General Information
Diverse opportunities for advanced training are available. These include the master of arts degree in geography and the post-baccalaureate certificate program in Geographic Information Science (GIS). The Department of Geography participates with the School of Education in the Adolescence Education program leading to the MA degree for the Preparation of Teachers of Earth Science (Grades 7-12). At the doctoral level, the department is associated with the PhD Program in Earth and Environmental Sciences at the CUNY Graduate School.

Course Descriptions
Click here for graduate geography course descriptions.

Master of Arts in Geography
The Department of Geography offers a master of arts in geography with a range of courses in human geography, physical geography, regional geography, and geographic techniques and methods. The latter include quantitative and qualitative methods as well as application of geo-spatial technologies in human geography and environmental science. There are four broad concentration areas: environmental studies, geographic information science, places and cultures, and urban geography studies. The program is designed for graduate students and professionals with backgrounds in social sciences, computer science, environmental science and engineering as well as traditional geography.

An MA in geography from Hunter can lead to employment with local and national governments, international agencies, non-government organizations, corporations, consultants and information technology companies. The New York area is a home to diverse urban communities, dynamic economies and cultures, government structures of all levels (from local to international), and corporate headquarters. Located in Manhattan near Central Park, Hunter College is close to these activities. Students wishing to contine graduate work at the PhD level will find themselves well prepared and equipped with the research and technical skills necessary for advanced research.

The GeoSeminar Series is an integral part of the graduate program. It allows students to meet and hear noted American and international scholars with expertise in various areas of geography, environmental science, cartography and GIS, and related fields. In addition, the seminars afford an opportunity for close interactions with the faculty in the department.

Admissions Requirements
For up-to-date information, contact the MA geography graduate adviser.

Admissions procedures are as established by the Hunter College Office of Graduate Admissions. Candidates must have a BA or BS or equivalent, an undergraduate GPA of at least a B minus, with a B in the major, and (normally) the completion of at least 18 credit hours in geography. A lack of a background in geography will not impede admission, but the student is expected to gain basic knowledge of geography prior to graduation in consultation with the student's adviser. It is recommended that students enter the program with knowledge of basic statistics. All students are required to take the Graduate Record Examination. Foreign students whose first language is not English must take the Test of English as a Foreign Language. Two letters of recommendation are required.

Application Deadline
For Fall Semester: April 1 (February 1 for international students)
For Spring Semester: November 1 (September 1 for international students)
We encourage graduate application submissions by early deadlines of September 1 and February 1. This will help with allocation of scholarships and funding if these are available.

Requirements for the Degree
The Master of Arts consists of 31 or 36 graduate credits, depending on the program option chosen, selected from three types of courses: GEOG, PGEO, and GTEC. GEOG classes cover human geography, nature/society, and regional geography, while PGEO classes cover physical geography and environmental science. GTEC courses cover geographic methods and techniques, and are divided into geographic information science, quantitative and qualitative research methods, remote sensing, and cartography. Classes vary in their structure from laboratory classes to lecture/discussions and seminars. Graduate courses outside of the GEOG, PGEO, and GTEC prefixes may be applied to the degree within the parameters listed below.

Students must complete a minimum number of credits in one of the following options:

A. Thesis Option: A minimum of 31 credits consisting of:

1. A minimum of 30 credits of course work (exclusive of GEOG 799) consisting of:
   a. GEOG 701, GEOG 702 and GEOG 701.54 (7 cr)
   b. A minimum of 11 additional credits selected from GEOG, GTEC, and PGEO courses.*
   c. A maximum of 12 credits selected from other than GEOG, GTEC, or PGEO courses as approved by the graduate adviser.**
2. One credit of GEOG 799 leading to a thesis approved by the student's graduate advisers.
3. Formal approval of a study proposed for thesis research.***
4. A completed thesis.
5. A formal presentation of the student's thesis research.

B. Examination Option: A minimum of 36 credits consisting of:

1. GEOG 701, GEOG 702, GEOG 701.54 (7 cr)
2. A minimum of 17 additional credits selected from GEOG, GTEC, and PGEO courses.*
3. A maximum of 12 credits selected from other than GEOG, GTEC, or PGEO courses as approved by the graduate adviser.**
4. A passing grade on the comprehensive examination conducted by the student's graduate committee.
5. A research paper of publishable quality prepared in the format of The Professional Geographer or its equivalent.
6. A formal presentation of the student's research paper.

* Graduate students entering the program without a geography background will be required to take 6 credits in geography outside their principal area of concentration (GEOG, PGEO or GTEC).

** Graduate students entering the program without a geography background will be limited to 6 credits taken outside the program. Students who were undergraduate majors in geography can appeal to the Graduate Committee to take more than 12 credits outside the program.

*** Students must submit to their committee the proposal for thesis research no later than the end of the semester in which they finish their 20th credit in the program.

Students who are accepted into the program, who have already earned credits with a grade of B or higher as nonmatriculated students, may transfer only two (2) courses or eight (8) credits, whichever is greater, from nonmatriculated status to matriculated status. In exceptional situations, up to 12 credits earned as a nonmatriculated student may be transferred to matriculated status.

Although both options may prepare students for additional graduate work, the thesis option is recommended for those who might wish to pursue the PhD in geography or an allied field. The examination option is recommended for students seeking a terminal MA.

Language Requirement
A foreign language is not required for the MA in geography. However, students interested in regional studies or further graduate work are strongly encouraged to master a foreign language. Students emphasizing technical skills are strongly encouraged to master one or more computer programming languages.

Completion Time
Full-time students should be able to complete the master's degree within three-four semesters. To accommodate part-time and working students, many courses are offered in the evening.

Assistantships
A limited number of teaching and research assistantships are available from the department. Students seeking assistantships should state so in their statement of purpose included with the application. They should also indicate what skills and qualifications they have for research or teaching assistance.