Academic Catalog - 2024-2025

College of Social and Behavioral Sciences

Department of Geography, Planning, and Recreation

Geography, Master of Science


Academic Information

This plan is no longer offered at the Online Campus. See the Campus Availability tab below for alternate plan campus options.

This masters degree is designed for students who want to pursue a career in managing land, community, and environmental spatial systems, including geographic information systems (GIS), geodesign, community planning and development, and recreation. In addition to engaging coursework this degree requires a research thesis or applied practicum project overseen by a faculty committee.  

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Academic Catalog - 2024-2025

College of Social and Behavioral Sciences

Department of Geography, Planning, and Recreation

Geography, Master of Science


Careers

What Can I Do with a Master of Science in Geography?

The Master of Science in Geography at Northern Arizona University can provide you the tools to engage in a lifetime of intellectual adventure in research and teaching, or a career in the private or public sectors. The required coursework will increase your expertise in specialized areas related to community and sustainable planning, GIS data analysis and mapping, area and regional studies, and focused education in geospatial technologies. Faculty work closely to assist you with geographic research, and applied community development as you explore Flagstaff 's own physical and cultural geography. Our location on the diverse Colorado Plateau, coupled with its mix of ethnic roots (Native American, Latino, and western European), make this mountain town a perfect geography classroom.

Career opportunities that might be pursued:
  • Community planner or developer
  • Land, utility, or land resource manager
  • Sustainability program director
  • Recreation resource manager
  • Community college instructor

With further education, one of these paths is possible:
  • International development
  • Business and political marketing
  • Mobile and big data analysis 
  • University professor

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Academic Catalog - 2024-2025

College of Social and Behavioral Sciences

Department of Geography, Planning, and Recreation

Geography, Master of Science


University Requirements

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Academic Catalog - 2024-2025

College of Social and Behavioral Sciences

Department of Geography, Planning, and Recreation

Geography, Master of Science


Overview

In addition to University Requirements:

Minimum Units for Completion 30
Additional Admission Requirements

Individual program admission requirements over and above admission to NAU are required.

Fieldwork Experience/Internship Optional
Thesis Thesis may be required by chosen emphasis or offered as an option.
Oral Defense Oral Defense is required.
Research Individualized research may be required by chosen emphasis or offered as an option.
Some online/blended coursework Required
Progression Plan Link View Program of Study
Accelerated Undergraduate/Graduate Plan Optional

Purpose Statement

The Masters in Geography teaches geographical science, community planning, and geospatial technologies to prepare professionals and academics for a changing world. The program seeks to educate both traditional graduate students and working professionals in distance and on campus contexts and provides opportunities for diverse populations to exchange ideas and leverage knowledge. Geographic inquiry and community development are examined with attention to spatial relationships and complexities, dynamics of place and scale, and human-environment relations. Too often, analyses and understanding is based in disciplinary tracks. Geographic inquiry is based in synthesis and interdisciplinary investigation. Critical analysis and geospatial technologies provide methods to understand communities and environments from spatial and context-driven perspectives and at geographic scales from local to global. The program supports quality research and practical application, while providing (transferable) analytic, communicative, and visual skills. Our graduates are prepared for opportunities in the public, private, and non-governmental sectors in the fields of geography, planning, and natural resource management.

Mission Statement:

The mission of the MS in Geography is to enhance student abilities:

  1. To apply critical analysis, including geospatial technologies, to issues of geographic inquiry and community development;
  2. To advance professionally in applied geospatial and community careers; and
  3. To understand and appreciate human-environment relations and the complexity of place.

Student Learning Outcomes:

Geographic Inquiry and Human-Environment Relations
From the beginning of the discipline, geographic inquiry has sought to understand the relationship between humans and the landscape, whether the relationship is direct or indirect. As the world continues in a path of globalization and technological advancements, the need for research and understanding about these trends at all geographic scales, from global to micro-local, has increased. Understanding Nature/Society relations requires research and inquiry into human and physical systems and interrelationships between them based on theories derived from geographical thought. Upon completion of the degree, graduates will:
Place and Community Development
The concepts of place and community development are integral to geographical sciences, planning, and much spatially-based research. Graduates should possess a strong understanding of place and space, sense of place, and issues of adjacency and relational connectivity in order to identify critical issues, understand context, and create solutions. Upon completion of the degree, graduates will:
Critical Analysis
The ability to think critically about an issue, deconstruct, construct and identify biases, whether intended or unintended, and to seek a deeper understanding and solutions to issues of space, place, the environment and human landscape is central to Geographic thought and practice. This analysis derives from an understanding of the major theories, research approaches and methods in geography, as well as the ability to employ them to understand social problems and their potential solutions. Upon completion of the degree, graduate will:
Professional Development
Our graduate program provides a critical step in professional development for those entering professions or seeking to enhance their existing knowledge base and opportunities. We prepare students to make a difference in communities and agencies through effective problem-solving and communication. Upon completion of the degree, graduates will:

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Academic Catalog - 2024-2025

College of Social and Behavioral Sciences

Department of Geography, Planning, and Recreation

Geography, Master of Science


Details

Graduate Admission Information
Additional Admission Requirements
Master's Requirements
Accelerated Bachelor's to Master's Program
Additional Information
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Academic Catalog - 2024-2025

College of Social and Behavioral Sciences

Department of Geography, Planning, and Recreation

Geography, Master of Science


Campus Availability

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