Master of Arts in Geography, Resource Management, and Environmental Planning

Graduate Coordinator and Program Advisors can be found on the Graduate Advisors page on the School of the Environment website.

The Master of Arts in Geography, Resource Management, and Environmental Planning prepares students for professional careers in environmental related management, natural resources, environmental science, planning and policy, education and advocacy, as well as for Ph.D. programs in Geography & related disciplines. It also provides an opportunity for professionals to enhance their careers by advancing their skills and areas of expertise.

Admission to the Program

For admission to the graduate program, a student must meet the general University requirements as stated in the Bulletin. For unconditional admission to the MA program in Geography, Resource Management, and Environmental Planning, a student must have completed an undergraduate major in Geography, Environmental Science, Environmental Studies, or related field with a GPA of 3.25 in the major. An applicant with a GPA of 3.25 or better in a major other than Geography, Environmental Science, Environmental Studies, or related field may qualify for admission as a conditionally classified graduate student. The conditional status is removed upon completion of core coursework in physical or human geography and introductory statistics, in consultation with and advisor, with a grade of B or better in each course. Units earned for remedial or prerequisite coursework are not applied toward the graduate degree.

In addition to the general application and grade transcripts which are sent to the graduate admissions office, the department requires a detailed Statement of Purpose, and two letters of recommendation. Check the department website for details on how to apply; materials must be submitted in one packet. Personal interviews with the graduate advisor and appropriate department faculty are recommended.

Written English Proficiency Requirements

The University has a requirement for written English proficiency that is to be assessed at two different levels.

Level One

Statement of purpose or other writing samples.

Level Two

Satisfactory completion of GEOG 895 or GEOG 898 .

Advancement to Candidacy

In addition to fulfilling all University requirements, students must complete the required curriculum outlined below. All graduate seminars and all courses used on the Advancement to Candidacy (ATC) with the exception of GEOG 895 and GEOG 898 must be taken on a letter grade basis and have earned a B– or better. Not more than 3 units of Special Study (GEOG 899) and 1 unit of Special Study (GEOG 699) may be included on the ATC. Internship (GEOG 688) units do not appear on the ATC. Each student must consult with the appropriate graduate advisor regularly and design an individual program leading towards the culminating experience requirement (thesis or research paper). For advancement to candidacy, the student must select a culminating experience committee comprised of two or three members, at least two of whom must be from the School of the Environment, and present a research proposal to the school faculty. Note that culminating experience committee members may have specific requirements for methodological background courses (e.g. the choice of GEOG 701 , GEOG 702, GEOG 704, or GEOG 705 ) so this should be considered when planning your course schedules.

Upper-division courses offered by the school may be included with the approval of the graduate coordinator. Depending on a student's background and/or objective, additional courses in geography or related fields may be required on advisement.

Program Learning Outcomes 

1. Select, synthesize and critically evaluate appropriate research literature to support project goals.
2. Design and complete a significant independent research project, demonstrating mastery in qualitative and/or quantitative analysis of a research question.
3. Communicate effectively with peers and professionals within their field, exhibiting strong analytical writing, visual, and oral presentation skills.