Best Master’s in Geography Programs

Geography involves the study of the Earth and the distribution of people, political structures, communities, geological features, and land formations. Most geography careers require at least a bachelor’s degree. But many individuals go to graduate school to get a master’s so they can pursue leadership and other higher-level positions.

A master’s in geography program cost an average of $20,000 per year in tuition and fees, in 2019-2020. Tuition for online programs often is about the same. However, distance learners might not pay for housing, transportation, or some on-campus student services. Many students save money on college costs by enrolling in online programs, attending public schools, and applying for financial aid.

Most programs offering a master’s in geography take about two years to complete. Online students typically take about the same time. But if they enroll in accelerated online classes, distance learners may graduate sooner.

The U.S. economy continues to demand geography professionals. However, the job growth rate might lag behind or remain on par with other careers. For example, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that positions for urban and regional planners will grow 7% from 2020-2030, compared to 8% total for all occupations.

Some online master’s in geography graduates can obtain relatively higher-paying jobs. According to the BLS, urban and regional planners earn a median annual salary of $78,500, as of May 2021. Cartographers and photogrammetrists earn a median annual wage of $68,900. These figures exceed the total median salary of $45,760 for all occupations.

Rankings compiled by the BestColleges Ranking Team

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

Each year, the BestColleges Ranking Team evaluates hundreds of programs to produce our annual Best Master’s in Geography ranking. In 2022, the team sourced the most recent data available from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System and College Navigator, both of which are hosted by the National Center for Education Statistics. We identified 128 schools that qualify for our ranking list based on the following criteria.

To ensure the accuracy and quality of our final ranked list, the ranking team reviewed each qualifying school to ensure it met the criteria for our ranking, and then applied our proprietary ranking methodology to identify the best schools offering this program in the nation. Each school is ranked based on a formula measuring academic factors (60%) and affordability (40%).

The BestColleges Ranking Team is made up of contributors from our data science and product management teams. These contributors operate independently from the editorial team. All BestColleges school rankings are produced by the ranking team and are free of editorial influence. Read our Editorial Policy and Standards to learn more.

People passionate about protecting the Earth or learning about the interconnectedness of people and physical landscapes might find geography attractive. Some careers in this field prove lucrative, in demand, and meaningful for many graduates.

Private companies, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations focused on environmental issues tend to value professionals with geographic information science (GIS) backgrounds and skills in geotechnologies.

While geography professionals might not see as much job demand as other career paths, some positions can lead to expansion in other areas like market research or environmental science.

Individuals interested in conservation and environmental issues might benefit from an online master’s in geography. Graduates can use their skills and knowledge in public policy, mapping and imaging, addressing environmental issues and problems, and urban planning.

Some professionals work as cartographers, urban and regional planners, environmental scientists and specialists, landscape architects, and surveyors. Geography’s interdisciplinary nature can provide access to career paths in nonprofit organizations, government, private business, research, emergency and crisis management, and education.

While many graduates can get entry-level positions with a bachelor’s, a master’s can qualify some people for management and other higher-level jobs.

Graduates with a master’s in geography can continue their education in various ways. Professionals wanting to expand their professional prospects might pursue a master’s in urban and regional planning, GIS, or environmental management.

Some individuals get a doctorate in geography or a related field to conduct academic research. Regardless of their educational goals, geography professionals typically attend conferences, stay updated on research in the discipline, and enroll in continuing education classes and workshops to broaden their knowledge.

Some online master’s in geography programs offer certificates in GIS, education, environmental science, and other topics.

With a master’s in geography, graduates can pursue jobs offering higher pay than the average median salary in the U.S.

For example, the BLS reports that cartographers and photogrammetrists earned a median annual salary of $68,900, as of May 2021, compared to the average median salary of $45,760 for all U.S. occupations. Also, urban and regional planners made a median annual salary of $78,500.

Salaries for geographers and other professionals in this field vary depending on occupation, experience, location, and education.

A master’s in geography can open up opportunities in leadership and other high-level jobs, which tend to offer higher salaries.

According to the BLS, the top 10% of earners among environmental scientists and cartographers and photogrammetrists made median salaries of more than $129,070 and $103,450, respectively, as of May 2021.

Government work can also prove relatively lucrative. For example, the BLS reported that geographers in government positions, not including the postal service, earned a median of $93,640 in the same year.

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