Geography (M.S.)

Location(s): Brookings Main Campus

Students and professor looking at a map.

Program Coordinator/Contact

Bob Watrel, Department Head
George White, Professor/Graduate Coordinator
Department of Geography and Geospatial Sciences
Wecota Hall 109, Box 506
605-688-4511

Program Information

The Department of Geography and Geospatial Sciences offers graduate students the opportunity to earn a Master of Science Degree. The curriculum, organized through formal courses, seminars, internship experiences, and supervised research, is designed to prepare students for positions in such professional areas as planning, remote sensing, geographic information sciences, government service, research, business, and teaching. The program also is designed to provide students with the education needed to pursue further graduate study. Students seeking this degree are expected to select courses that will provide a sound foundation in geography (philosophical, physical and human, and research techniques) supported, if appropriate, by courses outside the department. Students may also seek out opportunities such as the cooperative program with the EROS Data Center and/or internships, generally available with planning districts, governmental agencies, business, and industry.

Course Delivery Format

Geography is not only a classroom subject but one that also includes laboratory research, fieldwork, and travel, as well as limited online coursework.

Student Learning Outcomes

Critical thinking: Demonstrate foundational and specialized knowledge in both the physical and human sciences and their interconnectedness at local, regional, and global scales.
Critical thinking: Interpret the ethical consequences of global issues concerning the environment to strengthen commitment to local, national, and global citizenship.
Problem solving: Demonstrate proficiency in the application of appropriate geographical technologies and techniques to address issues in the physical and/or human sciences.
Written communication: Communicate geographic ideas clearly and effectively (e.g., maps, writing, oral presentations, posters, photos, flowcharts, tables, graphs, and illustrations).
Creative thinking: Apply observations from laboratory and/or field experiences to analyze problems and offer solutions.
Creative thinking: Demonstrate the ability to collect, organize, analyze, and synthesize information about people, places, and environments in a spatial-temporal context.
Inquiry and analysis: Explore complex local, regional, and global issues using a geographical perspective to formulate questions and draw informed conclusions that are based on critical scientific analysis and interpretation of information.

Master of Science

Master of Science	Option A - Thesis	30 Credit Hours
	Option B - Research/Design Paper	32 Credit Hours
	Option C - Coursework Only	36 Credit Hours

Core Requirements

GEOG 710 - Evolution of Geographic Thought Credits: 3
GEOG 714 - Research and Writing Credits: 3
GEOG 790 - Seminar (COM) Credits: 1-4 (1 credit required) (Geospatial Science)

Select one of the following options

Option A - Thesis

GEOG 798 - Thesis (COM) Credits: 1-7 (5-6 credits required)
Electives Credits: 17-18

Option B - Research/Design Paper

GEOG 788 - Research Problems/Projects (COM) Credits: 1-3 (3-5 credits required)
Electives Credits: 20-22

Option C - Coursework Only

Electives Credits: 29

Total Credits: 30 (Option A), 32 (Option B), 36 (Option C)

Master’s Graduation Requirements

Option A - Thesis

Thesis Proposal
Thesis and Oral Defense

Option - B - Research/Design Paper

Research Project Proposal
Research Project and Oral Defense

Option C - Coursework Only

Oral Defense of Course Work

Additional Admission Requirements

GRE: Not Required
TOEFL: 79 Internet-based
TOEFL Essentials: 8.5
IELTS: 6.5
Duolingo: 110

The Department of Geography and Geospatial Sciences has listed the following additional admission requirements:

Submission of 1-2 page statement describing applicants’ interests in the master’s program in Geography at SDSU.
Submission of two (2) letters of recommendation from persons acquainted with the academic ability and professional competency of the applicant.
A minimum of 9 semester credits of undergraduate coursework in geography, preferably physical geography. An additional 6 credits in the fields cognate to geography are required.

General Requirements

Graduate students should consult with their advisor before registering for graduate coursework.

For additional information refer to the Master’s Degree Requirements .