Master of Social Work - Traditional
The traditional Master of Social Work (MSW) program at the University at Buffalo is des...
M.S. in Geography
Buffalo, New York
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The M.S. in Geography at UB is a 30-credit hour program, typically requiring one to two years of full-time study, with a part-time option also available. This program is specifically aimed at students who desire to specialize in the application of analytical techniques within the field of geography. It is an excellent choice for those intending to pursue a doctoral degree, or a career in research, development, and consulting, where a strong quantitative background is essential. The program emphasizes scientific rigor, data-driven approaches, and sophisticated problem-solving.
Curriculum: The 30-credit curriculum for the M.S. in Geography at UB is structured to provide advanced training in quantitative methods and specialized geographical areas. Core requirements typically include foundational courses such as "Introduction to Graduate Geography," "Research Design," and "Univariate Statistics." Students also have the option to take a "Geography Seminar." A significant portion of the curriculum focuses on advanced quantitative courses and specialized electives. These may include "Geographical Information Systems (GIS)," "Remote Sensing," "Spatial Statistics," "GIS Algorithms and Data Structures," "Environmental Modeling," "Computational Geography," and courses in Earth Systems Science or specific human geography subfields with a quantitative focus. The program culminates in a research project or a competency portfolio, allowing students to demonstrate their scientific and analytical capabilities.
Research Focus: The M.S. in Geography at UB has a strong scientific and quantitative research focus. Faculty members and students are engaged in cutting-edge research across various specialized areas of geography, often employing advanced statistical models, computational tools, and field methods. Research interests include Earth Systems Science (focusing on the physical processes of the planet and human impacts), Geographic Information Science (GIS) (theoretical foundations, software development, and geospatial data analysis), and potentially areas of human geography that lend themselves to quantitative analysis, such as health geography or urban studies utilizing large datasets and spatial statistics. The program trains students to formulate research questions, design studies, collect and analyze complex data, and effectively communicate scientific findings.
Industry Engagement: The M.S. in Geography program at UB is designed to produce highly skilled graduates who are prepared for roles in research, development, and consulting across various industries and government sectors. The program's emphasis on advanced analytical techniques, data handling, and scientific methodology directly aligns with the needs of employers in environmental science, urban planning, data analytics, and geospatial technology. While specific formal industry partnerships or mandatory internships are not universally detailed as part of the M.S. program's structure, the department actively encourages students to pursue internships to gain practical experience. Graduates are well-positioned for roles requiring rigorous quantitative analysis and scientific problem-solving.
Global Perspective: The M.S. in Geography program at UB inherently fosters a global perspective through its focus on scientific inquiry into phenomena that are global in scale. Topics such as climate change, natural hazards, global environmental change, and international resource management are central to many research areas within geography. The application of advanced GIS and remote sensing techniques often involves analyzing global datasets and addressing challenges with international implications. As a major public research university, UB attracts a diverse international student body and faculty, which enriches the learning environment by bringing varied global experiences and scientific approaches to geographical problems, preparing graduates to contribute to solutions on a global scale.
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 Science (M.S.) in Geography from the State University of New York at Buffalo (UB) is a specialized, quantitatively focused program designed for students who seek to apply scientific methods, advanced analytics, and cutting-edge geospatial technologies to understand and solve complex geographical problems. This program, housed within the Department of Geography, emphasizes rigorous data analysis, modeling, and scientific inquiry, preparing graduates for research-intensive roles and for continued doctoral studies. With its strong emphasis on technical skills and critical thinking, the M.S. in Geography equips individuals to address pressing environmental, social, and physical challenges across various sectors.
Geospatial Analyst/Scientist: This role involves advanced application of GIS, remote sensing, and other geospatial technologies to analyze spatial data, develop sophisticated maps, and create predictive models. They work in environmental consulting, urban planning, defense, public health, and technology companies.
Environmental Data Scientist: Graduates utilize their strong quantitative skills to analyze large environmental datasets, identify trends, model ecological processes, and assess the impacts of human activities on the environment. They are employed by government agencies, environmental organizations, and research institutions.
Hydrologist/Water Resource Specialist: Specializing in the study of water, these professionals use geographical data and models to manage water resources, assess flood risks, analyze water quality, and develop strategies for sustainable water use. They work for government agencies, engineering firms, and environmental consultants.
Climate Change Analyst: With expertise in physical geography and quantitative methods, graduates can analyze climate data, develop climate models, assess vulnerabilities to climate change, and contribute to adaptation and mitigation strategies for government, non-profits, and research bodies.
Remote Sensing Specialist: These professionals work with satellite and aerial imagery to monitor land cover changes, track natural hazards, map resources, and contribute to environmental and urban planning projects using advanced image processing and analysis techniques.
Quantitative Modeler (Environmental/Urban Systems): Graduates develop and apply mathematical and statistical models to simulate complex environmental or urban systems, predicting outcomes related to pollution dispersion, population growth, transportation flow, or resource depletion.
Data Analyst/Consultant (Spatial Focus): Many industries require professionals who can extract insights from location-based data. Graduates can work as data analysts, using their spatial reasoning and statistical skills to inform business strategies, optimize logistics, or understand market demographics for various companies.
Survey Researcher/Spatial Demographer: These roles involve designing and conducting surveys with a spatial component, analyzing demographic data, and understanding population distribution and movement patterns. They work for research firms, government agencies, or public health organizations.
Geospatial Software Developer: For those with programming skills, this career involves developing custom GIS applications, tools, and algorithms, or contributing to the development of geospatial software platforms. They work in technology companies, government labs, or specialized consulting firms.
Academic Researcher / Doctoral Student: The rigorous scientific and quantitative training in the M.S. Geography program provides an excellent foundation for pursuing a Ph.D. in Geography or related fields like Environmental Science, Earth Systems Science, or Urban Planning, leading to careers in academia and advanced research.
