Geography - M.S.

The Master of Science degree in Geography prepares graduate students for careers in both the academic field and non-academic jobs in various private and governmental agencies, such as urban/economic geography, social geography, physical/environmental geography and geographic information technology. Students learn geographic thought, research techniques and topical specialties while preparing to conduct original research.

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Program Information for Geography - M.S.

Learning Outcomes

Learning Outcomes

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

  1. Acquire advanced knowledge of the concepts, theories and technology in geography.
  2. Synthesize and present concepts and theories in geography.
  3. Demonstrate the ability to formulate research problems and carry out independent research projects.

Admissions for Geography - M.S.

Admissions

For more information about graduate admissions, visit the graduate admission website. For more information on international admissions, visit the international admission website.

Admission Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university
  • Minimum 2.750 undergraduate GPA on a 4.000-point scale
  • Official transcript(s)
  • Résumé
  • Goal statement
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • English language proficiency - all international students must provide proof of English language proficiency (unless they meet specific exceptions to waive) by earning one of the following:1
    • Minimum 79 TOEFL iBT score
    • Minimum 6.5 IELTS score
    • Minimum 58 PTE score
    • Minimum 110 DET score
1

International applicants who do not meet the above test scores will not be considered for admission.

Application Deadlines

  • Fall Semester
    • Priority deadline: February 1

All application materials (including applicable fee, transcripts, recommendation letters, etc.) submitted by this deadline will receive the strongest consideration for admission.

Coursework

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Program Requirements

Major Requirements

Major Requirements
GEOG 60800SEMINAR IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF GEOGRAPHIC THOUGHT 3
GEOG 69701RESEARCH AND PRESENTATION OF GEOGRAPHIC DATA 3
Major Electives, choose from the following: 16
GEOG 59070
GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SCIENCE
GEOG 59076
SPATIAL PROGRAMMING
GEOG 59080
ADVANCED GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SCIENCE
GEOG 59230
REMOTE SENSING
GEOG 69004
QUANTITATIVE METHODS IN GEOGRAPHY
Additional Program Requirements 212
Culminating Requirement
GEOG 60199THESIS I 36
Minimum Total Credit Hours:30
1

Students who earned their bachelor's degree at Kent State University and have completed the undergraduate equivalents of any technique courses required in the master's degree can count them toward the technique courses requirement. Courses taken at the undergraduate level will not count toward the minimum total credit hour requirement for the master's degree; however, the additional technique courses will not be required.

2

Maximum 3 credit hours of research (GEOG 60996 or GEOG 60998) may count toward the M.S. degree requirements.

3

Students may elect to write a thesis or two research papers.

Graduation Requirements
Minimum Major GPA Minimum Overall GPA
- 3.000
  • No more than one-half of a graduate student’s coursework may be taken in 50000-level courses.
  • Grades below C are not counted toward completion of requirements for the degree.
Roadmap

Roadmap

Roadmap

This roadmap is a recommended semester-by-semester plan of study for this program. Students will work with their advisor to develop a sequence based on their academic goals and history. Courses designated as critical (!) must be completed in the semester listed to ensure a timely graduation.

Plan of Study Grid
Semester OneCredits
GEOG 60800 SEMINAR IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF GEOGRAPHIC THOUGHT 3
Major Electives or Additional Progam Requirements 6
 Credit Hours9
Semester Two
GEOG 69701 RESEARCH AND PRESENTATION OF GEOGRAPHIC DATA 3
Major Electives or Additional Progam Requirements 6
 Credit Hours9
Semester Three
GEOG 60199 THESIS I 3-6
Major Electives or Additional Progam Requirements 6
 Credit Hours9
Semester Four
GEOG 60199 THESIS I 0-3
 Credit Hours3
 Minimum Total Credit Hours:30

Program Delivery

Program Delivery

  • Delivery:
    • In person
  • Location:
    • Kent Campus

Examples of Possible Careers and Salaries for Geography - M.S.

Geographers

-1.2%

decline

1,600

number of jobs

$85,430

potential earnings

Geography teachers, postsecondary

2.9%

slower than the average

4,800

number of jobs

$82,330

potential earnings

Surveying and mapping technicians

0.7%

little or no change

58,400

number of jobs

$46,200

potential earnings

Cartographers and photogrammetrists

4.5%

about as fast as the average

12,000

number of jobs

$68,380

potential earnings

Urban and regional planners

11.0%

much faster than the average

39,700

number of jobs

$75,950

potential earnings

Geoscientists, except hydrologists and geographers

4.9%

about as fast as the average

31,800

number of jobs

$93,580

potential earnings

Atmospheric and space scientists

6.4%

faster than the average

9,900

number of jobs

$99,740

potential earnings

Market research analysts and marketing specialists

17.7%

much faster than the average

738,100

number of jobs

$65,810

potential earnings

Notice: Career Information Source
* Source of occupation titles and labor data comes from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook. Data comprises projected percent change in employment over the next 10 years; nation-wide employment numbers; and the yearly median wage at which half of the workers in the occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less.

Geographic Information Science - M.G.I.Sc.

The Geographic Information Science M.G.I.Sc. degree prepares you for a career at the forefront of geospatial technology. With a blend of technical knowledge and practical experience, you will learn to analyze and manage geospatial data and make informed decisions.

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Program Information for Geographic Information Science - M.G.I.Sc.

Program Description

Program Description

Full Description

The Master of Geographic Information Science degree provides students with skills that extend beyond simply understanding software features or capabilities. Students develop a more robust understanding of how GIS functions across different sectors and have a positive impact on some of the greatest global challenges today, including climate change, transportation, and public health. Students have the opportunity to design and manage geographic information technologies to develop and improve the tools and systems people rely on every day

Graduates of the program are prepared for analytical and managerial positions that utilize geospatial technologies. Those positions can be found in a number of sectors, ranging from real estate and healthcare to disaster relief and finance.

Admissions for Geographic Information Science - M.G.I.Sc.

Admissions

For more information about graduate admissions, visit the graduate admission website. For more information on international admissions, visit the international admission website.

Admission Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in geography or a related field1
  • Minimum 2.750 undergraduate GPA on a 4.000-point scale
  • Official transcript(s)
  • Goal statement
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • English language proficiency - all international students must provide proof of English language proficiency (unless they meet specific exceptions to waive) by earning one of the following:2
    • Minimum 79 TOEFL iBT score
    • Minimum 6.5 IELTS score
    • Minimum 58 PTE score
    • Minimum 110 DET score
1

Requirement that the undergraduate degree must be in geography or related field may be waved with evidence of professional experience using geospatial technologies or alternative evidence of ability to excel in a geographic information science graduate program.

2

International applicants who do not meet the above test scores will not be considered for admission.

Application Deadlines

  • Fall Semester
    • Rolling admissions
  • Spring Semester
    • Rolling admissions

Learning Outcomes

Learning Outcomes

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

  1. Collect, edit, integrate, manage and analyze geospatial data.
  2. Demonstrate skills and working knowledge of commercial and open-source GIS application suites and utilities.
  3. Identify, explain and analyze spatial patterns, relationships and processes.
  4. Apply cartographic principles and techniques to create quality maps.
  5. Apply critical and spatial thinking to solve geospatial problems with respect to theories, principles and practices of geographic information science and fields in the degree concentration areas.
  6. Demonstrate good communication skills and ability to work in a team environment.

Coursework

On This Page

Program Requirements

Major Requirements

Major Requirements
GEOG 59071FUNDAMENTALS OF GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SCIENCE I 3
GEOG 59081FUNDAMENTALS OF GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SCIENCE II 3
GEOG 69164CARTOGRAPHIC DESIGN 3
GEOG 69231ENVIRONMENTAL REMOTE SENSING 3
Major Electives, choose from the following:12
CS 61002
ALGORITHMS AND PROGRAMMING I
CS 61003
ALGORITHMS AND PROGRAMMING II
EMAT 64210
DATA SCIENCE
GEOG 59072
GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SCIENCE AND HEALTH
GEOG 59075
GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SCIENCE: APPLICATIONS FOR SOCIAL PROBLEMS
GEOG 59076
SPATIAL PROGRAMMING
GEOG 59078
GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SCIENCE AND ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS
GEOG 69004
QUANTITATIVE METHODS IN GEOGRAPHY
GEOG 69007
SPATIOTEMPORAL ANALYTICS
GEOG 69073
GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SCIENCE: GLOBAL HEALTH
GEOG 69074
GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SCIENCE: SPATIAL ANALYSIS FOR HEALTH GEOGRAPHY
GEOG 69079
ENVIRONMENTAL GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SCIENCE
GEOG 69082
CYBERGIS
GEOG 69083
GEODATABASES
Culminating Requirement
GEOG 69392PRACTICUM IN GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SCIENCE 16
Minimum Total Credit Hours:30
1

As the capstone to the program, students will complete a practicum that is designed to provide practical experience in the application of M.G.I.Sc. degree course content in real-world professional settings. Students will select a professional project in consultation with their employer and program faculty and then will design, implement and report on their activities in a culminating professional paper.

Graduation Requirements
Minimum Major GPA Minimum Overall GPA
- 3.000
  • No more than one-half of a graduate student’s coursework may be taken in 50000-level courses.
  • Grades below C are not counted toward completion of requirements for the degree.
Program Delivery

Program Delivery

  • Delivery:
    • Fully online

Urban Studies - Minor

The Urban Studies minor provides an understanding of cities, towns, urban life, economics and social relations. The minor focuses on the cities as distinctive entities and explores the meaning and function of cities in the larger society. The Urban Studies minor also demonstrates how the growth and development of cities and towns may be conceived and guided using methods from a variety of disciplines.

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Program Information for Urban Studies - Minor

Coursework

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Program Requirements

Minor Requirements

Minor Requirements
Group A, choose from the following:9
ECON 42081
URBAN ECONOMICS: CITIES AND HOUSING 1
GEOG 36065
CITIES AND URBANIZATION (DIVG)
GEOG 46070
URBAN AND REGIONAL PLANNING
POL 30450
URBAN POLITICS AND POLICY 2
SOC 32673
CITIES AND URBAN SOCIAL LIFE (DIVG) 3
Group B, choose from the following: 49
ARCH 45630
INTRODUCTION TO LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE
ECON 32084
ECONOMICS OF THE ENVIRONMENT
GEOG 45085
URBAN TRANSPORTATION
GEOG 46070
URBAN AND REGIONAL PLANNING
GEOG 46080
URBAN SUSTAINABILITY
GEOG 46081
SEMINAR IN URBAN GEOGRAPHY
GEOG 49075
GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SCIENCE: APPLICATIONS FOR SOCIAL PROBLEMS
PH 43013
BUILT ENVIRONMENT AND PUBLIC HEALTH
POL 30301
INTRODUCTION TO PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION
Internship 5
Minimum Total Credit Hours:18
1

Students in this minor can have the ECON 22061 prerequisite waived by contacting the Department of Economics

2

Students in this minor can have the prerequisite waived by contacting the Department of Political Science

3

Students in this minor can have the prerequisite waived by contacting the Department of Sociology

4

Unused courses from the Group A list may be used to fulfill the Group B list. Some courses have prerequisites and the course description should be consulted

5

Internship credits can come from the participating departments of Economics, Geography, Sociology, Political Science and possibly other departments as approved by the program coordinator

Graduation Requirements
Minimum Minor GPA Minimum Overall GPA
2.000 2.000
  • Minimum 6 credit hours in the minor must be upper-division coursework (30000 and 40000 level).
  • Minimum 6 credit hours in the minor must be outside of the course requirements for any major or other minor the student is pursuing.
  • Minimum 50 percent of the total credit hours for the minor must be taken at Kent State (in residence).
Admissions for Urban Studies - Minor

Admissions

Admission Requirements

Admission to a minor is open to students declared in a bachelor’s degree, the A.A.B. or A.A.S. degree or the A.T.S. degree (not Individualized Program major). Students declared only in the A.A. or A.S. degree or the A.T.S. degree in Individualized Program may not declare a minor. Students may not pursue a minor and a major in the same discipline.

Program Delivery

Program Delivery

  • Delivery:
    • In person
  • Location:
    • Kent Campus

Geography - Minor

The Geography minor offers students a foundation in this expanding field and will be of interest to students studying in areas such as geology, education, sociology, biology, political science, history, anthropology and public health.

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Program Information for Geography - Minor

Coursework

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Program Requirements

Minor Requirements

Minor Requirements
Geography (GEOG) Upper-Division Electives (30000 or 40000 level)6
Minor Electives, choose from the following:9
ENVS 22070
NATURE AND SOCIETY (KSS)
GEOG 10160
INTRODUCTION TO GEOGRAPHY
GEOG 17063
WORLD GEOGRAPHY (DIVG) (KSS)
GEOG 17064
GEOGRAPHY OF THE UNITED STATES AND CANADA (DIVD) (KSS)
GEOG 21062
PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY (KBS)
GEOG 22061
HUMAN GEOGRAPHY (DIVG) (KSS)
Minimum Total Credit Hours:15

Graduation Requirements
Minimum Minor GPA Minimum Overall GPA
2.000 2.000
  • Minimum 6 credit hours in the minor must be upper-division coursework (30000 and 40000 level).
  • Minimum 6 credit hours in the minor must be outside of the course requirements for any major or other minor the student is pursuing.
  • Minimum 50 percent of the total credit hours for the minor must be taken at Kent State (in residence).
Admissions for Geography - Minor

Admissions

Admission Requirements

Admission to a minor is open to students declared in a bachelor’s degree, the A.A.B. or A.A.S. degree or the A.T.S. degree (not Individualized Program major). Students declared only in the A.A. or A.S. degree or the A.T.S. degree in Individualized Program may not declare a minor. Students may not pursue a minor and a major in the same discipline.

Program Delivery

Program Delivery

  • Delivery:
    • In person
  • Location:
    • Kent Campus
    • Stark Campus

Geographic Information Science - Minor

Unlock the power of spatial data with the Geographic Information Science (GIS) minor. This minor will equip you with essential skills in geospatial technologies, including cartography, remote sensing and GIS applications, preparing you for careers in urban planning, environmental science, public health and more. With a curriculum designed to complement majors like anthropology, biology, computer science and sociology, the GIS minor offers a versatile edge in today's data-driven world.

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Program Information for Geographic Information Science - Minor

Program Description

Program Description

Full Description

The Geographic Information Science minor offers students a foundation in this expanding field and will be of interest to students studying in areas such as anthropology, biology, conservation, computer sciences, sociology and public health.

Admissions for Geographic Information Science - Minor

Admissions

Admission Requirements

Admission to a minor is open to students declared in a bachelor’s degree, the A.A.B. or A.A.S. degree or the A.T.S. degree (not Individualized Program major). Students declared only in the A.A. or A.S. degree or the A.T.S. degree in Individualized Program may not declare a minor. Students may not pursue a minor and a major in the same discipline.

Coursework

On This Page

Program Requirements

Minor Requirements

Minor Requirement
GEOG 49070GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SCIENCE 4
GEOG 49080ADVANCED GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SCIENCE 3
Minor Electives, choose from the following:9-10
GEOG 49072
GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SCIENCE AND HEALTH
GEOG 49075
GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SCIENCE: APPLICATIONS FOR SOCIAL PROBLEMS
GEOG 49076
SPATIAL PROGRAMMING
GEOG 49078
GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SCIENCE AND ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS
GEOG 49085
WEB AND MOBILE GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SCIENCE
GEOG 49162
CARTOGRAPHY
GEOG 49195
SPECIAL TOPICS IN GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SCIENCE
GEOG 49230
REMOTE SENSING
Minimum Total Credit Hours:16

Graduation Requirements
Minimum Minor GPA Minimum Overall GPA
2.000 2.000
  • Minimum 6 credit hours in the minor must be upper-division coursework (30000 and 40000 level).
  • Minimum 6 credit hours in the minor must be outside of the course requirements for any major or other minor the student is pursuing.
  • Minimum 50 percent of the total credit hours for the minor must be taken at Kent State (in residence).

Program Note

  • Appropriate specialized offerings may be substituted above as available with the approval of the coordinator.
Program Delivery

Program Delivery

  • Delivery:
    • In person
  • Location:
    • Kent Campus

Environmental Studies - Minor

The Environmental Studies minor prepares students to integrate concepts and knowledge on environmental issues from across multiple disciplines and communicate about them in important ways. Basic scientific knowledge about environmental processes is used to inform different social goals. Students develop competencies in earth systems science, environmental social science, human-natural systems and sustainability science to solve specific environmental problems.

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Program Information for Environmental Studies - Minor

Coursework

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Program Requirements

Minor Requirements

Minor Requirements
BSCI 10110BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY (ELR) (KBS) (KLAB) 3-4
or ESCI 21062 ENVIRONMENTAL EARTH SCIENCE (KBS)
ENVS 22070NATURE AND SOCIETY (KSS) 3
Natural Science Elective, choose from the following:3-4
BSCI 30274
FORESTRY
BSCI 30277
ECONOMIC BOTANY
BSCI 30360
GENERAL ECOLOGY
BSCI 40525
WILDLIFE RESOURCES (ELR)
ESCI 33025
WATER AND THE ENVIRONMENT
ESCI 42065
WATERSHED HYDROLOGY
ESCI 42066
PHYSICAL HYDROGEOLOGY
GEOG 41066
GLOBAL CLIMATE CHANGE
GEOG 41073
CONSERVATION OF NATURAL RESOURCES
GEOG 41074
RESOURCE GEOGRAPHY
GEOG 41082
GEOGRAPHY OF SOILS
Social Science Electives, choose from the following: 19
ECON 32084
ECONOMICS OF THE ENVIRONMENT
ENVS 30000
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION REGULATIONS AND ASSESSMENT
ENVS 46092
INTERNSHIP IN ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES (ELR)
GEOG 31070
POPULATION AND THE ENVIRONMENT
GEOG 42064
SETTLING THE NORTH AMERICAN ENVIRONMENT
GEOG 45085
URBAN TRANSPORTATION
GEOG 46070
URBAN AND REGIONAL PLANNING
GEOG 46080
URBAN SUSTAINABILITY
PACS 35050
ENVIRONMENTAL CONFLICT RESOLUTION
or POL 30350
 ENVIRONMENTAL CONFLICT RESOLUTION
PHIL 30025
ENVIRONMENTAL PHILOSOPHY (ELR)
POL 40440
U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL POLITICS AND POLICIES
POL 40540
POLITICS OF DEVELOPMENT (DIVG)
SOC 42560
SOCIOLOGY OF FOOD
Minimum Total Credit Hours:18
1

Only two courses can be in the same field.

Graduation Requirements
Minimum Minor GPA Minimum Overall GPA
2.000 2.000
  • Minimum 6 credit hours in the minor must be upper-division coursework (30000 and 40000 level).
  • Minimum 6 credit hours in the minor must be outside of the course requirements for any major or other minor the student is pursuing.
  • Minimum 50 percent of the total credit hours for the minor must be taken at Kent State (in residence).
Admissions for Environmental Studies - Minor

Admissions

Admission Requirements

Admission to this minor is selective. To declare the Environmental Studies minor, students must have a minimum 2.000 overall Kent State University GPA. No Kent State University GPA is required if the student is a first-semester freshman or transfer student admitted in good standing.

Program Delivery

Program Delivery

  • Delivery:
    • In person
  • Location:
    • Kent Campus
    • Stark Campus

Climate Change - Minor

The Climate Change minor aims to provide an overview of the atmospheric sciences, how the climate system works and how humans and the environment interact within it. Students learn about climate change and how to understand and forecast its potential impacts. Students also learn how to apply their knowledge of climate and weather to a variety of interdisciplinary fields, including conservation, health, oceanography and environmental planning.

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Program Information for Climate Change - Minor

Learning Outcomes

Learning Outcomes

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of the program will be able to:

  1. Describe how the climate system works and how humans and the environment interact within it.
  2. Explain climate change and how to understand and forecast its potential impacts.
  3. Apply knowledge of climate and weather to a variety of interdisciplinary fields, including conservation, health, oceanography and environmental planning.

Admissions for Climate Change - Minor

Admissions

Admission Requirements

Admission to a minor is open to students declared in a bachelor’s degree, the A.A.B. or A.A.S. degree or the A.T.S. degree (not Individualized Program major). Students declared only in the A.A. or A.S. degree or the A.T.S. degree in Individualized Program may not declare a minor. Students may not pursue a minor and a major in the same discipline.

Coursework

On This Page

Program Requirements

Minor Requirements

Minor Requirements
GEOG 31062FUNDAMENTALS OF METEOROLOGY 3
GEOG 31064CLIMATE AND THE ENVIRONMENT 3
GEOG 41066GLOBAL CLIMATE CHANGE 3
Statistical Electives, choose from the following3-4
ESCI 42030
REMOTE SENSING
GEOG 39002
STATISTICAL METHODS IN GEOGRAPHY
GEOG 49070
GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SCIENCE
GEOG 49230
REMOTE SENSING
MATH 30011
BASIC PROBABILITY AND STATISTICS
Minor Electives, choose from the following: 16
ESCI 44074
PALEOCEANOGRAPHY
BSCI 30370
CLIMATE CHANGE BIOLOGY
GEOG 41051
NATURAL DISASTERS AND SOCIETY
GEOG 41065
DATA ANALYSIS FOR CLIMATE AND THE ENVIRONMENT
GEOG 41073
CONSERVATION OF NATURAL RESOURCES
GEOG 46080
URBAN SUSTAINABILITY
Minimum Total Credit Hours:18
1

Appropriate special topic courses maybe taken with the approval of the program director.

Graduation Requirements
Minimum Minor GPA Minimum Overall GPA
2.000 2.000
  • Minimum 6 credit hours in the minor must be upper-division coursework (30000 and 40000 level).
  • Minimum 6 credit hours in the minor must be outside of the course requirements for any major or other minor the student is pursuing.
  • Minimum 50 percent of the total credit hours for the minor must be taken at Kent State (in residence).
Program Delivery

Program Delivery

  • Delivery:
    • In person
  • Location:
    • Kent Campus

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