Applied Geography, M.A.

The Master of Arts in geography enables students to gain advanced-level proficiency in geographic concepts and methodologies. Master’s degree students choose one of three subfields in which to specialize: Urban Planning, Transportation and Regional Economic Development; Earth Science and Natural Resource Management; or Geographic Information Science.

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

• Graduates have found careers in business and industry, urban and regional planning agencies, departments of federal and state governments, and teaching.
• Potential career paths include:
  • Cartographer
  • Emergency Management Planner
  • Environmental Planner
  • Remote Sensing Analyst
  • GIS Analyst
  • Transportation Manager
  • Urban/City Planner