Master of Geography is the study of physical or human geography that provides learners with different tools and techniques to study climate change, the interaction between people and earth, analyzing geographical data, etc. 

The typical course duration for a Master of Geography in the USA is 2 years. The tuition fee for the entire program can range from $30,000 to $60,000. Both Masters of Science and Masters of Arts are available for Master of Geography in USA.

 After completing the program, graduates can find jobs as a planner, researchers, analysts, teachers, etc. in different academic institutions, government, and non-government organizations. 

The average salary for MS in Geography in the USA is $64,000 per year and the average salary for MA in Geography is $66,000 per year.

MA VS MS in Geography

Master of Arts in Geography primarily focuses on human geography, political geography, and the interaction of people and their community and geography. Master of Science in Geography, however, focuses on physical geography and the courses commonly include spatial analysis, urban planning, water resources, climatology, etc.

Common Specialization available for Master of Geography in the USA

•       Geographic Information System (GIS)
•       Sustainability Science and Studies
•       Computational Spatial Science
•       Human-Environment Relationship
•       Critical Human Geography
•       Human Geography
•       Environmental Geography
•       Spatial Analysis

Why study Master of Geography in the USA?

•       Huge research opportunities in different fields.
•       Several concentration tracks or specializations are available for master's students.
•       Master of geography offered as both Master of Science and Master of Arts.
•       Graduate research and teaching assistantship available for master’s students.
•       Huge scope after graduation in a wide variety of fields including academic and non-academic fields.
•       Availability of graduate programs in Geography designed as pre-doctoral program and professional program.

Top universities for Master of Geography in Canada

Master of Geography is offered by several top universities in the USA. Most of the universities provide thesis and non-thesis options for a master of geography. There are also options to choose between Master of Science and Master of Arts in Geography.

Master of Geography in USA Tuition fees 

 Master of Geography in USA: Tuition fees

The University of Illinois at Urbana-Campaign

•       A 4 years bachelor's degree in a related field with a GPA of 3.0 out of 4.0 in the major.
•       GRE is not required.
•       A minimum TOEFL score of 103 or an IELTS score of 7.5 is required for full status admission.

University of California Davis

•       A bachelor's degree in a relevant field with a minimum GPA of 3.0 out of 4.0.
•       GRE is not required for fall 2022.
•       A minimum TOEFL score of 80 overall or an IELTS score of 7.0 overall.

Michigan State University

•       A bachelor's degree in geography is preferred with a minimum GPA of 3.4 on geography courses and also in courses completed in the last two years of undergraduate study.
•       A satisfactory GRE score is required.
•       IELTS score of at least 6.5 or TOEFL score of at least 79 overall and no section below 17.

Texas A&M University

•       A bachelor degree in a field closely related to geography with a GPA of more than 3.0
•       A GRE score is not required.
•       TOEFL score of at least 80 or IELTS score of 6.0 or more.

Arizona State University

•       A bachelor's degree in any field with a minimum GPA of 3.0 out of 4.0.
•       GRE score in the range of upper quintile.
•       A minimum TOEFL score of at least 80 or IELTS score of 6.5 or PTE score of 60.

The University of Arizona

•       A bachelor's degree related to natural science, social science, or geography with a minimum GPA of 3.0 out of 4.0.
•       An above-average GRE score is required but there is no minimum score for GRE.
•       TOEFL score of 79 or IELTS score of 7 with at least 6.0 in each band.

University of South Florida

•       A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution with a minimum GPA of at least 3.0.
•       GRE is not required.
•       TOEFL score of at least 80 overall with no section less than 17 or IELTS score of at least

Oregon State University

•       A 4 years bachelor's degree from a recognized university with a minimum GPA of at least 3.0 out of 4.0.
•       GRE is not required.
•       A TOEFL score of at least 80 overall with no sub-score below 18 or an IELTS score of at least 6.5 overall.

Ohio University

•       A bachelor's degree is equivalent to that of a US bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0 out of 4.0.
•       GRE is not required.
•       TOEFL score of at least 80 overall with each subscore of 17 or above or IELTS score of 6.5 overall and in each band.

Kent State University

•       A bachelor's degree from a recognized university with a minimum GPA of 3.0 out of 4.0.
•       A GRE score is required.
•       IELTS score of at least 6.5 overall or a minimum TOEFL score of 79 overall or PTE score of 58 and above.

Scholarship and Funding:

The table below represents some of the scholarships available at different universities in the USA. Besides these scholarships, graduate students are also eligible to apply for the assistantship program. Students with a strong academic background can apply for a graduate teaching assistantship. 

Furthermore, since Master of Geography is a research-based program, students can also apply for a graduate research position and help the professor to conduct research.

Scope of Master of Geography in the USA

Graduates of master of geography in the USA can find a job in several sectors including private, public, and government sectors. One can also choose to stay in the academic sector and build their career as a geography teacher.

 People with significant research interests and abilities can find a job as a researcher or scientist. 

The average salary for MS in Geography in the USA is $ 64,000 per year and that for MA in Geography in the USA is $ 66,000 per year.