The department welcomes applications from students with interests in geography, earth science, and atmospheric science. All new students who are admitted to a major in geography leading to the M.S. degree are required to consult with the department’s graduate studies coordinator before registering for courses. The coordinator will assist students in identifying an appropriate regular adviser who will form a committee to arrange a program of study. A student must choose either a thesis or a non-thesis option, subject to the consent of the adviser. Students must have the approval of their adviser to register for geography courses each semester and must meet with their committee each year to discuss progress made toward the degree. A student whose background is deficient may be required to take additional course work at the undergraduate level. Deficiencies should be resolved in the first year and do not normally carry graduate credit toward the degree.
Requirements
Satisfactory performance on a comprehensive written examination
Satisfactory completion of the requirements for either the thesis or non-thesis option.
The thesis option consists of a minimum of 30 semester hours, including at least 24 semester hours of course work and a thesis. Students are required to present findings of the thesis at the Geography Seminar (GEOG 600) and to present one paper or poster at a state, regional, or national professional meeting. Complete instructions for writing and submitting the thesis are in the department’s “Graduate Student Handbook” (consult adviser).
Non-Thesis Option
The non-thesis option consists of a minimum of 36 semester hours. Students must submit two major research papers. The first paper must be submitted and accepted prior to completion of 24 semester hours. One paper must be completed under GEOG 672. Findings of one non-thesis paper will be presented at the Geography Seminar (GEOG 600). Complete instructions for writing and submitting the research papers are available in the department’s “Graduate Student Handbook.”
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