Applied Geography, M.A. Urban Planning and Economic Development Concentration

The Master of Arts in geography enables students to gain advanced-level proficiency in geographic concepts and methodologies. 

The Urban Planning and Economic Development concentration is in high demand, as people and jobs in the U.S. increasingly move away from large central cities. Planners are needed in the private sector as well as in state and local governments to provide the appropriate kinds of economic and community development that will ensure a high quality of life in both developed and developing countries.

The degree culminates in one of three projects: thesis, internship project, or non-thesis/professional portfolio. 

PROGRAM DISTINCTIONS

• The Department of Geography offers an optional accelerated master’s degree, allowing qualified students to earn both their bachelor’s and master’s degrees in geography in as little as five years.
• Master’s degree students are closely mentored by award-winning faculty who are world-renowned researchers in their fields. 
• Students have access to modern geographic technology, including an oversized cartographic plotter, GPS equipment, and computers with industry-standard software programs like Arc/Info, ArcView, ERDAS Imagine, ArcGIS, Surfer, AtlasGIS, MapInfo, and ER Mapper.
• State-of-the-art laboratories – like the Geomorphology and Weather and Climate Lab and the Regolith Analysis Laboratory – offer in-depth geographic analysis using the latest precision instruments.  
• UNC Greensboro is ranked as one of the nation’s most environmentally responsible colleges, according to the Princeton Review (2020).

THE STUDENT EXPERIENCE

• Students work directly with a faculty advisor to undertake their research project(s) and plan major due dates. 
• Competitive funding packages are available including teaching assistantships, research assistantships, and graduate school fellowships. 
• Graduate students attend professional conferences and colloquiums and are encouraged to present and/or publish their theses and dissertations. 

AFTER GRADUATION

• In a growth region like the Southeastern United States, geographers with a planning background are increasing in demand.
• Graduates have found careers in business and industry, urban and regional planning agencies, departments of federal and state governments, and teaching.