Master of Arts in Geography
Gain essential skills in geography to be successful in private industry, government, and further graduate education.
Program Overview
The Master of Arts (MA) in Geography is offered as a research-oriented Plan A (thesis) program and as a course-based Plan B program. Students take 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.
Students are encouraged to review recent MA theses and Ph.D. dissertations for departmental and faculty interests and specializations. For additional details about our program, view the graduate student handbook (UConn NetID is required for access).
Degree Requirements
Plan A
The thesis plan requires the completion of 21 credits of course work, nine credits of research, and the successful preparation and oral defense of a thesis.
Plan B
The non-thesis plan requires the completion of 30 credits of course work, a scholarly research paper, and a comprehensive final examination.
Application Deadlines
Dec. 15
For consideration for University fellowships.
Jan. 31
For consideration for Department graduate assistantships.
Students seeking admission without financial assistance can request the application be reviewed outside the normal cycle.
Graduate Student Timelines
MA for students entering with BA/BS – Plan A
| Fall, Year 1 | Spring, Year 1 | Summer, Year 1 |
|---|---|---|
| Choose Advisor | Recruit Advisory Committee | Thesis Research |
| Coursework: GEOG 5010 Proseminar, GEOG 5500 GIS (if no previous GIS), Other Courses | Coursework: GEOG 5000 Research Design (recommended), GEOG 5010 Proseminar (optional) - Professional Development Issues, Other Courses | |
| Advising During Orientation | Annual report Due January | |
| Planning Meeting with Advisory Committee in Spring | ||
| Meet with Dept. Head and Grad Advisor | ||
| AAG or Professional Meeting | ||
| Search and Apply for Grants (Internal or External) |
| Fall, Year 2 | Spring, Year 2 |
|---|---|
| File Plan of Study | Defend Thesis |
| Coursework: Thesis and Independent Study Credits, GEOG 6000 Geographic Thought (recommended), Other Courses | Coursework: GRAD 5950 Thesis Research, Other Courses (as needed) |
| Advising During Orientation | Annual Report Due January |
| Begin Job Hunt or Apply for Ph.D. Program | Meet with Dept. Head and Grad Advisor |
| AAG or Professional Meeting |
MA for students entering with BA/BS – Plan B
| Fall, Year 1 | Spring, Year 1 | Summer, Year 1 |
|---|---|---|
| Choose Advisor | Recruit Advisory Committee | Research for Report |
| Coursework: GEOG 5010 Proseminar, GEOG 5500 GIS (if no previous GIS), Other Courses | Coursework: GEOG 5000 Research Design (recommended), GEOG 5010 Proseminar (optional) - Professional Development Issues, Other Courses | |
| Advising During Orientation | Annual report Due January | |
| Planning Meeting with Advisory Committee in Spring | ||
| Meet with Dept. Head and Grad Advisor | ||
| AAG or Professional Meeting | ||
| Search and Apply for Grants (Internal or External) |
| Fall, Year 2 | Spring, Year 2 |
|---|---|
| File Plan of Study (start of Spring at latest) | Research Paper and Final Exam |
| Coursework: Independent Study Credits, GEOG 6000 Geographic Thought (recommended), Other Courses | Coursework: Independent Study Credits, Other Courses (as needed) |
| Advising During Orientation | Annual Report Due January |
| Begin Job Hunt or Apply for Ph.D. Program | Meet with Dept. Head and Grad Advisor |
| AAG or Professional Meeting |
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.
Contact Us
For questions about the MA in Geography, please contact:
Nathaniel Trumbull
Associate Professor and Graduate Program Coordinator
nathaniel.trumbull@uconn.edu