Geography Master's and PhD: Degrees at a Glance
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of geographers is expected to grow 35% from 2010 to 2020, which is faster than average for all occupations. Despite positive job growth, the small nature of the field will likely yield less than 1,000 new jobs during the ten-year period.
Most careers in geography require at least a master's degree, although many students go on to receive PhD degrees. Individuals with bachelor's degrees are qualified for entry-level positions, while master's degree holders typically hold positions outside of the federal government. Individuals with PhD degrees in geography typically work in research or academia. Regardless of position, job applicants who possess a strong educational background and relevant work experience are most poised for success.
| Master's | PhD | |
|---|---|---|
| Who is this degree for? | - Bachelor's degree holders who want advancement opportunities in the field of geography - People who want to work in the geography field in the private sector | - People who want to teach at the postsecondary level or work in academia |
| Common Career Paths (with approximate annual salary) | - Geographer ($74,000 - may vary with experience)* - Historian ($58,000 - may vary with experience)* | - Postsecondary geography professor ($72,000 - may vary with experience)* |
| Time to Completion | Typically 2 years (full-time) | Typically 3-4 years beyond a bachelor's degree (full-time) |
| Common Graduation Requirements | - Satisfy approximately 45 coursework credits - Maintain GPA standards - Complete thesis, if applicable | - Complete approximately 80 coursework credits - Research, write and present dissertation - Pass qualifying exams - Complete student teaching/research requirements, if applicable - Advanced computer or language skills may be required |
| Prerequisites | - Undergraduate transcripts - Meet GPA requirements - Recent GRE scores - Letters of recommendation - Writing sample | - All of the master's requirements plus - Prerequisite courses, if applicable (some programs may require a previous master's degree, while others admit students with bachelor's degrees) |
| Online Availability | Yes | No |
Sources: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2011 mean figures)
Geography Master's Degrees
Students in a geography master's degree program will acquire practical skills to achieve success in their industry, including the mastery of new technologies. Degree programs are typically structured as a Master of Arts (MA) or Master of Science (MS) in Geography, although specific titles will vary with each academic institution. Depending on the nature of your program, you may have the opportunity to specialize in a particular concentration, such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Geography careers outside of government typically require at least a master's degree.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Geographers are increasingly needed to analyze human impact on the environment, particularly as the issue gains more prominence in the public eye.
- According to the BLS, individuals with advanced degrees, knowledge of business concepts and experience working with GIS are poised for the best job prospects.
- Geographers need at least a master's degree for most positions in the private sector.
Cons
- Because geography is a relatively small occupation, the fast growth expected from 2010 to 2020 will result in only about 600 new jobs.*
- Job applicants in this industry can expect strong competition for open positions.
- Most geographers work for the federal government, so employment opportunities may be tied to budgetary decisions.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Common Courses and Requirements
Geography master's degree programs typically revolve around courses in physical and human geography. Commonly, a master's degree program requires approximately 45 academic credit hours, including a mixture of mathematics, computing and statistics courses. In addition to coursework, students may need to complete a thesis and/or a relevant internship. Sample courses may include:
- Environmental remote sensing
- Geographic data analysis
- Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
- Cultural geography
- Weather and climate
- Physical geography
Online Degree Options
Online geography degrees are available from reputable academic institutions. Program structures will likely vary with each school. Regardless of a degree program's structure, online programs generally feature curriculum and coursework requirements that are similar to traditional on-campus programs. Remember that online degree programs are typically reading- and writing-intensive, with a focus on independent coursework and online lectures.
Getting Ahead with this Degree
To stand out in your field, consider obtaining a voluntary Geographic Information Systems (GIS) certification. Professionals with a GIS certification demonstrate that they have met professional expertise standards within their industry. To qualify as a GIS professional, you may need a combination of education, professional experience and academic contributions (such as published research).
Alternate Degrees
Students who are interested in geography graduate degrees may want to consider an alternate degree in political science. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of political scientists is only expected to grow by 8% from 2010 to 2012, which is slower than average for all occupations. However, despite slowing employment prospects, political scientists with a master's degree typically earn upwards of $100,000 each year.
Geography PhD Degrees
PhD programs aim to train students in the principles of geography and prepare them for careers as researchers and academics. PhD candidates will need to complete approximately 80 academic credits, pass preliminary examinations in their field, and research, write and present a dissertation. Most PhD programs are predominantly focused on research across various fields of geography. Some schools may require applicants to have previous master's degrees in geography or a related field, while other schools may admit students who have bachelor's degrees.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Careers in academia require a PhD.
- PhD programs are generally highly customizable, so students have the opportunity to specialize in a topic of particular interest to them.
- PhD students may be eligible for graduate assistantships or other financial support.
Cons
- The requirements for a doctoral degree are usually more rigorous than those for a master's degree.
- Doctoral degree programs may require applicants to have a master's degree in a related field.
- Professional experience is very important to employers and it may be difficult to land your first relevant job, even with an advanced degree.
Common Courses and Requirements
As a PhD candidate, you will likely complete academic coursework, perform research, obtain a passing score on a preliminary examination and prepare for your doctoral dissertation (which you must research, write and present to a faculty panel). In addition, some programs may encourage or require students to serve as a teaching assistant for at least one semester. In a typical geography PhD program, you can expect coursework to include:
- Progress in human geography
- Current trends in geography
- Theory and practice of geography
- Qualitative methods in geography
- Geographic data analysis
Online Degree Options
Currently, online PhD degrees in geography are not widely available. If you find an accredited online program, consider that you may need access to an approved, physical site where you can conduct research. As of December 2012, an on-campus PhD program will most likely be your best option for doctoral study of geography.
Getting Ahead with this Degree
A key component of a successful career in research or academia is published, original works. Students who plan to pursue careers in academic research and education can leverage their school's literary journals to publicize their projects and papers.
If you want to pursue a career in higher education, consider teaching assistantship opportunities offered through your school. If assistantships are not an option for you, you may be able to secure a volunteer experience at a local school or community organization.
