Photo: River with trees on both banks
Graduate Program
in the fieldThe Department of Geography at The University of Alabama offers a M.S. in Geography with three areas of concentration: (1) Earth System Science, (2) Regional, Urban, and Environmental Planning, and (3) Geographic Information Science. In addition, the department offers a GIS Certificate Program that enables students to acquire technical and analytical skills. The graduate program in geography prepares students to work in a broad range of positions with federal, state, and local governments, environmental consulting firms, private conservation and resource management agencies, and educational institutions, and allows students to pursue further academic study.

The M.S. degree in Geography requires a minimum of 30 semester hours of graduate coursework and successful defense of a thesis. Nearly all of our graduate students are funded with paid tuition and stipends. The M.S. degree is designed to be completed in two years, although a small number of students do not attend full-time and pursue the degree over a longer period. The department also offers a night program allowing part-time students to pursue their graduate degree in the evening hours. A non-thesis track is available, but only with advisor consent and should not be pursued under most circumstances.

Application Process

Before a student formally applies to the M.S. program, they should contact a member of the faculty that shares their academic interests. The student may then formally apply with consent of the potential advisor. Recommendations for acceptance and assistantships are based on academic records, the GRE, experience, statement of purpose, and references. No students are admitted that have not received support from the potential advisor. Applications for assistantships in the fall semester should be received by 15 February. For additional information please explore the department website, visit the links below, or contact Justin Hart.

Additional Information and Links

Graduate School Applications

Geography Graduate Program Flier (PDF)

Geography Application Checklist (PDF)