M.A. in Geography

Entry Requiremtents for Postgraduate Programs 

Application Fees : US$ 90

Academic Requirements:

• Prospective postgraduate students must have completed a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from a recognized institution.
• A minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale is generally required for admission consideration.

English Language Proficiency Requirements:

• IELTS (International English Language Testing System):

  • Overall Score: 6.5 or higher
  • No individual band score lower than 6.0

• TOEFL iBT (Test of English as a Foreign Language - Internet-Based Test):

  • Overall Score: 78 or higher

• PTE Academic (Pearson Test of English Academic):

  • Overall Score: 52 or higher

• DET (Duolingo English Test):

  • Overall Score: 110 or higher

Standardized Tests (GRE/GMAT):

• GRE (Graduate Record Examination) scores: A minimum score of 300 is required.

Texas State University recognizes the importance of supporting international students in achieving their educational goals. To assist students in pursuing their academic aspirations, the university offers a range of scholarships tailored to international students' diverse backgrounds and achievements. These scholarships help alleviate the financial burden and make higher education more accessible. 

1. International Freshman Scholarships: Texas State University offers merit-based scholarships for incoming international freshman students. These scholarships are awarded based on academic achievement, standardized test scores, and other accomplishments. Eligible students are automatically considered during the admission process.

2. International Transfer Scholarships: Transfer students from international institutions are also eligible for scholarships based on their academic performance at their previous institution. These scholarships recognize the hard work and dedication of transfer students as they continue their education at Texas State University.

3. Global Diversity Scholarship: The Global Diversity Scholarship is designed to celebrate the diverse backgrounds of international students. It is awarded to students who have demonstrated a commitment to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion. This scholarship is open to both undergraduate and graduate students.

4. President's Honor Scholarship: This prestigious scholarship is awarded to highly accomplished international students who have exceptional academic achievements and leadership qualities. Recipients of the President's Honor Scholarship receive a significant financial award to support their education at Texas State University.

5. Graduate Assistantships: Graduate students have the opportunity to apply for assistantship positions, which provide financial support while gaining valuable professional experience. Graduate assistantships may involve teaching, research, or administrative responsibilities.

6. Donor-Funded Scholarships: Texas State University benefits from the generosity of donors who have established scholarships to support international students. These scholarships may be based on various criteria, such as field of study, leadership, community involvement, or academic excellence.

7. Departmental Scholarships: Many academic departments within the university offer scholarships to students pursuing specific majors or disciplines. These scholarships are often awarded based on academic performance and potential within the chosen field.

8. Study Abroad Scholarships: For international students interested in participating in study abroad programs, Texas State University provides scholarships to support their global learning experiences. These scholarships help students broaden their horizons and gain cross-cultural perspectives.

Application Process: The application process for scholarships at Texas State University may vary depending on the scholarship. Some scholarships require a separate application, while others consider all eligible students during the admission process.

The Master of Arts (M.A.) in Geography program at Texas State University offers students an opportunity to delve into the complex interactions between humans and their environment, preparing them for a wide range of rewarding career opportunities.  

1. Urban Planning: Graduates can work as urban planners, contributing to the development of sustainable and well-designed urban areas. They assess land use patterns, transportation networks, and demographic trends to create livable and functional cities.

2. Environmental Consultant: With their deep understanding of spatial relationships and environmental processes, M.A. in Geography graduates can provide valuable insights to organizations aiming to make environmentally sustainable decisions.

3. Geospatial Analyst: Graduates proficient in geographic information systems (GIS) can work as geospatial analysts, utilizing advanced technologies to collect, analyze, and interpret spatial data for various applications such as urban planning, disaster response, and environmental monitoring.

4. Cartographer: Graduates skilled in mapmaking and data visualization can pursue careers as cartographers, creating maps that communicate information effectively for fields like navigation, communication, and data analysis.

5. Cultural Resource Manager: Graduates with a focus on cultural geography can work in cultural resource management, helping to preserve and manage historical sites, landmarks, and cultural heritage.

6. Geographic Information Scientist: M.A. graduates can work as GIS scientists, focusing on the development and application of geospatial technologies for solving complex problems in fields such as public health, transportation, and natural resource management.

7. Transportation Planner: Graduates can contribute to the design of efficient and sustainable transportation systems, taking into account factors like traffic patterns, accessibility, and urban development.

8. Nonprofit Organizations: Organizations focused on environmental conservation, community development, and social justice can benefit from graduates' understanding of spatial patterns and interactions.

9. Researcher or Academic: Graduates interested in advancing geographical knowledge can pursue research positions or further academic studies, contributing to the understanding of various geographic phenomena.

10. Government Positions: Federal, state, and local government agencies often hire geographers for roles in urban planning, disaster management, land use analysis, and more.

11. Private Sector Opportunities: Industries such as real estate, retail, and technology require geographical insights for site selection, market analysis, and location-based services.

12. GIS Manager: Graduates with strong GIS skills can move into managerial positions, overseeing the implementation of geospatial technologies within organizations.

13. Data Analyst: Graduates can leverage their skills in data analysis and interpretation to work in diverse fields, extracting insights from spatial data to inform decision-making.