24 reviews.

American Sentinel University

Aurora, CO •

• • Rating 4.4 out of 5   10 reviews

Master's Student: I have enjoyed going to school here, the professors are knowledgeable, and grading was fair. Due to COVID19 there have been some hiccups, but overall great experience. ... Read 10 reviews

AURORA, CO ,

10 Niche users give it an average review of 4.4 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says I have enjoyed going to school here, the professors are knowledgeable, and grading was fair. Due to COVID19 there have been some hiccups, but overall great experience. .

Read 10 reviews.

Showing results 1 through 14 of 14

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Prospective Ph.D. Students

Master of science and graduate certificate programs, about our ph.d. students.

• Geospatial-Information Science and Remote Sensing
• Human Dimensions of Global Change - Coupled Human and Natural Systems
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Geographers study serious problems facing human kind: environmental degradation, unequal distribution of resources, global warming, and international conflicts. Students in our Ph.D. program advance the scholarship in these areas.

• Why a PhD at UMD?
• Application Requirements
• Graduate Courses
• Assistantships and Fellowships
• Ph.D. Handbook and Academic Timelines

• Geospatial Information Sciences (GIS) & Remote Sensing
• Geospatial Intelligence (GEOINT)

We are proud of our high-achieving Ph.D. students, whose awards, publications, and accomplishments are recognized here.

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Earth and Planetary Sciences

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Almost every practical aspect of society—population, environment, economics, politics—is and will be increasingly impacted by our relationship with the earth. This program provides you with the flexibility to travel down the path in a specific area of the field that interests you the most. You will work with faculty to address fundamental questions about our world—from prehistoric geological processes to understanding weather patterns.

Students in the program have gone on field trips everywhere from Maine to Spain and research trips to Australia, Norway, Canada, and beyond. You will have the opportunity to use Harvard’s advanced instrumentation such as the Visualization Research and Teaching Laboratory with the Ultra High Resolution Science Observatory. Projects students have worked on include high temp geochemistry and cosmochemistry, climate dynamics, and geology, and earth history.

Graduates of the program have gone on to positions as a senior research scientist at NASA, geoscientist at ExxonMobil, and consultant at McKinsey & Company. Others have gone on to faculty positions at UC Berkeley, Columbia, and Princeton.

Additional information on the graduate program is available from the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences and requirements for the degree are detailed in Policies .

Admissions Requirements

Please review admissions requirements and other information before applying. You can find degree program-specific admissions requirements below and access additional guidance on applying from the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences .

Academic Background

Typically, applicants will have an academic background in applied math, biology, chemistry, Earth sciences, engineering, physics, or related fields. Applicants should indicate the faculty whose research fields are closest to their interests in the Faculty section of the application for admission. For lists of faculty working in specific research areas, please browse the study and research areas of the department website.

Math Preparation

Applicants should have appropriate math preparation depending on their field of study. Students in geophysics, climate, ocean and atmospheric dynamics, and other math-intensive research areas are expected to have successfully completed applied math courses to the level of ordinary and partial differential equations. Students in less mathematically-oriented research areas are expected to have successfully completed basic college-level calculus and linear algebra at the level of Harvard’s applied mathematics or mathematics courses: Math 21A (Multivariable Calculus) and Math 21B (Linear Algebra and Differential Equations). If not, these should be taken in addition to the department's math requirement, and incoming students should be aware that this represents a significant additional commitment. Students are expected, in the course of graduate work, to complete the second and third year of college mathematics (intermediate and advanced calculus and differential equations). Students with a strong math and physics background doing theoretical work are expected to take higher-level graduate mathematics courses.

Standardized Tests

GRE General: Optional GRE Subject: Optional

Theses & Dissertations

Theses & Dissertations for Earth and Planetary Sciences

See list of Earth and Planetary Sciences faculty

APPLICATION DEADLINE

Questions about the program.

PhD in Geography

The geography PhD program at Minnesota reflects the intellectual breadth of the discipline by maintaining strengths in the broad areas of human geography, physical geography, nature-society relationships, and geographic information science.

Our faculty and students are engaged in teaching and research both within and across these broad areas as evidenced by prominent research themes within the program: culture, place, and flow; environmental change; geographies of the information society; geovisualization; globalization and uneven development; governance, citizenship, and justice; metropolis and world; and nature and society.

To support you in gaining both depth and breadth within the discipline, the program is highly individualized with a limited number of requirements. You work with your advisers to design individual programs suited to your educational and professional goals.

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Visit CLA’s website for graduate students to learn about collegiate funding opportunities, student support, career services, and more.

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Geography PhD

College of arts and sciences, program description.

The Department of Geography provides an intellectually challenging environment that encourages the investigation of the "where" and "why" of various social, economic and environmental phenomena. Our faculty members are committed to teaching and mentoring in a collaborative environment. We provide personalized tutelage and encourage students to work closely with faculty. 

Gabrielle Jaquays 834 Clemens Hall Buffalo, NY 14260 Email: [email protected] Phone: 716-645-3350

Instruction Method

• In Person   (100 percent of courses offered in person)

Full/Part Time Options

Credits required, time-to-degree, application fee, admission tests**.

This program is officially registered with the New York State Education Department (SED).

Online programs/courses may require students to come to campus on occasion. Time-to-degree and number of credit hours may vary based on full/part time status, degree, track and/or certification option chosen. Time-to-degree is based on calendar year(s). Contact the department for details.

** At least one of the admissions tests are required for admission. Test and score requirements/exceptions vary by program. Contact the department for details.

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Geography (Ph.D.)

Ph.d. geography (doctoral).

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Program Overview

Working closely with a dedicated faculty that is recognized nationally and internationally for its research, mentoring and teaching accomplishments, students embark on a journey of professional development that includes research and teaching opportunities. The department also hosts or plays key roles in several international, national and university-wide research centers.

Course Work

The Ph.D. in Geography program is designed to provide depth and breadth of knowledge in the field's theoretical foundations and research methods. Students complete 31 credit hours of graduate course work, including core, skills and elective courses, and 15 credit hours of dissertation research and writing. Graduate courses are available at the intermediate and advanced levels in a broad range of human and physical geography topics and in environmental geography. Faculty advisors work individually with each student to develop a tailored course plan that meets the student's educational and career goals.

What Our Students Say

"The Ph.D. program in geography offers student-centered advisors and accomplished faculty scholars to provide students with the tools they need to become effective scholars, researchers, and instructors across a broad range of topical areas."

— Adam Clark, Class of 2023

Program Details

Geography Ph.D. alumni successfully pursue careers in academia, public and private research centers, and the professional sector with private companies, nonprofit organizations and government agencies.

Program Mission

The mission of the Department of Geography is to offer students educational experiences of the highest quality and to conduct meaningful and vital research. The department is committed to outstanding teaching and scholarly activities within the framework of academic freedom and the diversity of ideas and is dedicated to the advancement of knowledge and to public service. The department stresses the theoretical and applied realms of geography in all of its curriculum, leads the discipline with innovative applied work, and actively seeks to recruit top students nationally and internationally.

Career Options

Geography doctoral students are successful scholars who actively participate in professional conferences, meetings and workshops, and publish in top-tier journals in the field. Alumni of Texas State geography Ph.D. programs are in tenured and tenure-track academic positions, pursue careers in the private or public sectors, or work in research centers in the United States and internationally.

Program Faculty

Thirty-four full-time faculty members conduct research in physical, human, and environmental geography, geographic education, and geographic information sciences, and publish in top-tier journals, including the  Annals of the American Association of Geographers, The Professional Geographer, Urban Geography,  and  Physical Geography . Faculty research has been supported by the National Science Foundation, the Environmental Protection Agency, the Department of Justice, the National Endowment for the Humanities, and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, among other funding agencies.

Contact  The Graduate College  for general questions about getting started with your application, funding your degree, and more. If you have program-specific questions after reviewing the program details, we encourage you to contact the following individuals.

Graduate Advisor Dr. Ronald Hagelman, III [email protected] 512.245.8847 Evans Liberal Arts (ELA) , Room 335

Advisor Support Allison Glass [email protected] 512.245.2618 Evans Liberal Arts (ELA) , Room 127

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Application Process

Review requirements, submit application, upload documents, check status, application deadlines.

This program's deadline is firm. This type of deadline means the application and other application requirements must be submitted by the program's specified deadline day.

Admission Requirements

The items required for admission consideration are listed below.  Additional information for applicants with international credentials can be found on our  international web pages .

Application

• Completed  online application

Review  important information  about the online application.

Application Fee

• $55 nonrefundable application fee OR
• $90 nonrefundable application fee for applications with international credentials

Review  important information  about application fees.

Transcripts & GPA

• baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited university (Non-U.S. degrees must be equivalent to a four-year U.S. Bachelor’s degree. In most cases, three-year degrees are not considered. Visit our International FAQs for more information.)
• master's degree in geography or a related field from a regionally accredited university (Non-U.S. degrees must be equivalent to a U.S. Master’s degree. Master’s degrees following a three-year Bachelor’s degrees may not be equivalent; please contact [email protected] if you are unsure.)
• a copy of an official transcript from  each institution  where course credit was granted
• minimum 3.5 GPA in all completed graduate course work
• completion of a master's thesis or demonstrated evidence of scholarly research and writing

Review important information about transcripts. Official transcripts, sent directly from your institution, will be required if admission is granted.

Test Scores

• GRE not required

Approved English Proficiency Exam Scores

Applicants are required to submit an approved English proficiency exam score that meets the minimum program requirements below unless they have earned a bachelor’s degree or higher from a regionally accredited U.S. institution or the equivalent from a country on our  exempt countries list .

• official TOEFL iBT scores required with a 78 overall
• official PTE scores required with a 52 overall
• minimum individual module scores of 6.0
• official Duolingo Scores required with a 110 overall
• official TOEFL Essentials scores required with an 8.5 overall

This program does not offer admission if the scores above are not met.

Review important information about official test scores.

• statement of purpose explaining your reasons for pursuing doctoral study and your academic professional interests and goals
• three letters of recommendation demonstrating adequate subject preparation in content and quality as reflected in your transcripts

Review important information about documents.

Additional Information

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Department of Geography and Environmental Studies

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The Department of Geography & Environmental Studies at Texas State University offers three Ph.D. programs: (1) Ph.D. Program in Geography, (2) Ph.D. Program in Geographic Education, and (3) Ph.D. Program in Geographic Information Science. These Ph.D. programs are research programs that train students to become independent researchers and educators who are able to make original contributions to knowledge in their respective areas of specialization.

To be eligible for admission to one of the three Ph.D. programs, a student must have completed a master's degree in geography or a related discipline. In addition to the typical required standard test scores (GRE and TOEFL for international applicants), it is important for all applicants to contact a faculty member in the department who will serve as major advisor of the student after a student is admitted to the program.

Each Ph.D. student must complete a minimum of 31 hours of course work at the doctoral level and a minimum of 15 hours of dissertation research. A student’s program is tailored to the special interests and needs of the student in consultation with the major advisor of the student, with the approval of the graduate program coordinator, the department chair, and the dean of the Graduate College. Course work includes the necessary core courses, skill courses, specialization courses, and internal and external elective courses.

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Example Course Outlines in the Three Ph.D. Programs

Ph.D. In Geography

Ph.D. In Geographic Education 100% Online

Ph.D. In Geographic Information Science

Information For International Students

Please direct questions regarding these degree programs to:

Ron Hagelman Email:  [email protected] Phone:  512.245.8847 Graduate Program Coordinator

Allison Glass-Smith Email:  [email protected] Phone:  512.245.2618 Graduate Staff Advisor

Geographic Information Science, PHD

On this page:, at a glance: program details.

• Location: Tempe campus
• Second Language Requirement: No

Program Description

Degree Awarded: PHD Geographic Information Science

The PhD program in geographic information science fosters training of next generation scientists and engineers who will excel at theoretical, computational, analytical and technical knowledge in transdisciplinary geospatial sciences.

Students in this doctoral program have the opportunity to conduct research at the Spatial Analysis Research Center alongside world-renowned faculty specializing in remote sensing and earth observation, GIS, geoinformatics, spatial statistics and spatial-temporal analysis. Researchers are investigating a variety of issues, including voting habits, health crises, altering landscapes and more --- all in an attempt to better understand this complex and changing world.

The program has sufficient flexibility to allow for individual needs and interests, allowing students to create a plan of study that fits their personal, academic and professional goals.

Additional Details

Frequently Asked Questions

Degree Requirements

84 credit hours, a written comprehensive exam, an oral comprehensive exam, a prospectus and a dissertation

Required Core (12 credit hours) GCU 585 Geographic Research Design and Proposal Writing (3) GIS 520 GIScience Issues and Debates (3) GIS 521 Geographic Information Science Programming (3) GIS 571 Spatial Statistics for Geography and Planning (3)

Electives or Research (55 credit hours)

Remote Sensing (3 credit hours)

Other Requirements (2 credit hours) GCU 591 or GPH 591 Seminar: Geography Colloquium (2)

Culminating Experience (12 credit hours) GIS 799 Dissertation (12)

Additional Curriculum Information Students select electives, remote sensing and other requirements seminar coursework in consultation with their academic advisor.

Admission Requirements

Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree in geography, geology, earth science, computer programming, GIS, environmental science, geomatics or a related field from a regionally accredited institution.

Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program, or applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.

All applicants must submit:

• graduate admission application and application fee
• official transcripts
• three letters of recommendation
• written statement
• professional resume
• proof of English proficiency

Additional Application Information An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency.

Letters of recommendation should be from academic professionals or professional colleagues capable of evaluating the applicant's abilities, accomplishments and professional potential.

The written statement must address the following questions:

• What area of specialization within GIS do you wish to pursue, and why?
• Describe the aspects of your education that will enable you to pursue this area of specialization.
• What additional training do you feel you can obtain at Arizona State University to realize your education and career goals?

Also in the written statement, applicants should provide any other information (for example: research experience or information which might be drawn from a resume) that they feel the committee should consider in the application for admission. The written statement should be no longer than two pages. A generic statement, often sent to multiple universities, does not substitute for a statement that addresses the applicant's reasons for applying to this doctoral program in geographic information science.

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Learn about our programs, apply to a program, visit our campus, application deadlines, career opportunities.

Professionals with expertise in geospatial information science research, theory and practice are in high demand across sectors and industries, including in institutions of higher education, consulting firms and government agencies. Skills in geographical data science, mapping and data analysis are valuable to businesses and institutions that rely on data-driven approaches to solve complex real-world problems.

Career examples include:

• computer scientist
• conservation scientist
• geoscientist
• geospatial information scientist or technologist
• geospatial intelligence analyst
• remote sensing scientist or technologist

Program Contact Information

If you have questions related to admission, please click here to request information and an admission specialist will reach out to you directly. For questions regarding faculty or courses, please use the contact information below.

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Graduate Programs

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We offer three different graduate degrees: a PhD in geography, an MA in geography and an MS in geographic information science. 

Serving a graduate student body of about 75 students, we are able to provide small classes, individual advising, competitive financial aid packages, job-placement assistance and the chance to develop rewarding relationships with faculty, staff and other students.

Graduate students are also encouraged to take advantage of numerous opportunities for field training through a range of trips and field courses, both in the U.S. and abroad.

• Graduate Program Application Checklist
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• 2023-24 Graduate Student Handbook

Doctor of Philosophy in Geography

The PhD in geography emphasizes biogeography, climatology, cultural geography, economic geography, environmental change, geographic information science, geomorphology, human environment interaction, Latin America, population, Quaternary studies, transportation geography, water resources and urban geography.

Students in the program will be expected to produce a high-quality dissertation of substantial scope. A PhD in geography will prepare students to pursue careers in higher education, with federal and state agencies, and in a range of other fields requiring specialized geographic knowledge.

• Degree requirements
• Admission steps

Master of Arts in Geography

A master of arts (MA) in geography focuses on our department's three areas of expertise: physical geography; human geography; and human-environment interaction. Rigorous coursework and research, culminate in a thesis project. Opportunities for field training abound, both in the U.S. and abroad, and we'll help support you with career goals so you're best able to utilize your skills.

Students who graduate with an MA in geography often pursue careers with state and local planning agencies, environmental consulting firms, developers and private enterprises as well as careers in sustainability and resource usage.

Master of Science in Geographic Information Science

The Master of Science (MS) in geographic information science (GISc) is designed for students interested in careers in GIS. The program provides in-depth study of geospatial skills, including cartography, remote sensing, Geographic Information Systems, and Global Navigation Satellite Systems. Digital solutions and data analysis are increasingly essential in the way we understand geography, cartography, and how they relate to the human and physical world. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts demand for graduates with geospatial skills will grow by 30 percent by 2024.

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PhD in Geography

The PhD in Geography is an advanced degree with a program made up of coursework, comprehensive exams and a major research investigation. Students are expected to be grounded in one or more of the geography program’s three areas of specialization: environmental geography, geographic information science and human geography. 

In the doctoral program, we seek a close alignment between an applicant’s proposed area of investigation and faculty expertise. Applicants are required to list the names of potential advisors in their application and therefore should  contact faculty  in their proposed area of specialization before applying. The PhD requires 28 hours of academic credit and typically takes four years of full-time study. Refer to  PhD in Geography Plan of Study .  A limited num ber of the required courses may b e waived if the student has already completed an equivalent co urse and can demonstrate proficiency with the material.

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Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) Major in Geographic Education

Program overview.

The course curriculum for the doctoral degree is designed to provide depth and breadth of knowledge in geographic theory and research methods. To be admitted to the geography doctoral program, a student must have completed a master’s degree in geography or in a related discipline.

Each doctoral student will have their program tailored to meet the academic goals agreed upon in consultation with the Ph.D. research advisor, with the approval of the graduate program coordinator, the department chair, and the dean of The Graduate College. All programs will include the necessary core, skills, specialization, and internal and external elective courses.

Educational Goal

The educational goal of the program is to provide a Ph.D. in Geography through which students will be educated in the process of geographic research, the development of new knowledge, and the application of this research and knowledge to solve problems with spatial dimensions.

Financial Assistance

Graduate assistantships and scholarships are available to qualified candidates. Please contact the graduate staff advisor in the Department of Geography for more information about assistantships. The Graduate College can provide further information regarding scholarships.

Application Requirements

The items listed below are required for admission consideration for applicable semesters of entry during the current academic year. Submission instructions, additional details, and changes to admission requirements for semesters other than the current academic year can be found on The Graduate College's website . International students should review the International Admission Documents page for additional requirements.

• completed online application
• $55 nonrefundable application fee

          or

• $90 nonrefundable application fee for applications with international credentials
• baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited university
• master's degree in geography or a related field from a regionally accredited university
• official transcripts from  each institution  where course credit was granted
• minimum 3.5 GPA in all completed graduate course work
• completion of a master's thesis or demonstrated evidence of scholarly research and writing
• GRE score not required
• statement of purpose explaining the student’s reasons for pursuing doctoral study and academic professional interests and goals
• three letters of recommendation demonstrating adequate subject preparation in content and quality as reflected in the student’s transcripts

TOEFL, PTE, or IELTS Scores

Non-native English speakers who do not qualify for an English proficiency waiver:

• official TOEFL iBT scores required with a 78 overall
• official PTE scores required with a 52
• official IELTS (academic) scores required with a 6.5 overall and minimum individual module scores of 6.0

This program does  not  offer admission if the scores above are not met.

Degree Requirements

The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree with a major in Geographic Education requires 46 semester credit hours.

Course Requirements

Comprehensive examination requirements.

All candidates for graduate degrees must pass one or more comprehensive examinations.

Advancement to Candidacy

Applications for advancement to candidacy.

The student will need to download the Application for Advancement to Candidacy form from The Graduate College website. The student will need to complete the form and return it to their department, who will then submit it to The Graduate College for approval.

Advancement to Candidacy Time Limit

Doctoral students will need to be advanced to candidacy within four years of initiating Ph.D. course work. A student will need to indicate their intent to advance to candidacy during the term in which the student will complete the 31 hours of required course work.

No credit will be applied toward a student’s doctoral degree for course work completed more than four years before the date on which the student is to advance to candidacy. This time limit applies toward credit earned at Texas State as well as credit transferred to Texas State from other accredited institutions.

Requests for a time extension must be submitted to the student’s Ph.D. advisor and graduate coordinator who, in turn, submits a recommendation to the dean of The Graduate College.

Grade-Point Requirements for Advancement to Candidacy

To be eligible for advancement to candidacy, the student must have a minimum GPA of 3.0. No grade earned below “B” on any graduate course work may apply toward a Ph.D. at Texas State.

Incomplete grades must be cleared through the office of The Graduate College at least ten days before the approval for advancement to candidacy.

Semester Hour Requirements

The student must complete 31 semester hours of graduate course work to meet the minimum requirements for advancement to candidacy. In some cases, a student may need to complete additional hours before being allowed to advance to candidacy. The student must have satisfied the residency requirement of 18 graduate credit hours.

Advancement to Candidacy Comprehensive Examination

All applicants for advancement to candidacy for the doctoral degree must pass a comprehensive examination. The examination procedure may be obtained from the graduate staff advisor. Both prevailing expectations in the field and the actual courses taken by the candidate will determine the subject matter of the examination. This examination may not be taken until all required course work has been completed. The student may take the candidacy comprehensive examination without being enrolled in course work provided they have not been enrolled in dissertation course(s).

Arrangements for the examination will be made with the student’s Ph.D. advisor. The results of the “Advancement to Candidacy Comprehensive Examination” must be filed in the office of The Graduate College before final approval to advance to candidacy is given by the dean of The Graduate College. The department is responsible for submitting the report to the office of The Graduate College.

Dissertation Proposal

The dissertation proposal must be approved by the dean of The Graduate College and successfully defended in front of the dissertation committee before a student can advance to candidacy. Information about the dissertation procedures can be found in the “Dissertation Research and Writing” section of this catalog.

Recommendation for Advancement to Candidacy

The geography graduate committee recommends the applicant for advancement to candidacy to the chair of the Department of Geography and the dean of The Graduate College. The dean of The Graduate College certifies the applicant for advancement to candidacy once all requirements have been completed.

Dissertation Research and Writing

All doctoral students are required to complete a dissertation. The dissertation must be an original contribution to scholarship and the result of independent investigation in a significant area. Preparation of the dissertation must follow the latest edition of Kate L. Turabian’s  A Manual for Writers  or the Annals of the Association of American Geographers .

Dissertation Enrollment Requirements

After being admitted to candidacy, students must be continuously enrolled each term for dissertation hours. If a student is receiving supervision on the dissertation during the summer or the student is graduating during the summer, the student must be enrolled in dissertation hours for that term. All candidates for graduation must be enrolled in dissertation hours during the term in which the degree is to be conferred.

Students must complete a minimum of 15 semester hours of dissertation research and writing credit.

Dissertation Time Limit

Students are expected to complete the dissertation within three years of advancement to candidacy. The geography graduate committee will review the student’s progress annually.

Ph.D. Advisory Committee

The Ph.D. advisory committee must be formed to oversee the research and writing of the dissertation. The Ph.D. advisory committee will include a Ph.D. advisor and a minimum of three additional committee members (two of whom must be from the Department of Geography and one from outside the department). The members must be chosen from qualified Ph.D. faculty. The Ph.D. advisor and the advisory committee will be selected in consultation with the student and through mutual agreement with committee members. The Ph.D. advisor will chair the dissertation committee and must be from the major department. The advisor and advisory committee must be approved by the graduate program coordinator, the department chair, as listed on the “Dissertation Committee Request" form and submitted to the dean of The Graduate College for final approval. 

Committee Changes

Any changes to the advisory committee must be submitted for approval to the advisory committee chair, the graduate coordinator, the department chair, and the dean of The Graduate College. Changes must be submitted no less than sixty days before the final oral comprehensive examination. The "Dissertation Advisor/Committee Member Change Request" form may be obtained from The Graduate College website.

Students must submit the dissertation proposal and one copy of the official “Dissertation Proposal" form to their dissertation advisor. After obtaining original committee members’ signatures and the department chair’s signature, the student must submit the dissertation proposal and the form to the dean of The Graduate College for approval before proceeding with research on the dissertation. The proposal form may be obtained from The Graduate College website.

Defense of the Dissertation Proposal

Students must defend the dissertation proposal in an oral examination with the Ph.D. advisory committee. The examination will address the proposed dissertation topic (problem definition and scope), research method, and relevant literature. The advisory committee must sign the “Defense of the Dissertation Proposal" form and then submit it for the signature of the department chair. The original must be sent to the office of The Graduate College. 

Final Oral Comprehensive Examination

Students must pass the final oral examination that covers the dissertation and the general field of the dissertation. To schedule the final oral examination, the student must apply to their Ph.D. advisor the term that they complete the dissertation. A completed “Doctoral Comprehensive Examination Report" form must be submitted to the dean of The Graduate College.

Approval and Submission of the Dissertation and Abstract

The approval of the dissertation requires positive votes from the Ph.D. advisor and from a majority of the members of the Ph.D. advisory committee. One copy of the dissertation and the signed "Thesis/Dissertation Committee Approval" form must be submitted to the dean of The Graduate College for final approval once the committee has approved the dissertation. Refer to the Graduate College Guide to Preparing and Submitting a Thesis/Dissertation (available on The Graduate College website) for specific submission guidelines. 

Doctoral level courses in Geography: GEO

Courses Offered

Geography (geo).

GEO 7190. Independent Study.

Research in geography under the direction of a supervising professor. Repeatable once for additional credit with a different topic.

GEO 7199A. Dissertation.

Original research and writing in Geography is to be accomplished under direct supervision of the dissertation advisor. While conducting dissertation research and writing, students must be continuously enrolled each long semester.

GEO 7199B. Dissertation.

Original research and writing in Geographic Education is to be accomplished under direct supervision of the dissertation advisor. While conducting dissertation research and writing, students must be continuously enrolled each long semester.

GEO 7199C. Dissertation.

Original research and writing in Geographic Information Science, to be accomplished under direct supervision of the dissertation advisor. While conducting dissertation research and writing, students must be continuously enrolled each long semester.

GEO 7290. Independent Study.

This course is designed to provide a student with credit while conducting independent research in consultation with his or her research advisor. Repeatable once for additional credit with a different topic.

GEO 7299A. Dissertation.

Original research and writing in Geography to be accomplished under direct supervision of the dissertation advisor. While conducting dissertation research and writing, students must be continuously enrolled each long semester.

GEO 7299B. Dissertation.

Original research and writing in Geographic Education to be accomplished under direct supervision of the dissertation advisor. While conducting dissertation research and writing, students must be continuously enrolled each long semester.

GEO 7299C. Dissertation.

GEO 7300. Advanced Geographic Research Design.

The purpose of this course is to develop an appreciation for the process of research as practiced by contemporary professional geographers. Topics covered include formulating research problems, reviewing and critiquing published literature, developing and executing a research design, and completing a research project.

GEO 7301. Advanced Quantitative Methods in Geography.

How to mathematically and statistically model geographic problems is the focus of this course. The application of multivariate statistical techniques to geographic problems and the problems that spatial data create in the application of statistical and other quantitative techniques are central issues.

GEO 7302. Nature and Philosophy of Geography.

This course is a critical analysis of the historical development of geographic thought: its roots, its present status, and future directions. (MULT).

GEO 7304. Qualitative Research Methods.

This course introduces the qualitative research paradigm, including research design, methods of data collection, and inductive analysis. Standards of scientific research that call for a deeper evaluation of complex social relationships are emphasized. The focus and application will be oriented towards human geography and nature-society relations.

GEO 7305. Historical Geography of the Environment.

This course examines the evolution of environmental problems using the techniques and analytical perspectives of historical geography. Special emphasis is given to the emergence of environmental challenges related to urbanization and climate change. Students engage with scholarship related to historical geography of the environment and develop original research related to environmental change.

GEO 7308. Advanced Regional Field Studies.

Advanced study of geographic phenomena during field excursions to a particular site or region. Course includes preparation of site inventory, site guides, and on-site presentations. Repeatable once for additional credit with a different site or region.

GEO 7313. Environmental Systems.

Theories and concepts involved in environmental systems will be examined. Tools and research issues relevant to their analysis will also be explored. Basic principles, as well as specific research questions and techniques, will be proposed to give students a foundation for analysis of current issues involving environmental systems.

GEO 7316. Remote Sensing and the Environment.

A detailed examination and implementation of sophisticated approaches for processing satellite digital images with emphasis on environmental applications.

GEO 7318. GIS and Environmental Geography.

This course examines the nature of environmental problems and explores the potential of GIS for environmental modeling and management. The conceptual basis for using GIS as well as the framing of environmental research problems will be covered.

GEO 7330. Geography of Hazards.

This seminar examines research on issues related to the geography of hazards. Topics will be determined by instructor and student interests. Special emphasis will be placed on conceptual, theoretical, and methodological approaches to advance the study of spatial aspects of hazards such as risk, vulnerability, resilience, relief, recovery, and change.

GEO 7334. Geographic Aspects of Water.

This seminar is a critical analysis of developmental and current literature that define water’s critical role in determining the physical and cultural characteristics of the earth. Principal focus will be placed on water’s role on land use and as a critical resource.

GEO 7341. Urban Environment.

Students in this course will critically engage with scholarly and governmental research relating to urban environments, urban environmentalism, and urban environmental management. Emphasis is placed on students developing and executing a unique, topically relevant research project aimed at improving our understanding of the way in which human-environment interaction influences, and is influenced by, urban geography and the urban experience. (MULT).

GEO 7342. Theories and Methods in Geographic Education.

This seminar is a critical analysis of previous and current literature concerning problems in pedagogy, philosophy, learning theory, research methods, teaching methodologies, and techniques of geographic education. A research paper will be required of each student on a topic related to the course content. (MULT).

GEO 7344. Seminar in Geographic Curriculum.

The seminar will be a survey and discussion of major curricula in geographic education. Geography will be viewed as a school subject that is part of the social studies, as an element of interdisciplinary studies, and as a stand alone subject.

GEO 7345. Contemporary Topics in Geographic Education.

This course is a survey of initiatives and reforms in geography education spanning from the 1980s to the present day. Students are expected to develop and carry out research plans that address current theories in geographic education. Repeatable once for additional credit with a different topic.

GEO 7346. Standards and Assessment in Geography.

An introduction to assessment procedures in geography education is central to the course. Analysis of national standards in geography and how they have affected geographic learning in grades K-12 will be addressed.

GEO 7349. Population Geography.

An in-depth study of the growth, movement, and spatial distribution of human populations is the central theme. Students will read and discuss professional articles that stress both theory and analytical techniques. Topics will include population growth and the environment, rural and small town depopulation, spatial diffusion processes, migration trends and theories, urban population growth, and techniques such as multivariate analysis and population projections. (MULT).

GEO 7350. Practicum in Teaching Geography.

This course introduces key concepts in teaching geography and provides regular training and planned periodic evaluations of instructional responsibilities. Course topics include instructional and assessment strategies in geography and classroom management. This course is required for first-year instructional assistants in the Geography Department. Students do not earn graduate degree credit.

GEO 7352. Social Theory, Space, and Geography.

This course examines key texts and concepts in social and political theory, focusing on theories of space and their mobilization in geographical research. Space and geography are approached with respect to several topics and debates in social theory including structuralism and agency, feminist theory and embodiment, racial formations, assemblage thinking and actor-network theory, hybridity, governance, and scale.

GEO 7361. Advanced Geographic Information Systems.

This course provides exposure to advanced topics in GIS, particularly to quantitative methods and techniques for developing and interpreting models of natural and anthropogenic phenomena over the geographical space.

GEO 7362. Geographic Visualization.

This course focuses on the interdisciplinary field of Geographic Visualization. Students will review visualization research in computer graphics, human computer interaction, GIScience, and cartography and relate the research approaches to useful and usable geographic visualizations. Prerequisite: GEO 3411 with a grade of "D" or better.

GEO 7364. Geocomputation.

Geocomputation reviews and analyzes concepts of computational modeling in Geography. The course will include modeling theory and advanced topics such as parallel processing, neural networks, cellular automata, scientific visualization, and fuzzy modeling. Students will practice model development, specifically spatially explicit simulation.

GEO 7365. Theoretical Cartography.

This course focuses on theoretical developments in cartography, and in particular looks at the role of maps and other graphic devices as tools for the discovery, analysis, and communication of geographical knowledge. Prerequisite: GEO 3411 with a grade of "D" or better.

GEO 7366. Advanced Topics in Remote Sensing.

The course focuses on advanced topics including the theoretical basis, mathematical foundations, and current research frontiers in remote sensing. Prerequisite: GEO 5415 with a grade of "C" or better.

GEO 7368. Lidar and SfM Data Processing and Analysis.

This course covers doctoral level skills in Light Detection and Ranging (lidar) systems and Structure from Motion (SfM) workflows for mapping and analysis of the environment. Students learn to successfully apply knowledge of lidar data and SfM workflows for a variety of Geographic Information Science applications.

GEO 7369. Exploring Spatial Databases.

This course covers principles of spatial ontologies and spatial semantics to facilitate appropriate database conceptualization, design and implementation. Course assignments and projects provide in-depth experience with database query languages. Course work is completed using a spatially-enabled Relational Database Management Systems (RDBMS). Prerequisite: GEO 7417 or equivalent with a grade of 'B' or better.

GEO 7370. Advanced Seminar in Environmental Geography.

This research seminar focuses on the methods, approaches, issues, and concepts of major themes in environmental geography. Special emphasis will be placed on theoretical and conceptual understandings of how humans interact with the environment from a geographical perspective. Repeatable once for additional credit with a different topic.

GEO 7371. Advanced Seminar in Geographic Education.

This research seminar analyzes literature and research into recent trends in geographic education. Emphasis will be on new developments in curriculum, content, and teaching methodologies. Repeatable once for additional credit with a different topic.

GEO 7372. Seminar in Geographic Information Science.

This course deals with advanced and current research issues in Geographic Information Science. Based on this objective, the course aims at educating doctoral students to conduct research in Geographic Information Science as well as develop innovative applications of Geographic Information Science. May be repeated for credit with a different topic.

GEO 7390. Independent Study.

GEO 7393B. Biogeography in Mountain Environments.

This course examines how plants and animals interact with and affect geomorphological processes and landforms, and how geomorphological processes, landforms and geological factors affect spatial distribution of animals and plants; all within the environmental limitation and conditions of mountains. The role of humans in affecting these interrelationships will be emphasized.

GEO 7393C. Managing Urbanization.

This course examines survey methods and procedures related to managing and preparing for urban growth. Selected topics for examination include transportation planning, housing, historic preservation, and environmental design.

GEO 7393D. International Migration.

This course provides a survey of geographic and social science research conducted across various topics of international migration. (MULT).

GEO 7393E. Geography of Land Mangagement.

This course explores U.S. land management philosophies, techniques, and development approaches. Major topics include land ethics/philosophies, U.S. traditions in cadastral geography, urban sprawl and green development, land conservation techniques, the role of local/state/federal regulation in land management, and the human-environment impacts of land development.

GEO 7393F. Gender and Development.

This course is a survey of geographic and social science research conducted across various topics of gender studies and international development. (MULT).

GEO 7393G. Political Geography.

This course is a survey of geographic and social science research conducted across various topics of political geography. (MULT).

GEO 7393J. Soil and Society.

This course explores the importance of soil resources for environmental and socioeconomic sustainability. Soil science will be introduced, but the majority of the course will focus on soil's value to societies. Specific topics that will be explored include soil geography, historical abuses of soil resources, and current conservation efforts.

GEO 7393K. Biogeomorphology.

This course will examine the ways in which plants and animals interact with and affect geomorphological processes and landforms, and how geomorphological processes, landforms, and geological factors affect spatial distributions of animals and plants. The role of humans in affecting these interrelationships will be emphasized.

GEO 7393M. Global Climate Change.

This course examines various implications of global climate change, including impacts on science, politics, and society. Emphasis will be placed on anthropogenic influences across the 20th and 21st centuries, contemporary mitigation options, and future adaptation strategies amidst a complex and dynamic climate system.

GEO 7393N. Rivers and Society.

This course examines river system processes and how they are influenced by human activities. We will discuss the principles and practices of large-scale river basin management with an emphasis on the different perspectives and motivations driving different management goals.

GEO 7393P. Advanced Seminar in Human Geography.

This course will engage students in systematic critical analysis of the theories and methods of human geography. The students will conduct careful research on a topic in human geography.

GEO 7393Q. Geomorphology in the Anthropocene.

This course will examine the ways in which humans interact with and affect geomorphological processes and landforms, and how humans directly act as geomorphological agents. The level at which human activities have transformed the surface of the Earth will be examined.

GEO 7399A. Dissertation.

Original research and writing in Geography, to be accomplished under direct supervision of the dissertation advisor. While conducting dissertation research and writing, students must be continuously enrolled each semester (including summer) for at least three dissertation hours.

GEO 7399B. Dissertation.

Original research and writing in Geographic Education, to be accomplished under direct supervision of the dissertation advisor. While conducting dissertation research and writing, students must be continuously enrolled each semester (including summer) for at least three dissertation hours.

GEO 7399C. Dissertation.

Original research and writing in Geographic Information Science, to be accomplished under direct supervision of the dissertation advisor. While conducting dissertation research and writing, students must be continuously enrolled each semester (including summer) for at least three dissertation hours.

GEO 7415. Geographic Applications of Remote Sensing.

Students will focus on geographic applications of the principles and practices of digital image processing, classification, and modeling using satellite images.

GEO 7417. Geographic Information Systems.

Course is concerned with the analysis of interpretation of maps stored in digital form. Students are introduced to the concepts involving computerized cartographic and geographic data input, storage and retrieval, data manipulation and analysis, graphic and tabular report generation, and cartographic modeling.

GEO 7418. Technical Foundations and Methods in Geographic Information Science.

This course addresses technical foundations and methods in management, analysis, visualization, and dissemination of geographically-referenced data and information in digital form. Topics include data structures, algorithms, and a variety of methods used in GIS and spatial data analysis.

GEO 7419. Advanced Techniques in Geographic Information Science.

This course develops advanced Geographic Information System (GIS) concepts and application issues, spatial data manipulation and analysis skills, and provides hands-on experience with GIS, programming, and spatial analytics hardware/software programs. Emphasis is placed on practical application of skills to real world issues using advanced GIS techniques and geoprogramming. Prerequisite: GEO 7417 or equivalent with a grade of "C" or better and instructor approval.

GEO 7430. Field Methods.

Methods and techniques for observing, measuring, recording, and reporting on geographic phenomena are investigated in this course. Students will learn the use of instruments and materials in the collection of data for mapping and field research in the local area. Prerequisites: GEO 2410 and GEO 3301 both with grades of "D" or better.

GEO 7447. Spatial Graphics in Geographic Education.

This course examines traditional and innovative geoinformation and geovisualization technologies and their relationship to spatial thinking and the teaching and learning of geography. The course reviews academic literature, research methods, and teaching methodologies related to spatial graphics in geographic education. The lab portion provides geovisualization design skills for geographic education.

GEO 7599A. Dissertation.

GEO 7599B. Dissertation.

GEO 7599C. Dissertation.

GEO 7699A. Dissertation.

GEO 7699B. Dissertation.

GEO 7699C. Dissertation.

GEO 7999A. Dissertation.

GEO 7999B. Dissertation.

GEO 7999C. Dissertation.

2023-2024 Catalogs

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Geography and Geospatial Science M.S.

M.s. in geography and geospatial science – online, tap into technology to study earth’s complex systems.

Geography is an ancient discipline that examines our planet’s lands and waters, processes and inhabitants. Geospatial science is a modern field that involves the collection, analysis and presentation of spatial data.

As a student in Oregon State University’s online M.S. in Geography and Geospatial Science program , you’ll experience the merging of these two worlds and learn how to blend spatial data analysis and modeling techniques with Earth system science to address issues such as climate change, resource consumption, geopolitical conflict, public health, environmental justice and equity.

This collaborative, non-thesis program is offered online by Oregon State’s world-renowned College of Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Sciences . It will enable you to leverage field, laboratory and computational work to analyze, interpret and resolve geographic problems that are focused on human risk and global resilience.

Join a one-of-a-kind online program

Oregon State offers the world’s only online master’s degree program that links the problem areas and applications revealed by geography with the tools and techniques of geospatial science. With mastery of both geography and geospatial science, you will acquire more transferrable skills, broader employment potential and the capacity to identify and help solve a wide range of challenges in our rapidly changing world.

Work toward a master’s with a GIScience graduate certificate

Do you want to build your knowledge base, connect with prospective faculty advisors and strengthen your résumé before enrolling in the geography and geospatial science master’s program? You can do so by first earning a Graduate Certificate in Geographic Information Science online with Oregon State.

All 19 credits you earn in the certificate program can be applied directly to your master’s degree. This pathway makes it feasible to complete the master’s program in one year once you’ve earned the certificate.

Benefits of learning online with Oregon State

• All classes are developed and taught by Oregon State's world-class faculty, who are known for their research, expertise and innovation.
• OSU is institutionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
• Oregon State is one of only three universities in the nation to hold land, sea, space and sun grant designations.
• Oregon State Ecampus is consistently ranked as a national leader in online education.
• OSU Ecampus students receive the same diploma and transcript as on-campus students.

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Important dates

These are the start dates for OSU’s next two terms. However, this program only admits for fall, winter and spring terms.

See our academic calendar for our full quarter term schedule.

Degree quick facts

* Oregon State University is on a quarter-term system . There are four quarters each year and classes are 11 weeks long. This program's 45 quarter credits are equal to 30 semester credits .

† Based on current tuition rates . No additional charge for nonresident students. Does not include course materials and associated fees and expenses.

‡ You can complete all or nearly all requirements of this program online . View the curriculum .

Find application deadline

View required or recommended deadlines for your student type on our application deadlines page.

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Department of Geography & Anthropology

Ph.D. in Geography

The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) is the highest degree offered at LSU. It recognizes and demands mastery of one or more subfields of the discipline. Doctoral students go far beyond the level required for lesser degrees, and their work is expected to be of such quality that it could grace the pages of scholarly books and journals. Although doctoral students are expected to exhibit the intellectual breadth required of an academic position, the Ph.D. is primarily a research degree, and doctoral students should expect to spend little time sitting in undergraduate lecture courses in geography, save those needed to remedy deficiencies.

The Ph.D. Program in Geography involves a total of 31 hours beyond the master’s degree (at least half at 7000-level+) including:

• GEOG 7901 Introduction to Graduate Study (1 hour)
• GEOG 7902 Introduction to Research Methods in Geography (3 hours)
• 9 hours of 7000-level courses (excluding 7901 and 7902)
• 9 hours in approved cognate fields (including one 7000-level course)
• 9 hours dissertation research (GEOG 9000)

Graduate seminars in geography include:

• GEOG7902 Introduction to Research Methods in Geography
• GEOG7906 Settlement Geography
• GEOG7910 Form-Process Relationships in Coastal Environments
• GEOG7911 Selected Topics in Geography
• GEOG7917 Advanced Physical Geography
• GEOG7921, 7922, 7923 Research and Fieldwork in Geography
• GEOG7926 Advanced Geomorphology
• GEOG7935 Quantitative Methods in Geographical Analysis
• GEOG7936 Advanced Qualitative Research in Geography and Anthropology
• GEOG7937 Geographic Literature
• GEOG7938 Culture History
• GEOG7939 Seminar in Cultural Geography
• GEOG7942 Coastal Climatology
• GEOG7945 Socioeconomic Applications of GIS
• GEOG7946 Coastal and Estuarine Resources
• GEOG7950 Problems in the Geography of Latin America
• GEOG7960 Hydroclimatology
• GEOG7973 Advanced Geographic Information Systems
• GEOG7975 Advanced Remote Sensing Seminar

Contact the graduate coordinator in the Department of Geography & Anthropology:

Camille W. Dupuis 227 Howe-Russell Geoscience Complex Louisiana State University Baton Rouge, LA 70803 225-578-6792 [email protected]

Both current and prospective students can start their enrollment by applying to the LSU Graduate School.

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Geographic Education (Ph.D.)

Ph.d. geographic education.

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Program Overview

Working closely with a dedicated faculty that is recognized nationally and internationally for its research, mentoring and teaching accomplishments, students embark on a journey of professional development that includes research and teaching opportunities. The department also hosts or plays key roles in several international, national and university-wide research centers.

Course Work

The Ph.D. in Geographic Education is designed to provide depth and breadth of knowledge in the field's theoretical foundations and research methods. The degree is offered 100% online, and requires students to complete 31 credit hours of graduate course work, and 15 credit hours of dissertation research and writing. Course work is required during all three semesters (fall, spring, and summer). Graduate courses include learning about geographic education theories and research methods; geography curriculum, standards, and assessment; and educational aspects of geospatial technologies. Faculty advisors work individually with each student to develop a tailored course plan that meets the student's educational and career goals.

Online Availability

This program is offered completely online. If you are not a Texas resident and will not relocate, please visit the  Office of Distance and Extended Learning . International applicants will not be eligible to receive a Form I-20 or DS-2019 for an F-1 or J-1 visa from Texas State and may review the  eligibility requirements  of enrolling in online programs and contact the  International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS)  with questions.

What Our Students Say

"The Ph.D. program in Geographic Education offers students direct access to many of the most accomplished scholars in the field, and works as a hub of geographic education communities connecting school teachers, educators, and researchers. This unique access has allowed me to quickly build my own professional network with local, state, national, and international geography educators."

— Sojung Huh, Class of 2023

Program Details

Geography Ph.D. alumni successfully pursue careers in academia, public and private research centers, and the professional sector with private companies, nonprofit organizations and government agencies.

Program Mission

The mission of the Department of Geography is to offer students educational experiences of the highest quality and to conduct meaningful and vital research. The department is committed to outstanding teaching and scholarly activities within the framework of academic freedom and the diversity of ideas and is dedicated to the advancement of knowledge and to public service. The department stresses the theoretical and applied realms of geography in all of its curriculum, leads the discipline with innovative applied work, and actively seeks to recruit top students nationally and internationally.

Related Programs:  Ph.D. in Geography  |  Ph.D. in Geographic Information Science

Career Options

Geographic education doctoral students actively participate in professional conferences, meetings and workshops, and publish in top-tier journals in the field, including the Journal of Geography , Research in Geographic Education , Social Studies and the Journal of Geography in Higher Education . Geographic education Ph.D. alumni hold positions in university and community colleges, government agencies and in the private sector.

Program Faculty

Thirty-four full-time faculty members conduct research in physical, human, and environmental geography, geographic education, and geographic information sciences, and publish in top-tier journals, including the  Annals of the American Association of Geographers, The Professional Geographer, the Journal of Geography , and the  Journal of Geography in Higher Education . Faculty research has been supported by the National Science Foundation, the Environmental Protection Agency, the Department of Justice, the National Endowment for the Humanities, and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, among other funding agencies.

Contact  The Graduate College  for general questions about getting started with your application, funding your degree, and more. If you have program-specific questions after reviewing the program details, we encourage you to contact the following individuals.

Graduate Advisor Dr. Ronald Hagelman, III [email protected] 512.245.8847 Evans Liberal Arts (ELA) , Room 335

Advisor Support Allison Glass [email protected] 512.245.2618 Evans Liberal Arts (ELA) , Room 127

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Application Process

Review requirements, submit application, upload documents, check status, application deadlines.

This program's deadline is firm. This type of deadline means the application and other application requirements must be submitted by the program's specified deadline day.

Admission Requirements

The items required for admission consideration are listed below.  Additional information for applicants with international credentials can be found on our  international web pages .

Application

• Completed  online application

Review  important information  about the online application.

Application Fee

• $55 nonrefundable application fee OR
• $90 nonrefundable application fee for applications with international credentials

Review  important information  about application fees.

Transcripts & GPA

• baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited university (Non-U.S. degrees must be equivalent to a four-year U.S. Bachelor’s degree. In most cases, three-year degrees are not considered. Visit our International FAQs for more information.)
• master's degree in geography or a related field from a regionally accredited university (Non-U.S. degrees must be equivalent to a U.S. Master’s degree. Master’s degrees following a three-year Bachelor’s degrees may not be equivalent; please contact [email protected] if you are unsure.)
• a copy of an official transcript from  each institution  where course credit was granted
• minimum 3.5 GPA in all completed graduate course work
• completion of a master's thesis or demonstrated evidence of scholarly research and writing

Review important information about transcripts. Official transcripts, sent directly from your institution, will be required if admission is granted.

Test Scores

• GRE not required

Approved English Proficiency Exam Scores

Applicants are required to submit an approved English proficiency exam score that meets the minimum program requirements below unless they have earned a bachelor’s degree or higher from a regionally accredited U.S. institution or the equivalent from a country on our  exempt countries list .

• official TOEFL iBT scores required with a 78 overall
• official PTE scores required with a 52 overall
• minimum individual module scores of 6.0
• official Duolingo Scores required with a 110 overall
• official TOEFL Essentials scores required with an 8.5 overall

This program does not offer admission if the scores above are not met.

Review important information about official test scores.

• statement of purpose explaining your reasons for pursuing doctoral study and your academic professional interests and goals
• three letters of recommendation demonstrating adequate subject preparation in content and quality as reflected in your transcripts

Review important information about documents.

Additional Information

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What Our Alumni Say

“I always knew I would enter a doctoral program but had been struggling to find the perfect fit.  I chose Texas State as I have been looking for a Ph.D. program that would not only fit into my lifestyle and be offered online but also was credible and well respected; this program came highly recommended especially from other teachers within the field.”

— Licia Paulus, current student

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The Master of Arts in Geography provides advanced study in human and physical geography with an emphasis on theory and research. Graduates are prepared in the application of interpretive and analytical concepts and techniques to a broad spectrum of geographic situations. Such study directly serves those whose careers involve urban, regional and environmental planning and geographic education. Geographic perspectives and methods are highly applicable to a wide range of careers in business, industry and government.

Admission and Conditional Classification

Students must meet the CSU requirements for admission to a master’s degree program. Please consult the  Graduate Admissions  section in this catalog for complete information.

In addition, the department requires a grade-point average of at least 3.0 in the last 60 semester units attempted and a 3.0 grade-point average in all geography courses. Please refer to the department website for additional admissions requirements.

Students who have no, or a limited, background in geography will be expected to take prerequisite coursework in consultation with the department’s Graduate Program Advisor.

Graduate Standing - Classified

After completing all prerequisites, students will be advanced to classified standing.

Required Courses (18 units)

• GEOG 500 - Geographic Research Design (3)
• GEOG 520 - Seminar in Physical Geography (3)
• GEOG 550 - Seminar in Human Geography (3)
• GEOG 599 - Independent Graduate Research (1-3)
• Two additional 500-level geography courses (6)

Electives (9-12 units)

400-level or graduate coursework in geography (12 units unless approved for thesis; may include additional GEOG 500-level courses; up to six units from related fields). Other courses may be chosen with approval of the department’s graduate program adviser.

• GEOG 400A - Geographic Thought (3)
• GEOG 421 - Meteorology (3)
• GEOG 422 - Global Climate Change (3)
• GEOG 424 - Desert Landscapes (3)
• GEOG 425 - Tropical Rainforests (3)
• GEOG 426 - The Coastal Environment (3)
• GEOG 432 - Ecotourism (3)
• GEOG 433 - Geography of Natural Resources: Environment, Development and Conflict (3)
• GEOG 456 - Immigrant Orange County (3)
• GEOG 478 - Urban Planning Principles (3)
• GEOG 481 - Geographic Information Systems: Introduction (3)
• GEOG 483 - Mountain Field Geography (3)
• GEOG 484 - Urban Planning Methods (3)
• GEOG 485 - Geographic Information Systems: Principles and Applications (3)
• GEOG 486 - Environmental Remote Sensing (3)
• GEOG 489 - Digital Image Processing (3)
• GEOG 530T - Seminar: Selected Topics in Geography (3)
• GEOG 532 - Political Ecology (3)
• GEOG 534 - Cultural Ecology (3)
• GEOG 542 - Southern California (3)

Culminating Experience (0-3 units)

The culminating experience marks the end of a graduate program. It demonstrates mastery of disciplinary materials and meets requirements from Section 40510 of Title 5 of the California Code of Regulations. Please consult the Culminating Experience section in this catalog for more information.

For further details or advisement, communicate with the Department of Geography and the Environment’s graduate program adviser.

• GEOG 598 - Thesis (3) * **
• Comprehensive Exam (0)

* Must be approved by graduate adviser.

** May be repeated only once, and your readiness to take the exam must be confirmed by your adviser and the graduate program adviser. Please refer to the department website for additional requirements.

Total (30 units)

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Online Programs

Flexible, High-Quality Programs to Advance Your Career

Today’s work landscape is constantly evolving, making it challenging to stay a step ahead of recent college grads and successfully differentiate yourself as the “best candidate” for that promotion or new position.

Early and mid-career professionals need to keep their skills and industry knowledge up to date, acumen sharp, and build connections that will help them excel in their field and achieve their career goals. And they need the ability to do it on their own time–while working full time and enjoying home life–without settling for a lower quality education.

Clarkson’s online master’s, certificate and microcredential programs offer the high-quality and reputable education we’re known for – taught by experienced faculty with decades of teaching and industry experience – in a flexible and easily accessible format. Because in 2024, it isn’t just about “work-life” balance. It’s about work-life-study balance.  

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*For students prioritizing high earnings and economic mobility over other factors, Clarkson ranks tenth nationally for universities with less than 10,000 students and more than fifty percent STEM graduates in the New York Times 2023 rankings .

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Graduate Admissions Email: [email protected] Phone: 518-631-9831

Interested in learning more about our online graduate programs? Contact us today with your questions.

Online Graduate Programs

Clarkson University’s fully online degree programs, courses and continuing education options allow you to advance your career through every stage — whether you’re new to the workforce and looking to set yourself up for future opportunities or a seasoned professional looking to land a promotion.

We created our online graduate programs with professionals in mind. As you have unique lives and personal objectives for advancing your education, our online programs offer maximum flexibility so you can earn a reputable degree that fits into your daily life.

How Online Learning at Clarkson Works

We’re a community of collaborative innovators striving to make an impact through our work — whether in the lab, the boardroom or the field. That mindset remains steadfast no matter where we are: in our online courses, students continue growing their skills alongside other driven, creative individuals while learning from world-renowned faculty.

Fully Online

We currently offer 10+ master’s programs, 13 certificate programs and 16 micro-credentials that can be completed fully online. These programs allow you to further your education in a number of areas like engineering, computer science, data science and business.

Course Structure

Our online graduate degree programs combine synchronous and asynchronous learning. Typically, you’ll participate in one live virtual class each week; however, we record the lecture for those unable to attend this time slot. As a result, some students are able to complete their degrees entirely asynchronously.

Part- And Full-Time Study

Most working professionals are interested in part-time study. Our online graduate programs are flexible, so you can take just one course at a time, take on a full-time course schedule, or take time off if needed. Your academic advisor will help you plan out your course schedule and make changes to your degree plan, if needed.

Online Courses and Professional Development

We’re here whenever your skills need a refresh. And, as America’s Corporate Partner University, we collaborate with employers to create fully online professional development programs for their workforce.

Individual Courses

Clarkson offers fully online or paired online courses to currently enrolled undergraduate and graduate students. Check availability for the fall, spring and summer semesters.

Micro-Credentials

Specialize your engineering and technical knowledge, explore the foundations of leadership or get a glimpse of what it takes to succeed as an entrepreneur. Taught by Clarkson faculty, our micro-credentials are open to alumni and working professionals, as well as current students. Contact the Office of Micro-credentials at [email protected] for more information.

Advanced Certificates

Broaden your knowledge base or pivot to an emerging field. For candidates holding a bachelor’s degree, our advanced certificates introduce you to business fundamentals or applications in supply chain management, human resources, data analytics, healthcare management and other areas. And if you decide to move forward with a master’s degree upon completion of the certificate, you can apply those credits towards your degree!

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Access a Clarkson education at any professional stage, in a format convenient to you.