Geographic Information Science (Master's)
Working closely with a dedicated faculty that is recognized nationally and internationally for its research, mentoring, and teaching accomplishments, students embark on a journey of professional development that includes research and teaching opportunities. The department also hosts or plays key roles in several international, national, and university-wide research centers.
Students learn theories and real-world problem-solving skills in environmental, physical, and human geography, geographic information sciences, and geographic education.
Contact The Graduate College for general questions about getting started with your application, funding your degree, and more.
If you have program-specific questions after reviewing the program details, we encourage you to contact the following:
Graduate Advisor
Dr. Ronald Hagelman, III
rhagelman@txstate.edu
512.245.8847
Evans Liberal Arts (ELA), Room 335
Advisor Support
Allison Glass
am13@txstate.edu
512.245.2618
Evans Liberal Arts (ELA), Room 127
“The personal commitment of the faculty to each individual student promotes academic self-growth, and the program's holistic approach to geography allows students to prepare for professional paths suited to their interests and aspirations.”
— Laura Engells, M.A.Geo. ’16
Course Work
The M.A.Geo program provides students with the skills and knowledge needed to solve real-world problems with a geographical dimension. Students complete 33 credit hours, including core and skills courses, as well as electives in one of four areas of specialization: general geography, geography resource, and environmental studies, geographic information science, or geographic education (100% online). A research paper is required to complete the degree.
| Degree | Hours | Thesis Option | Minor Option |
|---|---|---|---|
| M.A.Geo | 33 | Non-Thesis | No minor |
Our master’s students have been recognized with research awards and academic scholarships at the international, national and regional levels, and have pursued professional careers or joined doctoral programs at Texas State and elsewhere.
Program Mission
The mission of the Department of Geography is to offer students educational experiences of the highest quality and to conduct meaningful and vital research. The department is committed to outstanding teaching and scholarly activities within the framework of academic freedom and the diversity of ideas and is dedicated to the advancement of knowledge and to public service. The department stresses the theoretical and applied realms of geography in all of its curricula, leads the discipline with innovative applied work, and actively seeks to recruit top students nationally and internationally.
Related Programs
Program Faculty
Full-time faculty members conduct research in physical, human, and environmental geography, geographic education, and geographic information sciences, and publish in top-tier journals, including the Annals of the American Association of Geographers, The Professional Geographer, Urban Geography, Physical Geography, the International Journal of Geographical Information Sciences, and the Journal of Geography. Faculty research has been supported by the National Science Foundation, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Department of Justice, and National Aeronautics and Space Administration, among other funding agencies.
Career Options
M.A.Geo graduates typically pursue professional careers in environmental management, GIScience, physical and environmental geography, and planning. Alumni work in the private or public sector, in federal agencies or research centers, or have continued to the Ph.D. level.
Application Process
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Application Deadline This program has a firm deadline. |
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Funding Information Applications must be complete by the priority deadline to be considered for certain types of funding. |
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Decision Timeline This program reviews applications on a rolling basis. |
Application Requirements
The items required for admission consideration are listed below. Additional information for applicants with international credentials can be found on our international web pages.
Application Fee(s)
- $55 nonrefundable application fee
OR - $90 nonrefundable application fee for applications with international credentials
Review important information about application fees.
Transcripts & GPA
- baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited university
- a copy of an official transcript from each institution where course credit was granted
- minimum 3.2 GPA in your last 60 hours of undergraduate course work (plus any completed graduate courses)
- background course work
Review important information about transcripts. Official transcripts, sent directly from your institution, will be required if admission is granted.
Once admitted, M.A.Geo. students wishing to transfer to the M.S. program must complete nine graduate hours with a 3.6 GPA or better and work with the graduate advisor to determine eligibility of transfer.
GRE Scores
- official GRE (general test only) required with competitive scores in the verbal reasoning and quantitative reasoning sections
Review important information about official test scores.
*Effective Fall 2022, GRE scores will no longer be required.
Documents
- resume/CV
- statement of purpose identifying your preferred degree and concentration and possible areas of research
- three letters of recommendation
Review important information about documents.
TOEFL, PTE, or IELTS Scores
Applicants are required to submit TOEFL, PTE, or IELTS scores that meet the minimum program requirements below unless they have earned a bachelor’s degree or higher from a regionally accredited U.S. institution or the equivalent from a country on our exempt countries list.
- official TOEFL iBT scores required with a 78 overall
- official PTE scores required with a 52 overall
- official IELTS (academic) scores required with a 6.5 overall and
- minimum individual module scores of 6.0
This program does not offer admission if the scores above are not met.
Review important information about official test scores.