Best Master’s in Geography Programs

On Campus | Scheduled Classes

Avg. Cost per Academic Quarter
In State | $3,900
Out of State | $3,900

Credits to Graduate
36

Program Information
Program Accreditation | N/A

UCLA offers a master of arts in geography. With a 92% graduation rate, this program prepares students with a strong foundation and the skills necessary to pursue rewarding careers or advanced education. The master's in geography offers a fast track for students wanting to pursue a doctorate.

To apply, students must submit official transcripts, three academic or professional recommendation letters, and a purpose statement. Applicants with bachelor's degrees must have a 3.3 GPA or a 3.5 GPA if they have a master's degree.

Hybrid | Scheduled Classes

Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $1,210
Out of State | $1,863

Credits to Graduate
30 for Thesis Option
36 for Report Option

Program Information
Program Accreditation | N/A

With an 86% graduation rate, The University of Texas at Austin offers one of the best master's in geography programs. TheDepartment of Geography and the Environment allows students to choose between a thesis track and a report option to complete their degrees.

An application to the program requires a Graduate Record Exam (GRE) score, official transcripts from all previous postsecondary schools, a statement of purpose, and three recommendation letters.

On Campus | Scheduled Classes

Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $370
Out of State | $1,050

Credits to Graduate
30

Program Information
Program Accreditation | N/A

Students in the master's in geography program opt for a master of arts or master of science track. This department reports an 87% graduation rate and offers non-degree options. Students can pursue research in environment and climate, geographic information science, or human geography.

Applicants must submit official transcripts from prior institutions, three letters of recommendation, a CV, and a personal statement. Incoming students for the fall 2023 term do not need to submit GRE scores. Applicants may submit optional documents like writing samples, presentations, or other evidence of scholarship.

On Campus | Scheduled Classes

Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $479
Out of State | $1,111

Credits to Graduate
30

Program Information
Program Accreditation | N/A

Florida State University'smaster's in geography program allows students to choose the thesis or non-thesis track to pursue a master of arts or master of science. The program also offers a master's in geographic information science. Florida State reports an 83% graduation rate. The department emphasizes statistics, geospatial sciences, and critical analysis in its curriculum.

Prospective students must submit unofficial transcripts for review. Accepted students should provide official copies of their transcripts before the start of classes. They also need to provide a writing sample and three letters of recommendation.

On Campus | Scheduled Classes

Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $811
Out of State | $1,644

Credits to Graduate
30

Program Information
Program Accreditation | N/A

The University of Wisconsin Madison offers a master of science in geography program that has been in existence for over 100 years. Students can choose a concentration in geography or cartography and geographic information science.

The program accepts 10-15 new students each year, and they only take applications for the fall semester. Applicants must submit three letters of recommendation and meet the minimum requirements of the graduate school.

On Campus | Scheduled Classes

Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $2,310
Out of State | $2,310

Credits to Graduate
30

Program Information
Program Accreditation | N/A

The Department of Geography and Sustainable Development at the University of Miami offers a master of arts in geography and a master of professional studies in urban sustainability and resilience. The department also offers a certificate in sustainable development. The program reports an 83% graduation rate and allows students to choose a thesis track or an advanced independent study option.

Applicants to the program must hold a bachelor's degree in geography or a related field. They must also have a minimum GPA of 3.0.

Hybrid | Scheduled Classes

Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $812
Out of State | $1,769

Credits to Graduate
30

Program Information
Program Accreditation | N/A

The Department of Geographical Sciences offers a master of science in geospatial information science and a master of science in geospatial intelligence. Geospatial information science students can participate in a joint program between the University of Maryland, College Park and Nanjing Normal University in China.

The department reports an 87% graduation rate, making it competitive with other schools on this list. Students applying to either on-campus or online programs must submit a statement of purpose, transcripts, two letters of recommendation, and a CV or resume.

On Campus | Scheduled Classes

Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $470
Out of State | $855

Credits to Graduate
31 for Thesis Option
36 for Non-Thesis Option

Program Information
Program Accreditation | N/A

TheDepartment of Geography and Environmental Science offers a master of arts (MA) in geography through a thesis or non-thesis option. Other degree offerings include an MA in environmental studies and earth science, a geographic information science (GIS) certificate, a master of science in geoinformatics, an MA in the teacher education program (TEP) in earth science, and an MA TEP in social studies. Students can choose a concentration in urban geography studies, environmental studies, GIS, or places and cultures.

Students interested in the program must possess a bachelor's in geography or a related field. They must also hold a minimum B-minus overall and a B in a major. The program requires a GRE score and recommends that applicants exhibit basic statistics knowledge.

On Campus | Scheduled Classes

Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $435
Out of State | $881

Credits to Graduate
33 for Thesis Option
36 for Non-Thesis Option

Program Information
Program Accreditation | N/A

TheDepartment of Geography, Environment, and Planning offers a master of arts in geography. Students typically specialize in environmental geography, geographic information science and spatial analysis, or human geography. The program reports a 75% graduation rate.

To apply to the master's program, students must provide a letter of intent, two or more recommendation letters, academic transcripts, and GRE scores. Individuals applying for an assistantship need to complete an additional application form.

On Campus, Online | Scheduled Classes

Avg. Cost per Term
In State | $6,720
Out of State | $14,517
Online | $500 (per credit)

Credits to Graduate
32 

Program Information
Program Accreditation | N/A

The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign offers a graduate degree program in geography available as a master of arts or a master of science. Students can choose from three areas of specialization: river, watershed, and landscape dynamics; geographic information science; or cities, space, and society.

Potential candidates who choose to apply to the program must include a personal statement, transcripts of any degrees they hold, and three letters of reference. GRE test scores are no longer required as part of the application. Once an application is submitted, the applicant is also automatically considered for fellowships and teaching or research assistant positions.