M.A. in Geography

Application Fees : US$ 70

Postgraduate Admissions:

• A minimum undergraduate degree with a cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 60% or higher.
   
• English Language Proficiency: International students must demonstrate English language proficiency by achieving satisfactory scores in one of the following standardized tests:
  • IELTS: Minimum score of 6.5 overall.
  • TOEFL: Minimum score of 80 on the internet-based test (iBT).
  • PTE: Minimum score of 55.
  • DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 105.
     
• WES Evaluation Required.

It is important to note that meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee admission to specific programs at CSULA. Some programs may have additional requirements or criteria, such as a portfolio review or an interview. CSULA encourages international students to apply early and submit all required documents by the specified deadlines. 

California State University, Los Angeles (CSULA) provides several scholarship opportunities for international students to support their educational journey. These scholarships recognize academic achievement, leadership potential, and contributions to the university community. 

1. International Eagle Scholarship: The International Eagle Scholarship is designed for undergraduate and graduate international students who demonstrate academic excellence. The scholarship amount varies and is renewable based on maintaining a specified GPA. Eligible students must have completed at least one semester at CSULA.

2. President's Scholarship: The President's Scholarship is a prestigious award offered to outstanding international undergraduate students. It covers full tuition and fees for up to four years of study. Recipients are selected based on academic achievement, leadership potential, and extracurricular involvement.

3. Graduate Equity Fellowship: The Graduate Equity Fellowship provides financial assistance to international graduate students who come from disadvantaged backgrounds or groups underrepresented in higher education. The fellowship supports full-time enrollment and offers a stipend to cover living expenses.

4. CSU Trustees' Award for Outstanding Achievement: The CSU Trustees' Award for Outstanding Achievement is a system-wide scholarship program that recognizes exceptional undergraduate students across the California State University system. International students who meet the eligibility criteria, including academic achievement and community service, can apply for this competitive scholarship.

5. College-Specific Scholarships: CSULA's colleges and departments also offer discipline-specific scholarships for international students. These scholarships may be based on academic merit, field of study, or specific criteria set by the respective college or department.

It is important to note that scholarship availability, criteria, and application deadlines may vary.

Graduates of the M.A. in Geography program at CSULA have diverse career prospects in various sectors.  

1. Urban and Regional Planning: Graduates can work as urban planners, regional planners, or transportation planners in government agencies, consulting firms, or nonprofit organizations. They contribute to urban development, land use planning, and sustainable growth.

2. Environmental Management: Graduates can work in environmental management and sustainability roles, assessing and managing environmental impacts, developing conservation strategies, or working in environmental consulting firms.

3. GIS and Data Analysis: Graduates with strong GIS and spatial analysis skills can work as GIS specialists, spatial analysts, or data analysts in government agencies, private companies, or research institutions. They analyze spatial data, create maps, and provide valuable insights for decision-making.

4. Natural Resource Management: Graduates can work in natural resource management roles, focusing on conservation, land use planning, or resource assessment. They may find employment in government agencies, environmental organizations, or consulting firms.

5. Research and Academia: Graduates can pursue research or teaching positions in universities, colleges, or research institutions. They can engage in research projects, contribute to scholarly publications, or pursue doctoral degrees for academic careers.

6. Transportation and Logistics: Graduates can work in transportation planning, logistics management, or supply chain analysis roles. They contribute to efficient transportation systems, route optimization, or logistics operations in private companies or government agencies.

7. Nonprofit and Community Development: Graduates can work in nonprofit organizations or community development agencies, focusing on social and economic development, community engagement, or advocacy for marginalized populations.

8. Government and Public Service: Graduates can find employment in local, state, or federal government agencies, contributing to policy development, economic development initiatives, or disaster management.

9. Market Research and Location Analysis: Graduates with strong analytical and research skills can work in market research firms or location analysis roles. They provide insights into consumer behavior, market trends, or location strategies for businesses.

10. International Development: Graduates can work in international organizations or NGOs, contributing to development projects, sustainable planning, or humanitarian efforts globally.

The M.A. in Geography program at CSULA equips graduates with a strong foundation in geographic knowledge, analytical skills, and practical experience, opening up diverse career opportunities in environmental management, urban planning, GIS, research, and more.