We are still accepting applications for Masters in GIST for FALL 2021. Applications are due March 1st, questions can go to Forrest Bowlick.
Eve Vogel’s research group at one of the 15 miles falls dams in August 2017
Geography faculty supervise advanced studies in human geography (Gaubatz, Vogel, Applegate, Crow-Miller, Thomas) focused on urban geography, political geography, political ecology, cultural ecology, sustainability, and environmental history, from social science and humanities theoretical perspectives and methodological approaches. We also advise students interested in graduate work in environmental geography from both the human geography perspectives listed above and from a physical geography perspective emphasizing carbon cycling (Yu). In some years, we may be able to support MS-Geography or Geoscience Ph.D students interested in research in GIS, GIS education, remote sensing, and/or spatial analysis (Yu, Bowlick, ?alap – Ayça).Our faculty have strong regional interests in the U.S., Canada, China, Japan, Nepal, and Eastern Europe.
If you are interested in the MS or Ph.D program, please contact individual Geography core faculty with whom you wish to study. Click here for more information on Geography faculty
General questions can be addressed to the Geography Graduate Program Director, Qian Yu at qyu@geo.umass.edu.
Master of Science in Geography
We offer MS degrees in Geography for those who wish to study human geography, environmental geography, or Geographic Information Science and Technologies (GIST). The MS Geography program is designed to take two years, and involves a set of graduate level Geography courses and either a research-based thesis or a non-thesis option that involves a project and an oral exam. Students work closely with their advisors, and programs are highly customized. Students entering without a background in geography may need to do additional coursework to establish a sufficient foundation for MS studies. All entering students must take a graduate level course on geographic theory and analysis.
The MS Geography – GIST program is designed as a one-year program. See here for more information on then MS-GIST program.
We also offer a one year MS Geography degree option for students who already have a strong background in geography. Contact Professor Forrest Bowlick, fbowlick@geo.umass.edu, for more information on the MS-GIST program.
Students are encouraged to correspond directly with a Geography faculty member when considering the MS degree program.
For further assistance please contact the Geography Program Director, Qian Yu at qyu@geo.umass.edu.
Click here for the Geography MS Manual.
Doctor of Philosophy in Geosciences with a concentration in Geography
Students who wish to pursue Ph.D. studies in human geography, environmental geography, or Geographic Information Science and Technology (GIST) can undertake studies for the Geosciences Ph.D. While a planned formal concentration in Geography has not yet been established within the Geosciences Ph.D., in practice students who wish to continue studies in Geography are expected to work closely with a Geography faculty adviser, pass the required course in geographic theory and analysis, complete additional course work in Geography and cognate fields, pass a multi-day written and oral comprehensive exam, and successfully complete and defend a Ph.D. dissertation. Students whose MA or MS is in another field may need to complete additional course work to develop a background equivalent to that of our Geography MS.
If you are interested in Ph.D. studies in Geography you should correspond directly with a Geography faculty member.
For information about applying to graduate school, please see: http://www.umass.edu/gradschool/