Graduate Education
The Department of Geography, Sustainability, Community, and Urban Studies offers three graduate degree programs and one certificate program. We provide professional development in research, teaching, and community engagement.
Degree Options
Doctor of Philosophy in Geography
The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Geography provides students with an advanced understanding of theory and techniques required to execute significant research in geography. The typical completion time is three to five years. Graduates pursue opportunities in academics, government, and increasingly, private industry research.
Master of Arts in Geography
The Master of Arts (MA) in Geography provides students with essential skills to be successful in private industry, government, and further graduate education. Students take core courses in research methods and design and select an area of specialization in consultation with their advisors, which may include sustainable energy, land use, food production, and more.
Master of Science in Energy and Environmental Management
The Master of Science (MS) in Energy and Environmental Management (MEEM) is an online program offered in partnership with the School of Law and the College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources. It provides an interdisciplinary perspective through courses in environmental law, planning and management, and geographic information systems.
Certificate Program
Graduate Certificate in Geographic Information Systems
The Graduate Certificate in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is available fully online or as a combination of online and on-campus classroom instruction (blended). From healthcare and urban planning to transportation and archaeology, geographic information systems provide strategic value, helping organizations perform analyses to enhance decision-making, manage their infrastructure, and more.
Resources for Graduate Students
Faculty
Our faculty explore interdisciplinary research areas and are engaged educators and mentors to graduate students.
Graduate Student Research
Students are encouraged to review titles of recent MA theses and Ph.D. dissertations for departmental interests and specializations.
Financial Aid
We strive to provide graduate students with up to four years of funding as part of their Ph.D. degree work.