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 the 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. Masters of Science and Masters of Arts are available for Master of Geography in the USA.
After completing the program, graduates can find a job as a planner, researcher, analyst, teacher, etc., in different academic institutions and government and non-government organizations.
The average salary for MS in Geography in the USA is $64,000 per year, and 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?
- Tremendous 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.
- Enormous scope after graduation in various fields, including academic and non-academic fields.
- Availability of graduate programs in Geography designed as pre-doctoral programs and professional programs.
|
Top Universities for Master of Geography in the USA
Master of Geography is offered by several top universities in the USA. Most universities provide thesis and non-thesis options for a master of geography. There are also options between Master of Science and Master of Arts in Geography.
Rank |
University |
Program |
101-150 |
University of Illinois at Urbana-Campaign |
MS in Geography |
101-150 |
University of California Davis |
MS in Geography |
101-150 |
Michigan State University |
MSc in Geography |
101-150 |
Texas A&M University |
MSc in Geography |
51-100 |
Arizona State University |
MA in Geography |
101-150 |
The University of Arizona |
MA in Geography |
201-210 |
University of South Florida |
MA in Geography |
531-540 |
Oregon State University |
Master of Science in Geography |
1001-1200 |
Ohio University |
MS in Geography |
1001-1200 |
Kent State University |
MS in Geography |
|
Georgia Southern University |
MSc in Applied Geography |
|
Texas State University |
MS in Geography |
|
University of Nevada |
MS in Geography |
|
University of Oklahoma |
MA in Geography |
Master of Geography in the USA Tuition fees
University |
Course Duration |
Tuition Fee per year |
University of Illinois at Urbana-Campaign |
1.5-2 years |
$18,976 |
University of California Davis |
2 years |
$ 11,442 |
Michigan State University |
1.5-2 years |
$ 29,904 |
Texas A&M University |
2 years |
$ 17,006 |
Arizona State University |
2 years |
$ 25,200 |
The University of Arizona |
2 years |
$ 32,290 |
University of South Florida |
2 years |
$15,864 |
Oregon State University |
2 years |
$ 15,246 |
Ohio University |
2 years |
$17,436 |
Kent State University |
2 years |
$ 21,952 |
Georgia Southern University |
2 years |
$19,890 |
Texas State University |
1.5-2 years |
$ 13,776 |
University of Nevada |
2 years |
$ 16,091 |
University of Oklahoma |
2 years |
$ 17,712 |
Master of Geography in the 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 or an IELTS score of 7.0.
Michigan State University
- A bachelor's degree in geography is preferred, with a minimum GPA of 3.4 in geography courses and 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's 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 a PTE score of 60.
The University of Arizona
- A bachelor's degree in natural science, social science, or geography with a minimum 3.0 out of 4.0 GPA.
- 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 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 a US bachelor’s degree with a minimum 3.0 out of 4.0 GPA.
- GRE is not required.
- TOEFL score of at least 80 overall with each subscore of 17 or above or an IELTS score of 6.5 overall 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, a minimum TOEFL score of 79, or a PTE score of 58 and above.
Scholarship and Funding:
The table below represents some scholarships available at different universities in the USA. Besides these scholarships, graduate students can apply for the assistantship program. Students with a solid academic background can apply for a graduate teaching assistantship.
Furthermore, since the Master of Geography is a research-based program, students can apply for a graduate research position and help the professor conduct research.
University |
Scholarships and Awards |
Amount |
Texas A&M University |
Non-Resident Tuition Waiver |
Tuition fees other than Texas resident tuition fee |
Arizona State University |
Completion Fellowship |
$ 9600 plus tuition for 1 credit hour |
The University of Arizona |
Graduate College Fellowships |
At least $ 1000 |
University of South Florida |
Ann Winch Fellowship |
$1000 |
Dissertation Completion Fellowship |
$ 8000 |
|
Oregon State University |
Lenore Bayley Graduate Scholarship |
$4000 |
Texas State University |
Graduate College Scholarship |
$1000 per semester for up to 3 semesters |
|
Scope of Master of Geography in the USA
Graduates of Master of Geography in the USA can find jobs in several sectors, including private, public, and government. One can also choose to stay in the academic sector and build a 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 yearly.
Position/Role |
Average Salary per year |
Geographer |
$ 82,742 |
Technicians (Surveying and Mapping) |
$ 46,200 |
Geography Teachers |
$ 82,330 |
Urban and Regional Planners |
$75,950 |
Cartographers and Photogrammetrists |
$ 68,380 |
Atmospheric and Space Scientists |
$ 99,740 |
Geoscientists |
$ 93,580 |
Market Research Analyst |
$65,810 |