The Master of Science in Geography program at UMass Amherst offers graduate education with a focus on human geography, environmental geography, remote sensing, and GIS. Students can specialize in areas such as urban geography, political ecology, sustainability, and environmental history, drawing from social science and humanities theoretical perspectives. The program also advises on work in environmental geography from a physical geography perspective emphasizing carbon cycling. For those interested in advanced studies in geography at the doctoral level, admission is sought through the geosciences PhD program, following consultation with a geography faculty member. Students interested in physical sciences should explore the geosciences MS and PhD programs.
The MS in Geography program allows students to hone their focus in specialized areas through advanced studies and research. Specific module details for each year are not provided.
TOEFL MyBest Scores are not accepted. Score reports must be less than two years old and submitted directly from the testing agency. An exemption may be possible for students who have completed two non-ESL English composition courses and several humanities/social science courses with grades of B or better at a U.S. college or university, subject to review.
Refer to the University's Tuition and Fees page for detailed cost information.
The minimum required scores are 80+ on the TOEFL iBT (with no sub-score below 20), 6.5 on the IELTS (with no sub-score below 6.0), or 115+ on the Duolingo English Test (DET). TOEFL MyBest Scores are not accepted.
The application deadline for Fall admission is January 5 for the following year. Ensure all required documents and scores are submitted by this date.
The program focuses on human geography, environmental geography, remote sensing, and GIS, suggesting a relevant undergraduate background. For those interested in physical sciences, the geosciences MS and PhD programs are recommended.
Applicants must submit transcripts, letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and English proficiency test scores (TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo). Specific academic requirements should also be reviewed.
Yes, the program allows specialization in areas such as urban geography, political ecology, sustainability, environmental history, and Geographic Information Science and Technology (GIST).