Master of Social Work - Traditional
The traditional Master of Social Work (MSW) program at the University at Buffalo is des...
M.A. in Geography
Buffalo, New York
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The M.A. in Geography at UB is a 30-credit hour program that typically requires one to two years of full-time study, although a part-time option is available. Students work closely with faculty advisors to design a program of study that aligns with their specific interests and professional goals. The program offers the flexibility to choose a concentration or create a customized curriculum, ensuring a tailored educational experience that fosters spatial thinking, interdisciplinary perspectives, visualization skills, and applied experience. The M.A. program culminates in either a research project or a competency portfolio.
Curriculum: The 30-credit curriculum for the M.A. in Geography is structured to provide a strong foundation in core geographical concepts and methods. Required courses typically include "Introduction to Graduate Geography," "Research Design," and "Univariate Statistics." Students also have the option of taking a "Geography Seminar." Beyond these core requirements, a wide range of elective courses allows for specialization in areas such as "Cartography and Geographic Visualization," "Remote Sensing," "Urban Geography," "Conservation Biogeography," "Environmental Modeling," and "GIS Data Science Project Management." The curriculum also includes "Tutorial Courses" for independent study and research guidance, allowing students to pursue specific research interests.
Research Focus: The M.A. in Geography at UB has a significant research focus, emphasizing the study of location, spatial relationships, and the intricate interactions between humans and their environments. Faculty and students engage in innovative research across diverse subfields of geography. Key research areas within the department include Earth Systems Science (focusing on fundamental processes of the atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere, and biosphere and their human impact), Geographic Information Science (GIS) (theoretical foundations and state-of-the-art software applications), Economic and Development Geography (globalization, economic and business geography), Health Geography (patterns and causes of disease, health care provision), and Urban and Regional Studies (transportation, land use, urban environment, population changes). Students are encouraged to develop strong research skills through coursework and their culminating research project or portfolio.
Industry Engagement: The M.A. in Geography program at UB is highly practical and committed to preparing students for successful careers in diverse professional fields. The curriculum focuses on developing "skills employers are looking for," including strong analytical, visualization, and field methods abilities. The department strongly encourages students to consider internships to gain valuable experiential learning and expand their professional networks. Graduates are well-prepared for positions in environmental consulting and engineering firms, resource management, market/demographic consulting, non-profits, and local, state, and federal government agencies. The department maintains strong relationships with internship providers and local employers, facilitating opportunities for students.
Global Perspective: The M.A. in Geography program at UB inherently fosters a global perspective by studying the interconnectedness of human and natural phenomena across various scales. Geography as a discipline examines global challenges such as climate change, globalization, cultural diversity, and sustainable development. The curriculum often includes courses that explore global patterns, interdependencies, and regional analyses of different parts of the world. As a major public research university, UB attracts a diverse international student body and faculty, which enriches the learning environment by exposing students to varied cultural contexts and global approaches to geographical issues. This prepares graduates to address complex global challenges and work effectively in an interconnected world.
Location
Buffalo, New York
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 28210
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 70% or above in their bachelor's degree.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.5 or 7.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 90 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 61 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 120.
The University at Buffalo (UB) offers a variety of scholarships and financial aid opportunities specifically aimed at supporting international students who wish to pursue their studies in the United States. These scholarships are designed to reward academic excellence, leadership, and community involvement, helping to make education more affordable for talented students worldwide.
Merit-Based Scholarships: UB provides competitive merit scholarships to outstanding international undergraduate and graduate students. Awards such as the International Student Academic Excellence Scholarship recognize high-achieving students based on their academic records, standardized test scores, and extracurricular involvement.
Graduate Fellowships and Assistantships: Graduate international students can apply for teaching assistantships, research assistantships, and fellowships which offer tuition remission and stipends. These opportunities allow students to gain valuable teaching and research experience while offsetting the cost of their education.
Departmental Scholarships: Many academic departments at UB offer scholarships tailored to students in specific programs or fields of study. These awards may consider academic merit, research interests, or financial need.
External Scholarships: UB encourages international students to explore external scholarship options from private organizations, governments, and international foundations that support study in the U.S. The university’s International Student Services office provides guidance on identifying and applying for such funding sources.
A Master of Arts (M.A.) in Geography from the State University of New York at Buffalo (UB) provides graduates with a comprehensive and adaptable skillset that is highly relevant in today's spatially-driven world. This flexible program, housed within a robust Geography Department, cultivates a deep understanding of the intricate relationships between human societies and their natural environments. Graduates develop strong analytical, research, and communication skills, alongside specialized expertise in areas like Geographic Information Science (GIS), urban planning, environmental issues, and cultural landscapes. This interdisciplinary foundation prepares them for a wide array of professional opportunities across various sectors, where a spatial perspective is crucial for understanding and solving complex problems.
Urban and Regional Planner: Graduates are well-equipped to work for municipal, county, or regional planning departments, as well as private consulting firms. They use their understanding of human geography, land use, and spatial analysis (often with GIS) to develop plans for sustainable community growth, transportation systems, and zoning regulations.
GIS Analyst/Specialist: With strong training in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), graduates can work in diverse fields such as environmental management, public safety, utilities, retail, and healthcare. They use GIS software to analyze spatial data, create maps, and develop solutions for location-based problems.
Environmental Consultant/Analyst: These professionals assess environmental impacts, develop mitigation strategies, and ensure compliance with environmental regulations for businesses, government agencies, and non-profits. Their geographical knowledge is crucial for understanding ecosystem dynamics, land degradation, and resource management.
Cartographer: Graduates can specialize in the design and production of maps, charts, and other geospatial visualizations for publishing companies, government agencies (e.g., USGS, defense mapping agencies), or private mapping firms. This role combines scientific accuracy with visual communication skills.
Demographer/Population Analyst: Focusing on human population patterns, graduates can work for government census bureaus, research institutions, or marketing firms. They analyze population trends, migration patterns, and socio-economic data to inform policy and business decisions.
Transportation Planner: Using their understanding of spatial networks and human mobility, graduates can work for transportation departments, transit agencies, or consulting firms. They analyze traffic flows, optimize routes, and plan for infrastructure development to improve efficiency and accessibility.
Location Analyst/Site Selection Specialist: Businesses, particularly in retail and logistics, hire geographers to analyze geographic data for optimal site selection for new stores, distribution centers, or facilities. This involves understanding demographics, market demand, and accessibility.
Natural Resource Manager: Graduates can work for government agencies (e.g., national parks, forest services), conservation organizations, or private land management companies. They manage natural resources such as water, forests, and wildlife, applying geographical principles for sustainable use and conservation.
Research Assistant (Academic/Think Tank): The M.A. program's emphasis on research methods and critical inquiry prepares graduates for roles in academic research, university departments, or policy-oriented think tanks, contributing to studies on a wide range of social, environmental, and economic issues.
Educator (Secondary or Community College): While K-12 public school teaching typically requires additional certification, an M.A. in Geography provides an excellent foundation for teaching geography at the secondary school level or as an instructor/lecturer at community colleges, focusing on human geography, physical geography, or GIS.
