Geography, MA
Our mission is to encourage and advance geographic scholarship by conserving past knowledge, developing new knowledge through ongoing research, and transmitting research findings to our students and the scientific community. The department trains graduate and undergraduate students in analytical, technical, and communication skills needed to participate actively and successfully in a rapidly changing environment and emphasizes the importance of understanding world problems, cultures, and economic-political systems in the context of global interdependence and cooperation.
The department's mission at SJSU and in the Bay Area is to increase geography's scholarly writing, sponsored research, and professional activities. We have developed a comprehensive and relevant Masters programs, and provide appropriate General Education courses to core disciplines and professional schools at SJSU. The department serves by improving academia's ability to meet the urgent demands of current and future communities and to help the business and public sectors solve problems.
Our students are frequently offered internship opportunities with the U.S. Geological Survey, NASA Ames, the City of San Jose, and Stanford University while enrolled or immediately after graduating from our program. Many of our program graduates secure professional jobs with the largest tech employers in Silicon Valley.
Program Description
The Master of Arts in Geography emphasizes human and physical geography with an emphasis in advanced learning in Geographic Information Sciences (GIS) and Urban Geography. GIS is a rapidly growing field and our courses will give students the analytic and problem-solving abilities necessary to begin rewarding careers immediately after graduation. Students may also pursue a more generalized study of cultural, physical, or environmental geography. Most students follow an individualized program that includes courses and seminars in related disciplines, such as Environmental Studies and Urban and Regional Planning. Although the department requires knowledge of the fundamentals of geography and GIS, it welcomes students whose undergraduate work has been in other disciplines, and who can apply their training to geographic problems.
The MA degree is a 30-credit program and many of our classes are offered in the late afternoon, evening, or on-line. In addition to their graduate coursework, all candidates for the Master of Arts in Geography must complete a Master's thesis project. In consultation with the geography advisor, the candidate will develop and pursue a program of study outlined in Plan A or Plan B.
Geography, MA - Plans
Geography, MA - Catalog Listing
If you are interested in applying for a Master of Arts in Geography, please contact the Geography Graduate Advisor.
