best geography phd programs

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PhD in Geography

Phd in geography, university of north carolina at charlotte.

Now accepting applications for Fall 2025

GRE requirement optional for 2025 Admissions

The priority deadline for funding consideration is February 15th, 2025

The PhD in Geography is our department’s core doctoral program reflecting the multi-disciplinary research and teaching expertise of our exceptional and award-winning faculty. Graduate students engage in coursework from within and across three areas of focus: Urban and Regional Analysis, Earth and Environmental Systems, and Geographic Information Science. A broad range of elective courses build upon shared training in the theoretical and methodological foundations of Geography, advanced research approaches (quantitative and/or qualitative) and spatial technologies and analysis. Independent research follows yielding a dissertation that advances knowledge in Geography and its related disciplines.

Doctoral students in Geography at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte are members of a student-centered, well-resourced and collegial department comprised of social, physical and applied scientists. As many as half of our PhD students are supported through competitive Graduate Assistantships or Fellowships and our students are frequent recipients of the university’s most prestigious scholarships and national awards. Currently, the program’s Graduate Assistantships include a 9-month stipend of $22,500 plus tuition and health care support through a Graduate School GASP Award.

Our commitment to professional development translates into student involvement in faculty-led research and outreach teams; summer field work grants; financial support to present at national and international conferences; and preparation for teaching and research excellence both pre and post-graduation. Doctoral students in the program have established a tradition of engagement and leadership in the department, across campus, and within national and international professional associations such as the American Association of Geographers and its regional and specialty groups.

The program is structured to be completed within 4 years and our graduates find professional success across the occupational spectrum – as tenure-track professors, international researchers, community planners, analysts with local to national scale governments, post-doctoral fellows, applied scientists, spatial entrepreneurs, private sector consultants and more.

We are now accepting applications for Fall 2024 Admission. Applications received before February 15, 2024 will be given priority consideration for available assistantship and fellowship funding.

Please note that our program will continue to waive the GRE requirement for applicants seeking admission for Spring and Fall 2024. If applicants wish to submit GRE scores they may still do so and those will be considered in the review process.

Admission and requirements? Please refer to UNC Charlotte Graduate Catalog

Ready to apply? Please refer to UNC Charlotte Graduate School Admissions

Questions? Please contact program director Dr. Colleen Hammelman [email protected]

Resources for PhD in Geography Program

• PhD GEOG Course Listing
• PhD GEOG Proposed Plan of Study Form
• PhD GEOG Milestone Checklist
• PhD GEOG and GURA Dissertations
• Typical Timeline for UNC Charlotte Doctoral Programs
• Fellowships, Awards and Competitions

Alumni Dr. Paul McDaniel and students Tonderai Mushipe and Jaeho Ko connect at Race, Ethnicity and Place (REP) conference in Austin, TX, Fall 2018.

Publications by our PhD Geography Students and Recent Alumni (and their faculty co-authors)

• J. Claire Schuch & Tonderai Mushipe . 2021. “Light Rail and Neighborhood Change: Comparative Perspectives of Residents, Local Media, and Other Stakeholders” Housing Policy Debate , https://doi.org/10.1080/10511482.2021.1949371
• Elizabeth Delmelle, Isabelle Nilsson & Providence Adu . 2021. “Poverty Suburbanization, Job Accessibility, and Employment Outcomes” Social Inclusion , DOI: 10.17645/si.v9i2.3735
• Brisa U. de Hernandez, J. Claire Schuch , Janni Sorensen & Heather A. Smith. 2021. “Sustaining CBPR Projects: Lessons Learned Developing Latina Community Groups.” Collaborations: A Journal of Community-based Research and Practice , DOI: http://doi.org/10.33596/coll.69
• Paul H. Jung & Jun Song. 2021. “Multivariate Neighborhood Trajectory Analysis: An Exploration of the Functional Data Analysis Approach” Geographical Analysis , https://doi.org/10.1111/gean.12298
• Yu Lan , Michael R. Desjardins , Alexander Hohl & Eric Delmell e. 2021. “Geovisualization of COVID-19: State of the Art and Opportunities” Cartographica: The International Journal for Geographic Information and Geovisualization , DOI: 10.3138/cart-2020-0027
• Maryam Khabazi & Isabelle Nilsson. 2021. “Connecting people with jobs: Light rail’s impact on Commuting patterns” Travel Behaviour and Society , https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tbs.2021.03.003
• Claudio Owusu , G ary S.Silverman , David S.Vinson, Rajib Paul , Kathleen M. Baker & Eric M. Delmelle. 2021. “Predicting coliform presence in private wells as a function of well characteristics, parcel size and leachfield soil rating” Science of the Total Environment , https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.143701
• Daidai Shen , Jean-Claude Thill & Jiuwen Sun. 2021. “The determinants of city population in China” Asia-Pacific Journal of Regional Science . https://doi.org/10.1007/s41685-020-00170-8
• Minrui Zheng , Wenwu Tang, Akinwumi Ogundiran & Jianxin Yang. 2020. “Spatial Simulation Modeling of Settlement Distribution Driven by Random Forest: Consideration of Landscape Visibility” Sustainability , https://doi.org/10.3390/su12114748

Geography, PHD

On this page:, at a glance: program details.

• Location: Tempe campus
• Second Language Requirement: No

Program Description

Degree Awarded: PHD Geography

The specialized academic and professional training students receive in the PhD program in geography is sound graduate background for further specialization or for immediate employment. The program has sufficient flexibility to allow for individual needs and interests, allowing students to create a plan of study that fits their personal and professional goals.

In addition to innovative coursework, the state-of-the-art Spatial Analysis Research Center and Urban Climate Research Center offer students the opportunity to work with exceptional faculty on diverse research projects. Students have the opportunity to work alongside some of the brightest minds in geography, including four members of the National Academy of Sciences and rising talent in the fields of climate science, sustainability and environmental science, urban heat island research, GIS and more.

Students in the program have the ability to build a path of knowledge that reflects their personal interests within the realms of geography. Students benefit from a wide variety of coursework and research opportunities in four broad interdisciplinary themes that span the expertise of the faculty within the School of Geographical Sciences and Urban Planning:

• computational spatial science
• earth systems and climate science
• place, identities and culture
• sustainability science and studies

Additional Details

Frequently Asked Questions

Degree Requirements

Curriculum plan options.

• 84 credit hours, a written comprehensive exam, an oral comprehensive exam, a prospectus and a dissertation

Required Core (3 credit hours) GCU 585 Geographic Research Design and Proposal Writing (3)

Electives or Research (43 credit hours)

Methods or Statistics Electives (6 credit hours)

Skills Electives (6 credit hours)

Specialization Electives (9 credit hours)

Other Requirement (5 credit hours) GCU 529 Contemporary Geographic Thought (3) GCU 591 or GPH 591 Seminar: Geography Colloquium (1) GCU 591 or GPH 591 Seminar: Geography Colloquium (1)

Culminating Experience (12 credit hours) GCU or GPH 799 Dissertation (12)

Additional Curriculum Information Doctoral students entering with a bachelor's degree must complete 84 credit hours. These hours include 72 credit hours of coursework and research at ASU and 12 dissertation credit hours.

Doctoral students entering with a master's degree must complete 54 credit hours. These include 42 credit hours of combined coursework and research hours at ASU and 12 dissertation credit hours.

Coursework and research hours are selected by the student in consultation with an advisory committee. The program recognizes that other graduate-level courses are offered at ASU. Advanced courses are often taught in omnibus courses, courses that have rotating content and whose content is not reflected in their titles. Students may include these courses in their curriculum with approval of the program directors.

The other requirement course, Seminar: Geography Colloquium, is taken twice, once in each of the first two semesters of the program, for one credit hour each. Other courses may be used with approval of academic unit.

Up to six credit hours of 400-level coursework may be applied toward the plan of study.

Admission Requirements

Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree, in any field, from a regionally accredited institution.

Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program, or applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.

All applicants must submit:

• graduate admission application and application fee
• official transcripts
• personal statement
• three letters of recommendation
• proof of English proficiency

Additional Application Information An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency.

Incoming students must demonstrate or attain competence in cartography and quantitative methods and complete other basic coursework that will enable them to pursue graduate studies in their area of specialization.

The personal statement must address four items:

• What specialty in geography does the applicant wish to pursue, and why?
• What aspects of the applicant's education (a description is needed) will enable the student to pursue this specialty?
• What additional training does the applicant believe can be obtained at Arizona State University to realize the applicant's educational and career goals?
• Applicants should provide any other information they feel should be considered in their application for admission, e.g., research experience or information which might be drawn from the applicant's resume.

Letters of recommendation must be from three faculty members who can attest to the applicant's academic achievements.

Next Steps to attend ASU

Learn about our programs, apply to a program, visit our campus, application deadlines, career opportunities.

Professionals with expertise in geographical sciences research, theory and practice are in high demand across sectors and industries, including institutions of higher education, consulting firms, government agencies, research facilities and community organizations. Skills in geographical data analysis, mapping and climate science are valuable to businesses and institutions relying on research-based approaches to solve complex real-world problems.

Career examples include:

• atmospheric, earth, marine or space sciences professor or instructor
• environmental scientist or specialist
• geographic information systems technician
• geophysical data technician
• geoscientist
• geospatial information scientist or technologist

Program Contact Information

If you have questions related to admission, please click here to request information and an admission specialist will reach out to you directly. For questions regarding faculty or courses, please use the contact information below.

• [email protected]
• 480/965-7533

School of Earth, Society & Environment

Department of Geography & Geographic Information Science

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PhD in Geography

The PhD is a highly individualized degree that emphasizes advanced training and research. Students develop and demonstrate both depth and breadth in geographical inquiry. They gain an understanding of the major epistemological and methodological questions that have shaped the development of geography as a discipline and master a set of research methods that are appropriate to their area of specialization. Students acquire a detailed understanding of a particular sub-field of geography, conduct and disseminate independent research in that sub-field and broaden their backgrounds through study in one or more allied disciplines. The program is intended to lead students into innovative research as demonstrated in research seminars, independent investigations, and the completion of a dissertation. The student's academic performance must be marked by initiative, intellectual integrity, a sense of problem, and critical acumen.

Students can enter the PhD program through two routes:

• after earning a Bachelor’s degree   or
• after earning a Master’s degree

Admission to the PhD is limited to those who have achieved distinction in previous undergraduate and graduate work (a 3.2 GPA on a 4 point scale is a generally accepted criterion) and who have demonstrated the determination and initiative required for doctoral success.

Accelerated PhD Program for students entering with a Bachelor's Degree

Geography phd requirements - university of illinois academic catalog.

Program Description

Berkeley Geography offers the highest quality graduate training for future scholars and teachers at the collegiate level, as well as for those going into professional careers in government, NGOs and consulting. The program is divided into three major areas: Development & Environment, Local & Global Relations, and Global Environmental Change. Within these domains a wide range of faculty interests are represented, such as political ecology, economic geography, cultural geography, modernity studies, urban studies, geography of race and gender, climatology, biogeography, and geomorphology. Faculty come with a broad spectrum of regional specialties as well, including Africa, Southeast Asia, Europe, the Arctic, the Pacific Basin, California, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central America. The faculty has been expanded in recent years to include a number of affiliates in other departments with expertise in such fields as GIS, natural resources, fluvial geomorphology, archeology, cognition, paleo-environments, and urban architecture.

Berkeley students are expected to be independent, and we welcome those who have had professional experience and wish to return to deepen their education. Students are encouraged to range freely through the curriculum and to follow their inspiration where it leads, working in tandem with faculty advisors. Students choose their own mentors, often utilizing two or three faculty in equal measure; these may include faculty affiliates and members from other departments. While faculty have their own research agendas and teaching specialties, and often collaborate with students, we believe students should march to their own drummer. We expect students to read extensively, develop the necessary research skills, and produce well-crafted thesis and dissertation. Many students publish their findings along the way, as well.

The University of California at Berkeley is the premier graduate research and education institution in the United States, and Geography students can take advantage of a wealth of corollary programs and faculty. Geographers regularly interact with faculty and students from the College of Natural Resources, College of Environmental Design, Energy and Resources Group, Geology & Geophysics, Biological Sciences, Departments of Anthropology, Sociology, Economics, Women’s Studies and Ethnic Studies in the Division of Social Sciences, and with Art History, English and others of the Humanities. The campus is rich with interdisciplinary Centers and Institutes in International Studies, Latin American Studies, Labor Studies, Atmospheric Sciences, Southeast and East Asian Studies, Humanities, European Studies, and many more. Collaboration with the Lawrence Laboratories is also common. Geographers direct several of these centers and students benefit from research programs, grants and symposia organized under their aegis. Geographers also provide core teaching in Development Studies, Environmental Sciences, and American Studies.

Geography is housed in the renovated (and seismically reinforced) McCone Hall, near the lively North Gate of campus. The Earth Sciences and Map Library is downstairs. Across the glade is the Main Library, center of the system housing 11 million volumes, and the exceptional Bancroft Library, the greatest archive of materials on Western and Central America. The Department facilities include classrooms, offices for faculty, students and visiting scholars, research laboratories, cartography, GIS and remote sensing teaching labs. Central to our operations is the Department Computer Facility, one of the best of its kind on campus and a hub of everyday faculty, staff and student operations. Its main lab, specializing in graphics and cartography, includes scanners, digitizer, and color printers, backed up by a Web Server, extensive software library, and the campus TCP-IP network. We have a large range of low-tech wall-maps, projectors and copiers, as well. The Department staff provides excellent support in all areas, including student services, grants, equipment, computing and cartography.

DEPARTMENT OF GEOGRAPHY

Geography is an inquiry into the patterns and processes that make up the surface of the Earth. It is a broad field of inquiry that, in our department, includes glaciers and climate change, the origins of agriculture and the evolution of plant life, the culture of cities and the dynamics of the global economy. Such a wide range of themes gives each student great freedom to choose a research topic, develop an intellectual style, and select approaches to gathering evidence and making persuasive arguments. That freedom also includes opportunities to go outside of the department and make use of the tremendous resources of the campus as a whole. Our goal is to help each student find his or her own combination of intellectual rigor, creativity, and independence.

139 Comments

Top 20 graduate geography programs in the u.s..

February 25, 2012

[highlight color=”options: yellow, black”] This post was written in February 2012 . Since then I’ve posted  2013 Geography Program Rankings , 2014 GIS Graduate Program Rankings  and, more recently, 2015 Top Graduate Programs for Spatial Careers   . Please check out these newer rankings!    [/highlight]

I love lists and, especially, ranked lists.  Even though I never seriously considered going to medical school or engineering school I was always very interested to find out which programs were ranked at the top.  I routinely read the US News & World Report annual rankings of top colleges and graduate programs and I’ve since followed the Wall Street Journal and Economist MBA rankings.  When I became interested in pursuing a graduate degree in geography, I was disappointed to find that there were no publications that ranked graduate geography programs.  So, I’ve decided to create my own rankings and post them here.

The only available basis for developing rankings of graduate geography programs (that I’m aware of – please comment if you can suggest another good source) comes from the U.S. National Research Council’s survey of doctoral programs .  Although some have been critical of the methodology  used to develop the rankings, this is as good as it gets for small disciplines like geography.  [If you don’t like the rankings below, take my survey and let your opinion be counted!]

Unfortunately, because these rankings were produced by academic types who are masters of creating difficult-to-understand prose for publication in peer review journals, you almost need a PhD to interpret their rankings.  So, I’ve tried to clarify these rankings by simply aggregating them together to form a single ranking.  So, without further ado, here are my top 20 geography programs in the United States:

• Boston University   http://geography.bu.edu/
• University of Colorado   http://www.colorado.edu/geography/
• University of Maryland College Park   http://www.geog.umd.edu/
• University of California – Los Angeles   http://www.geog.ucla.edu/
• Penn State University  http://www.geog.psu.edu/grad/
• University of Oregon   http://geography.uoregon.edu/
• Clark University   http://www.clarku.edu/departments/geography/
• University of South Carolina – Columbia   http://www.cas.sc.edu/geog/
• University of California – Santa Barbara   http://www.geog.ucsb.edu/
• University of Wisconsin – Madison   http://www.geography.wisc.edu
• Ohio State University   http://www.geography.ohio-state.edu/
• Arizona State University   http://geography.asu.edu/
• University of California – Davis   http://ggg.ucdavis.edu
• University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign   http://www.geog.uiuc.edu
• University of Kentucky   http://www.uky.edu/AS/Geography/
• University of Southern California   http://www.usc.edu/dept/geography/
• University of Arizona   http://geog.arizona.edu
• Oregon State University   http://www.geo.oregonstate.edu
• Syracuse University   http://www.maxwell.syr.edu/geo
• State University of New York at Buffalo   http://www.geog.buffalo.edu/

Warning to prospective graduate students, selecting a graduate program is an individual decision and the top programs listed here may not be the best program for you.  There are many factors to take into consideration and this decision process is probably worthy of its own blog post, or a series of several blog posts.  At the very least, you should take a look at a recent copy of the AAG’s Guide to Geography Programs .

As I said, my methodology was very simple.  I summed the rankings from each of the categories where rankings were provided.  The ranked categories include R Rankings 5th percentile, R Rankings 95th percentile, S Rankings 5th percentile, S Rankings 95th percentile, Research Activity 5th percentile, Research Activity 95th percentile, Student Support and Outcomes 5th percentile, Student Support and Outcomes 95th percentile, Diversity 5th percentile and Diversity 95th percentile.  The program with the lowest sum was ranked first and the program with the highest sum was ranked last.  I used the S Rankings 5th percentile as a tie-breaker.

Full disclosure: I hold a PhD from the University of Oregon’s Department of Geography .  I tried to select a methodology that would prevent my bias from having an impact on the rankings but it’s probably impossible for me to avoid some bias in hopes of benefiting the good people associated with Oregon Geography. Go Ducks!

New rankings available!   2013 Geography Program Rankings ,  2014 GIS Graduate Program Rankings  and  2015 Top Graduate Programs for Spatial Careers . 

• graduate programs
• graduate school
• top graduate geography programs

Justin Holman is CEO of Aftermarket Analytics, where he leads efforts to develop cutting edge sales forecasting and inventory optimization technology for the Automotive Aftermarket. Prior to joining Aftermarket Analytics, Justin managed corporate consulting for the Strategy & Analytics division at MapInfo Corporation, leading major projects for retail clients including The Home Depot, Darden Restaurants, Bridgestone-Firestone, Sainsbury’s and New York & Company. Before that, Justin served as Vice President of Software Development at LogicTools, now part of IBM's supply chain application software group. Justin holds a B.A. from Claremont McKenna College, a Ph.D. from the University of Oregon and an Executive Management certificate from Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management.

[…] I posted my Top 20 Geography Department Rankings.  There were some big changes since the last time that the NRC produced rankings and I thought it […]

One advantage of a smaller discipline such as geography is that we do not have to depend on such mechanistic manipulations to decide what are the better graduate programs for a particular student. Your criteria are unclear (why 5th and 95th percentiles, too?). But more importantly a student should decide on a program of study based on shared philosophies (in how to approach the study of geography), environmental compatibility with the student’s quality-of-life preferences preferences (e.g., urban vs. college town), alignment with research interests of one or more professors (who also is willing to advise and mentor the student), overall reputation of the university (as this image will clue those outside of geography how to regard your degree), and other criteria, depending on what is important to the student. My advice would be to pick a graduate program with the advice of your professors from your undergrad university and to visit the graduate programs before or during the application process to get a feel for the reality of the department, which can never be boiled down to mere statistics.

Steven – Thank you for the comment. I mostly agree with your approach to selecting a good grad program. There are a lot of variables to consider. For example, if you’re ultimately after a PhD then nothing is more important than your dissertation advisor and the program is less important than the individual. However, it is important to some people to know how different departments stack up against one another. As the blog post mentions, the criteria are those selected by the NRC – as to why the 5th and 95th percentile you’ll have to take that up with them. I suspect some statistics nerd was on the committee and felt the need to show off. All I’ve done is summed up their different measures and compiled a single ranking. When I was a clueless 23-yr old trying to figure out where to go to grad school I would have been very happy to know something, *anything* about how various departments stack up. I suspect there are others that feel the same way. Remember, the majority of college students don’t even have access to a geography department at their own undergrad institution. There needs to be some “mechanistic manipulation” to help introduce potential geographers to key programs within the discipline. If you ask them to go read Johnston to figure out what philosophy they subscribe to they’ll skip past geography and become economists or geologists instead. Thanks again for your thoughts. Cheers, J.

I have a question to ask you as I saw ur profile through one of the Geospatial study. I am a B.E in Civil Engineering and want to know which career path will be best for me- either as a GIS analyst or GIS developer? I am very much confused.Just to let u knw, I dont have any training at all in any of computer programming language.

Vikash, this is a difficult question to answer without more information. Have you read my blog posts on these two career paths? http://www.justinholman.com/2012/03/31/geospatial-analyst-curriculum-guide/ http://www.justinholman.com/2012/03/29/spatial-career-guide-5-key-skills-for-future-gis-software-developers/ Once you’ve read these two, let me know which one sounds better. Also, are you good at math and statistics? If so, you might also consider becoming a “data scientist” and following the suggestions in one of these two posts: http://www.justinholman.com/2012/04/26/spatial-career-guide-spatial-statistician/ http://www.justinholman.com/2012/04/10/spatial-career-guide-geographic-information-scientist/ I hope this helps. Please let me know if you have more specific follow up questions. Best wishes, Justin

I think the University of South Florida in Tampa/St. Pete should have been one of the top 20…regardless of the stats.

Hi Susan – why should U South Florida make the cut? I’d love to see you make your case here. Thanks for the comment!

Greetings from a 2005 Ph.D. grad and current academic at a regional public university in MD. My remarks here are framed by my positionality as a human geographer, but it seems to me that main issue here is the questionable focus on high dollar research grants, which inevitably favor departments heavy in physical and environmental expertise. This is the disease of trying to quantify everything and then declaring the quantified results as “scientific” and therefore above reproach. Alas, the social world is more complex than that…and our task here is to consider the full range of factors that make a department a great place to pursue geographical knowledge and confidently take a degree from that institution to march out into academe..likewise, the perception that matters-a murky and difficult notion to be sure-is BALANCE. In the broader field, I can say unquivocally the Boston University and UMD College Park are not regarded as top ten geography departments. Being great in one section of the discipline-however lucrative- is not enough. Consequently, Wisconsin, UCLA and Ohio State are very highly regarded by hiring committees (I have served on three of these in the last few years). CLark is also considered first-rate, and Texas (Austin) and Colorado enjoy a good level of prestige (another concept hard to quantify!). Where is U Washington and UC Berkeley?! These storied and balanced departments are superb and much better than SC, MD, BU. I find the East Coast emphasis a bit bizarre here, as the biggest and most well-endowed Geog. depts. tend to be in the Midwest, Southwest-Intermontaine and Pacific regions. For the record, I would put WISC, Berkeley and Clark as in top five, with the order variable by individual preference. Washington and Ohio State should also rank high. SUNY Binghamton, Buffalo, OKla and Okla State are excellent 10-20 rank choices. Arizona State is also very strong in both environ. and human-social geog.

As for advice, find a smart and emotionally mature advisor who will take an interest in you, be willing to work with you, WHO ACTUALLY WANTS YOU TO FINISH THE DEGREE AND NOT USE YOU, and who works in a department where your research methods are respected and honored (this is especially vital for those of you who pursue qualitative research methods in human geography).

I think your advice to look at individual advisors and compatibility (personal and professional) is vital…I agree with this. But well-rounded departments are better than technocratic ones. In short, an ethnographic methodology should be used to complement rigid paradigms of grant winning, which narrowly focused but big Depts. like UMD seem to thrive upon…

Happy Hunting to my future colleagues in professional geography. Best Jim Smith, Ph.D. 2005 Kent State U. Dept. of Geography Current: Associate Prof. Dept. of Geog. Towson Univ. (MD).

Jim – thank you for taking time to share your thoughts. I’m not sure we would see eye-to-eye on everything regarding quantification, “scientific” branches of geography and what constitutes balance in a department but I do agree with you that the NRC rankings represent just one perspective and shouldn’t constitute the final word. If and when I can find time, I’d like to conduct a separate survey to get a different perspective and set of rankings. My goal with all of this is to provide some useful information for prospective geography graduate students and I think your comments add significant value to the discussion. Thanks again!

[…] I compiled a ranking of the Top 20 Geography Departments in the US using the National Research Council’s assessment of doctoral programs.  There were some big […]

I didn’t even know Oregon had a geography program. 😉 Go Beavs!

I guess with the merger of geography at Oregon State into the Geosciences Department, I have little room to tease…..

Interesting list. Kind of expected SUNY and Penn State (and of course OSU) to be higher.

Steve, thanks for the comment! All I can say is that 2 decades of government work must have taken a toll. 😉 Check my new survey and you can move SUNY, Penn State and Beaver State up on the list: http://justinholman.com/2012/03/06/survey-what-are-the-top-geography-departments-in-the-us/ Cheers! -J.

Nearly three decades of government work was taken most of what little sanity I started out with. I looked at your new survey, but didn’t feel I really new enough about the programs across the country anymore to provide more than a populartity contest biased by my feeling about the schools sports teams. We both know where Oregon and Oregon State would end up there.

Actually I can’t imagine any job better than my position as a geospatial liaison with USGS. I get to work closely with the GIS community across two states, plus have at least some involvement with the research acitivites at four USGS Science Centers. Hopefully the ride will continue.

Steve – your USGS gig does indeed sound like a good one. Having been a USGS employee for a brief stretch I know that you probably have to wade through a lot of bureaucracy to get things done. Keep up the good fight! Best wishes, J.

I was surprise in seen Oregon State University on the 18th place I think it should be higher

Yuritzy, thank you for your comments. Can you make a case for Oregon State? Why should the program be ranked higher?

Justin, Yuritzy is an award-winning student in our Oregon State program, so it was nice to see her post. If you’d like a full case for Oregon State, you can see on at http://dusk.geo.orst.edu/Pickup/OrSt_Program_CV.pdf . Thanks again for this effort!

Dawn, thank you for posting this link to the Oregon State Geography “Programmatic CV”. Very impressive indeed!

[…] are not terribly consistent with the NRC-based rankings.  Penn State and Colorado make the top 5 in both lists (so far) but  there are major differences, […]

Hello, I would like to see all of the U.S. graduate geography programs ranked, or at least the top 100. I am curious to the ranking of Texas State University (one of the largest geography programs in the nation), the University of Texas at Austin, and the University of Texas at Dallas (M.S. & PhD degree there is Geospatial Information Science rather than Geography).

I’d love to see that too. My current rankings are based on the NRC review. I also have a survey but not many responses. I’ll work on it and see what I can do. In the meantime, please take my survey to share your thoughts:

http://www.justinholman.com/2012/03/06/survey-what-are-the-top-geography-departments-in-the-us/

I am looking to attend graduate school to try to branch out from my current position as a Sr. GIS Analyst at Argonne National Laboratory in Illinois. They recently notified me that they would pay for my continuing education but the problem is I have no idea which of these schools offer online programs for geography (which seems to be limited unless it is for GIS). I am looking to get a Master’s in Geography or something else that would build on my Bachelors degree in Geography and my minor in Environmental Science. Over the years, I have come to the realization that GIS is a merely a tool and the work in our division has not allowed growth in the analytical aspect. Our work has remained more about the technical aspects and map production rather than building upon our overall skill sets. What do you suggest in terms of programs in the Chicago area or online programs nationwide that may point me in the right direction? My online searches have come up mostly empty and it seems any of the better programs would require me to leave the state and my job to pursue them. It would be nice if there were guidance counselors later in life that could help us with this research like there were when looking at colleges during high school(although I suppose there are life coaches out there)! Thank you in advance for any help you can provide.

Hi Thomas – it’s terrific that your employer has agreed to pay for continuing education. I can try to make some suggestions but it would help tremendously if you could indicate what you’re *most* interested in studying. Don’t think about what would help your career; focus on what you’d enjoy. Thanks, Justin

Hi Thomas – you should post to the AAG LinkedIn group, it’s pretty active. However, I second Justin’s advice: find something you want to work on. Grad school is a TON of work and stress, but also can be the best time of your life. You are (or should be) pursuing something that intrigues you, and you’re encouraged from all sides to ask questions, think about what interests you, to push yourself, learn, and revel in knowledge. At least, that’s been my experience. I often say it’s like being 5 again – faculty and colleagues are always telling you your thoughts and interests are important and interesting. So find something you’re passionate about. Read some geography journals, revisit the things that excited you as an undergrad, and maybe google “online geography master’s.” Jim Smith makes some good points too – this is a BROAD field. You may find 5 schools that have amazing physical programs but really lack in the human, and vice versa. Anyone looking for a grad program needs to find the right fit, but I think because our discipline is particularly variable, well, honestly I think lists like this aren’t very useful. Maybe top 20 human/theoretical geog programs, top 20 physical might be more useful. But even then, you may find your perfect committee at a school that ranks at the “bottom” of all lists, but if they have the resources and knowledge and personalities that are the best fit for you, maybe that’s what you should go for. If you want to go for a PhD later, you might want a bigger name school? I don’t know this part of it, really, but my main point is only you can figure out what you want to study, what will be fascinating enough to pull you through the late nights, journal rejections, and other stresses. People can help you find information to help you make that decision, and help you find programs that fit, but we can’t make the initial choices for you. Sounds like you’re at the very beginning of your search. Good luck!

Hi Alanna – thanks for your suggestions for Thomas. I agree with everything you said other than “lists like this aren’t very useful”. If nothing else, this list is helping to facilitate a conversation about how to select a good geography program. Aside from that, I think rankings serve as a good starting point for people new to the discipline. Like it or not *perception* of program quality matters…quite a bit, in fact. It would be unfair to pretend that a Master’s degree in Geography from the University of South Florida will be held in the same regard as the same degree from UC Santa Barbara (or any one of the other programs on the list above). No disrespect meant toward U South Florida, a great university and probably a terrific geography program, but the faculty at UCSB happens to have some of the very top geographers in the world. Most organizations that hire geographers will be aware of the difference. Students entering these programs should be made aware of the same perceptions so they can go into the field with their eyes open.

Hi Justin, Thank you for this article and all the comments. The replies are thought-provoking, insightful and useful to someone like me who wants to change careers but is unsure about returning to school. I’m curious about geography but have been out of the college environment for more than two decades and don’t have a clue how to evaluate an educational program, or even if I should pursue one.

I would like to know more about comments such as:

From Steven D: “a student should decide on a program of study based on shared philosophies (in how to approach the study of geography), environmental compatibility with the student’s quality-of-life preferences preferences (e.g., urban vs. college town), alignment with research interests of one or more professors (who also is willing to advise and mentor the student), overall reputation of the university (as this image will clue those outside of geography how to regard your degree), and other criteria, depending on what is important to the student.”

From Jim Smith: “consider the full range of factors that make a department a great place to pursue geographical knowledge … find a smart and emotionally mature advisor who will take an interest in you, be willing to work with you, WHO ACTUALLY WANTS YOU TO FINISH THE DEGREE AND NOT USE YOU, and who works in a department where your research methods are respected and honored (this is especially vital for those of you who pursue qualitative research methods in human geography). I think your advice to look at individual advisors and compatibility (personal and professional) is vital” From you/Justin: “indicate what you’re *most* interested in studying. Don’t think about what would help your career; focus on what you’d enjoy.” and also your entire response to Katy. Is there some kind of fool-proof or systematic approach, before you enroll in a program, to find those shared philosophies, emotionally-mature and professionally-and-personally compatible advisors, enjoyable topics of study, etc. described by Steven and Jim? I would imagine advisors are busy people who don’t have time to be quizzed or courted by tire-kickers.

In my city, there seems to be a push to get professors, students and other evangelists out into the community to recruit for their schools and their programs. But how do you really know before you enroll that you’re not just getting a sales pitch or that the program is right for you? Are the professors and students obligated to go out and do this type of PR and marketing?

I need to know what to ask, whom to ask and how to find these people.

Is there a list of interview questions one should ask (and to whom) or some kind of matchmaking service, or is it all based on online searches, individual networking and personal judgment? I already have a 20-year-old B.A. (Art and English) but it never led me to either a job I loved or a livable wage. Consequently, ten years later I returned to school for advanced training. The second time around, I chased the money (got into software dev) and although it got me to a decent wage, the decision left me with an ill-fitting, high-stress and dissatisfying career.

I don’t want to give up on higher education because I had such a great time in undergrad school, but I don’t want to make another expensive mistake. How do I try before I buy?

Thanks for any further advice you can offer here. I feel rather silly asking such rudimentary questions, but as I stated in the beginning, I’m clueless.

Hi Pam – I’d be glad to try and help. But, before I respond, perhaps you could provide a few more details on your background, interests, ideas – what is your “vision” for your career change? That would enable me to provide appropriate context. Also, have you read my 6 spatial career paths series? If so, did you see one that is most appealing? Let me know. Thanks, Justin

In addition to the NRC survey of doctoral programs, another source of data is the Academic Analytics Faculty Scholarly Productivity Index, which is updated more regularly. An interesting aspect (deficiency?) of the NRC ranking is the fact that most of the data was collected in late Fall 2006 and Spring 2007 for the 2005-2006 academic year. While this is the most updated NRC information, the data is static and dated. For example, the University of Southern California’s geography program shows up in the NRC list and in your ranking, but the program itself does not exist anymore. That being said, your blog entry and updates are very interesting and I will refer students here to get a better sense of how these sorts of lists “work”.

Hi Z – thanks for this comment and for the information regarding the scholarly productivity index and USC’s geography department. I see that USC’s department seems to have been replaced by a more technical Master’s degree and a “spatial” institute. Thanks again for reading and please let me know if you have any further suggestions. Best, Justin

Hello, I’m coming from outside the U.S., look for the PhD program in geographic information systems in America, I have no adequate language, will be joined a program for English language, I want to help me in the best universities in this area, what do you think the University of Cincinnati? sorry for the bad language . thank u .

Hi Awatif – I’d be happy to try to help you but it may be a challenge given the language barrier. I don’t know much about the University of Cincinnati’s GIS program. The most important factor for a PhD program is the faculty advisor. Do you have a list of professors you’d like to work with? If not, that’s the best place to start. I will send an email directly to you with other ideas. Thanks and best of luck! -Justin

This information is invaluable. When can I find out more?

What else are you looking for?

I’m an undergrad double majoring in economics and international trade at UB (University at Buffalo). This fall, the geo dept. made international trade a major…and a masters level degree. I’m pretty sure it’s the only program of its kind right now (I’ve tried looking for others without any success). The geo dept. at UB is absolutely fantastic. Hardcore research being done on earthquakes (we even have an earthquake lab where both geo and engineering students work together). UB can be underrated by its own students because, all being from mostly new York, don’t realize that it’s a fantastic university. I’m an out of stater…and the school has an international population of about 20-25%…which is large for a school that has 30,000 kids. I’m glad to see my department ranked very highly on this list (yeah it’s 20…but that still means we’re top 1% or higher in higher education)

David – congrats on finding yourself at an excellent University with one of the very best Departments of Geography in the US and the World. Thanks for the comment and best of luck! Cheers, Justin

I’m a junior right now studying geography at FSU. I tanked my GPA my first two years, but I’m really trying to turn it around. What do you think I could do to make up for this and hopefully have a shot at a program of this caliber? I’m not sure where to even start looking for internships that would be in this field. Also, an earlier poster said they thought USF should be in the top 20, do you have any reason to agree?

Hi Katy – your GPA won’t dictate your future and it won’t prevent you from getting into a top geography program. But, you will need to really shine in some other way. I have 2 recommendations. (1) You *must* do well on the GRE. Plan to take it more than once. Plan to study a lot. Plan to take practice tests and, if you don’t get a great score on your own, pay for a course to help improve. (2) Find a professor at FSU who is willing to work with you and get involved in their research. Volunteer to do some data entry work or whatever to get started. Read the literature in the professor’s area of expertise. Try to do enough to justify getting your name on a paper or two as a co-author. This would certainly set you apart as an undergrad applying to a graduate program. It should also help you get a very solid letter of recommendation from the professor.

Even if you do everything you can you may not be able to attend a top program, for whatever reason. Don’t worry about it. You can get a great education and launch a successful career from programs that aren’t considered top tier. And, if you’re interested in a PhD you can improve your standing by doing solid work as a Master’s student and then apply to a top PhD program.

Re USF. I don’t really know much about the program. It may be a rising star and a future top program. However, I don’t think it would currently be considered a top 20 program by most people within the discipline. *But, that doesn’t matter* What matters is finding a great professor who can teach/mentor you so you’re ready to solve important problems and innovate once you graduate and begin your career. You can do that in many places. Best wishes! Let me know if there’s anything I can do to help. -J.

Thank you so much for your very informative response! I have a few questions if you don’t mind… Testing happens to be an area that I can excel. What would you considering doing “well” on the GRE for a top program? And I never thought of getting involved with a professor, that sounds like a great route! Like you said, I will obviously face a lot of obstacles and may realistically not be eligible for top programs, do you know of any less competitive grad schools that may still have a great program? Again thank you so much for all of your answers.

Hi Katy – I don’t really know what would be considered a good score. The format has changed since I took the test and what constitutes a good score will vary by program and applicant pool. The key with the GRE is to have a good enough score that you will make it past the first cut. An admissions committee has to review a lot of applications so they have to look for ways to limit the field. GRE scores are the easiest ranking criterion so a low score can remove you from the list of candidates that are given a more in-depth look. The flip side is that you don’t need the very top score, not that it would hurt, but you should be in the top third of the applicant pool or, with lower grades, you’ll be vulnerable.

Re less competitive grad schools. I think you’d probably be well served to talk to your professors and find out where they think you could gain admission. They will have a better handle on your chances. That said, I would consider the following 3-part strategy. (1) I would apply to several programs but only to research-oriented Universities that offer a PhD program. The reason to limit applications to research universities is because you are far more likely to find a professor with grant funds available to support graduate students. (2) I would look at Universities in locations that may not be as desirable to some applicants. UC Santa Barbara may be inundated with applicants who not only want to attend a top program but may also envision good times on the beach in Isla Vista. Same with U. Colorado, Washington, Boston, etc for different reasons (cool college town or urban environment). On the flip side, Buffalo also has an outstanding program but I would guess that the admission rate is higher because some people would shy away from the harsh winters. So, maybe focus on the upper Midwest, if you’re flexible? (3) As I’ve written elsewhere the number one key to grad school is identifying a great advisor who can serve as a research mentor. Your top priority should be finding the right advisor who has a vibrant research program. Ideally, your advisor would already be tenured (so you don’t have to worry about them being forced out or moving elsewhere before they go up for tenure review) but perhaps not yet a full Professor (so they’re still hungry and not globe trotting to give lectures and accept awards). Associate Professors are ideal, in my opinion.

If you pursue this diligently, and have a bit of luck along the way, I think you’ll land on your feet and find yourself with an exciting, satisfying career. But, you’ll need a lot of drive, both to get through a grad program and to land a position on a good career track after graduation. Again, check with your professors at FSU who have a better perspective on all this. Getting advice from an academic is particularly critical if you dream of a professor gig.

Hope this helps! Cheers, J.

Along with many others, I have enjoyed this post and following discussion. I have a bit of a different type of question. I am currently an undergraduate double-majoring in wildlife ecology and environmental studies at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. I am an older returning student and as a result of necessarily working primarily for money during the summer/semesters I have little experience in my desired field of conservation.

After I graduate in May, I have been considering enrolling in the one-year GIS graduate capstone program here at UW to add value to my education. I feel that added skill will aid me in getting a job and differentiate me from those simply with an undergraduate degree and help to make-up for my lack of experience.

I am interested in obtaining a master’s, potentially a Phd at some point in geography, conservation biology, or environmental sciences, but I would prefer to see what is out there to find what is the best fit for my interests before taking that leap.

My idea is that this capstone will help me get into the field by obtaining a job out west (maybe Oregon), establish residency and my interests and move on from there. Do you feel this is a sound plan? Would a graduate-level capstone in GIS at UW be a significant upgrade to simply taking a couple classes in GIS during my undergrad to employers? Is it worth the extra time and cost? My GPA is quite good and I have a number of well-respected professors and a couple researchers willing to be references and give positive recommendations.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Hi Jesse. Thanks for reading and for submitting this question. I suspect there are many others facing similar situations. Based on what you’ve told me here I would advise against the capstone program. Instead, I would recommend two things: (1) apply for jobs/internships/opportunities to break into your desired field of conservation and (2) apply to standard 2-yr Master’s programs in Geography (or other disciplines) where funding may be available. Here’s why. First, if you want a job in conservation why not go straight for it? The most relevant learning, GIS and otherwise, will be on-the-job so that would be the best possible education and you would be getting paid. Second, the capstone is a non-degree program. If you’re thinking grad school and possibly a PhD, I think your year would be better spent pursuing a legitimate Master’s degree rather than a certificate. A Master’s would open more opportunities, allow you to pursue your interests in GIS and may allow you to pay your own way with a teaching or research assistantship. Working as a graduate assistant in an academic department is the preferred way to go about grad school. It’s actually a job where, although you’ll live on a shoestring, you won’t be going into debt and you’ll have the opportunity to interact with professors as a colleague instead of as a student. That’s where the real learning takes place. In the current environment, obtaining a good job offer and/or admission to a graduate program with funding may be a big challenge but I think those are better avenues to pursue. If neither one works out, then I still think that working in whatever job you can find (restaurant, coffee shop, etc or, better yet, an on-campus job in computer support or whatever) and pursuing self-study aggressively while searching for a good job in conservation or re-applying to grad school would be a better path. All this depends of course on some assumptions I’ve made about your financial situation and your stated career objectives. There are always more complicating details in any individual situation. Feel free to email me directly if you’d like to discuss further. Best of luck! -Justin

Thanks for this post. Really informative. I want to ask a direct question and I want a direct answer based on your opinion.

Which career path in geography is the most profitable (financial-wise, wages & salary) and what is the annual salary range?

Also what are the chances of getting a scholarship for a graduate program in a geography related program?

Hi Jay. I enjoyed reading your question and I’ll do my best to provide a direct answer. All else being equal I think your best bet for a financially lucrative career in geography would be to pursue the spatial statistician path that I describe in this post: http://www.justinholman.com/2012/04/26/spatial-career-guide-spatial-statistician/ . To maximize your earning potential I would suggest that you pursue geography and math or computer science as an undergrad – maybe a double major or major/minor combo and a Master’s degree in statistics where the program offers spatial statistics coursework at the grad level. And, of course, you should take coursework in GIS, programming and visualization. Coming out of the grad program I think you could reasonably expect a salary in the $50-60k range with opportunities to double that within 5-7 years after graduation if you’re good, hard-working and passionate about what you’re doing day-to-day. A bit of luck in finding a good organizational fit wouldn’t hurt. As with all private sector careers, long term earnings will depend more on your ability to work/communicate with people, to think like an entrepreneur and to negotiate compensation than on your technical abilities. Hope this helps! Best, Justin

My name is Letícia, I am from Brazil and recently applied to the PhD in Geography at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. My GPA and TOEFL scores were very good, I have strong recommendation letters and a good CV. However, my GRE scores were not so great. Does anyone knows what is the minimum score to get in? Is that a determinant? Thanks in advance for your attention. Best.

Hi Leticia – a good GRE score is important but it’s not a good indicator for all applicants due to cultural bias. As an applicant coming from Brazil a good admissions committee should be able to recognize that the GRE won’t do a very good job of predicting how likely you are to be successful in graduate school. So, I don’t think a low score will hurt you too much. That said, I’ve heard from faculty I know in a few geography departments that it’s very competitive admissions climate at the moment. A large number of applicants are competing for only a few spots so you won’t be guaranteed admission even if you have a truly outstanding GRE score and everything else is in great shape as well. Plus, Wisconsin is one of the best geography programs in the world so it won’t be easy. If you don’t get in this year don’t give up! A good strategy could be to attend a smaller, less well-known program to obtain a Master’s degree and then re-apply. The key is to have a faculty advisor who is well-established in the geography community and who is willing to advocate for your admission to a top PhD program. Good luck!

Hi Justin! Thanks for your reply! I understand that this program is one of the best and its very competitive! I am very anxious about the results. I already have a masters degree obtained from a Brazilian University, so in that case I don´t know if it would be very productive for me to obtain a second one. However, it could be a strategy. What I am hoping is that the advisor I have indicated will defend my admission! It definitely won´t be easy! Best.

Leticia – I don’t really know how your Master’s from Brazil will be viewed by a PhD admissions committee. I think it will depend on the University and department you attended and your Master’s thesis (if you completed a research project). Are you planning to do research in Brazil or involving Brazilian culture or physical geography? This would likely be viewed favorably and give you an advantage, especially if there’s a professor in the Wisconsin program with interests in Brazil or South America. Again, best wishes! -Justin

Hi! I could have sworn I’ve been to this website before but after going through some of the articles I realized it’s new to me. Anyhow, I’m certainly delighted I discovered it and I’ll be book-marking it and checking back often!

Thanks, Porter!

Helpful information. Lucky me I discovered your website by accident, and I’m stunned why this twist of fate did not came about earlier! I bookmarked it.

Glad you found me!

BU is my alma mater so it is nice to see them as #1 (they were #27 I think when I was there). But then why did BU drop the word “geography” from the name of the department? It is now Earth and Environment after merging with geology…

Hi David, My understanding is that they are more or less focused on the physical side of geography but I see on their website that they offer graduate programs in “Geographical Sciences” and undergraduate majors in human geography and physical geography, among others: http://www.bu.edu/earth/about/ Cheers, J.

This site is absolutely awesome because it gives information one never learns in class and one never gets from one of the career publications out there.

In my case I studied geography at the undergrad level and had a GIS certificate. I then “bumped” into the systems analyst line of work immediately upon graduation and because it paid well, I stuck with it. When my employer paid 100% of my graduate tuition, I had no choice but to pick a program more aligned with the work (Software Eng). This also meant I never worked a single day in anything to do with geography.

But I have always been dying to get back into Geography. What is the best way to reach you if one needed to ask a question with perhaps more details?

Dan, thanks for the feedback! Glad you like the site. Please follow me on twitter: @justinholman and then send a Direct Message. Or, you can send email to justin DOT holman AT gmail DOT com. Thanks again! -J.

I am an undergraduate Geography student at Ohio University. This list seems to be a great reference tool as I apply for grad school. Ideally, I would like to live in Oregon or Washington. My GPA is currently a 3.2, I have about two semesters to improve it…. and I need funding from the university I attend. I understand that there are many different factors regarding admission. But I would love to know what you think my chances are of getting into U of O, Oregon State, or Washington. I’ve done quite a bit of research into the faculty members of each university and it looks like all three would be a great fit. Assuming that my GRE score is respectable… do you think a 3.2 GPA will qualify me for admission? Please let me know if you have any advice.

Steven, from what I can gather from my colleagues it is a very challenging time to gain admission to a good graduate program. This is primarily due to the huge number of applicants flooding many graduate programs. I know this is true at Oregon and I’m assuming it’s true at Oregon State and Washington as well. Your 3.2 GPA is not going to help you much but it shouldn’t preclude your chances of admission either. My advice is to (1) work hard to get an outstanding GRE score as this will help you float to the top of the long list of applicants; (2) work with one of your professors at Ohio U. on a research project and, ideally, get your name on a publication; and (3) know what you want to study and who you want to study with so you can craft a rock-solid personal statement articulating your plan for graduate study and why a particular program makes sense for you. To be honest, I doubt that Oregon, Oregon State and Washington would *all* be a good fit for any specific, well crafted research plan. I say this because Washington is really a different sort of geography program with a different approach and philosophy that isn’t terribly similar to what’s offered at Oregon and Oregon State. And I don’t mean to imply that any downside exists – all 3 are great universities with outstanding geography scholars – but I’d be a bit surprised if you have a research focus that is well represented in all 3 geography programs (unless you’re thinking of a different department at one or more of the schools). If you’d like, let me know what you’re interested in doing in grad school and beyond and I may be able to provide some more specific guidance. Best wishes, Justin

[…] a year ago I posted a ranking of top geography programs based on the NRC survey of U.S. doctoral programs.  There were some complaints about the rankings, […]

You made some decent points there. I looked on the net to find out more about the issue and found most individuals will go along with your views on this web site.

Thanks for the comment!

Hi…am an undergraduate of Geography and environmental sciences in a Nigerian university,i intend pursuing a graduate programe in medical geography outside my country preferably in any european univ. And i need your advice on how to go about it.currently in my finals with a 3.86 GPA,got jst a few months to go.if possible i’d prefar any with a scholarship scheme to help assist myself.tnx.anticipating ur rply.

Hi David, I don’t know much about geography programs in Europe. If you are interested in studying Medical Geography in the U.S. I would recommend that you take a look at Buffalo, but only if you’re highly quantitative. North Carolina and Illinois also come to mind. Best wishes, Justin

Hi… my son is a rising senior in High School and just announced his intention to major in Geography. I think it’s a great fit for him. I’m on-line searching out undergrad programs in Geography because his announcement has made most of our college list obsolete. Any advice on undergrad programs? We are attacking this late in the game. Thanks!

Hi Barb – Dartmouth, Middlebury and Macalester are all cream of the crop undergrad programs if you prefer a liberal arts setting and can afford tuition. Any of the major Universities listed as a top program would be a good choice, exposing your son to research in the field. But, there are so many factors that go into selection of an undergraduate college or University. Where do you live? Your state University may be the best option, especially from a financial standpoint. At the undergrad level, in my opinion, it’s better to seek out an environment where your son will thrive and be successful academically rather than just looking for the best program. I can’t pass up the opportunity to recommend my home department at the University of Oregon. It’s relatively small and collegial but also provides exposure to top-notch researchers in a variety of sub-disciplines including environmental change, political geography, GIScience and Cartography, to name a few. Let me know if I can help further. All best, Justin

Hi Justin, I am working as a postdoc in the University of Michigan in the Department of Human genetics as a J1 VISA. My wife is coming with dependent VISA (J2) this November. She has Master’s Degree in Geography from India. She has been working as a school teacher (Class: XI-XII level) for 11 years. I know my wife can work with J2 VISA in USA. Would you please tell me what types of jobs she can get with her degree (Master’s in Geography from India) or with her experience (11 year school teacher in India)? I would be happy if you please give some suggestions regarding this matter. Thanks, Mrinal

Hi Mrinal, thanks for the note. Since your wife has a lot of teaching experience I think her best bet would be to search for teaching positions. Targeting private schools will likely be the best route since public school positions will require credentials issued by government agencies. There are a number of excellent private schools in Ann Arbor and Detroit Metro but I suspect that teaching positions in the area are relatively difficult to obtain. A great deal will depend upon her communication skills. Unless she has experience in applied geographic analysis techniques I’m not certain what other areas she might pursue. One possibility would be to attempt to break into the retail location analytics consulting industry. To do this she would need to demonstrate aptitude with demographic data, general mapping concepts and basic statistics. And she would need to become very familiar with the cultural geography of the U.S. There are a few companies in SE Michigan that provide these services and may have openings. Yet another possibility might involve creating and teaching a course on the Geography of South Asia. This could involve working with a local community college or University or simply developing an on-line curriculum using simple blogging software like WordPress. Maybe I’ll be her first student! I suspect it won’t be easy to make the transition but if she’s energetic, creative and flexible she will find something. Hope this helps! Best wishes, Justin

Hi Justin, Thank you very much for your precious suggestion. I have another question, how easy to get Ph.D. position after clearing GRE/TOEFL, how about funding/financial support and how easy to get job after completing Ph.D. Since I am from biological background, I know about these question in my field but I don’t have any idea about Geography. Thanks again, Mrinal

Mrinal, it’s not too easy I’m afraid. Last I heard from active faculty they report a very high number of applicants for each spot in a graduate program so the competition is pretty tough. That said, if you are flexible on location and can demonstrate skills and interests in a sub-discipline (particularly one with good sources of grant funding) you should be able to find a fit. Funding, in exchange for teaching or research, typically comes along with admission to PhD programs. Jobs as a professor in a geography department aren’t easy to find either but if you’re committed and have built a nice cv during grad school there seem to be openings that come along. Again, you have to be flexible, at least short term, about where you’re willing to live. Hope this helps too! Best, JH

Hi Justin, I am a PhD applicant and intend to apply at Kansas State University for Fall 2014. Please can you let me know whether all Geography PhD programs arrange interviews before admitting students ? Thanks, Soma

Hi Soma, I don’t know about interview requirements – I suspect that it varies by program. That said, I would recommend interviewing in person as a PhD would involve a major investment of your time and energy and you want to find a good fit. It is especially important to find a good advisor who will help you achieve your objectives. Hope this helps. Best, JH

Hi Dr. Justin, My name is Levi Bonnell and I am a masters student at the Colorado School of Public Health at CU Denver concentrating in epidemiology. In my first year I took a GIS course and realized immediately the applicability to health research. I ended up doing some descriptive mapping over the summer in Tanzania for my practicum experience and TA-ing a course using Quantum. Anyway, I am fascinated with this field and am considering doing my PhD in Geography/GIS/Health Geography; however, I don’t plan on doing this immediately. What would you recommend as relevant experience during my interim period to help get into a top geography department? Also, would you recommend R as the most compliant software for spatial statistics? Would you recommend having python experience since it is the language of arc?

Thank you kindly, Levi

p.s. Thanks for the post! I had no idea during my undergrad and masters at CU that my school was among the leaders in geography!

Wow, going through these queries and replies makes me nervous! I’m a Political Science master’s graduate specializing in international relations focusing on conflicts, peace, security and development, with six publications – academic journal and policy briefs. I did Geography at undergraduate and loved it. I want to go back to geography. I’m currently working on my PhD application in in this area. I want to specialize in GIS. I want to apply GIS technologies to help resolve conflicts and enhance security in Africa. I’m not particularly looking for the best of geography schools in the U.S., it should be a decent one with decent programs. All the schools I was targeting seem to be the worst in terms of high influx of applications. I’m looking for a school with decent programs in GIS and Political Geography/Geopolitics/Political Ecology, where I can work with faculty specializing in both GIS and resource-based conflicts such as the land, water, natural minerals, and etc. I have identified U. of Wisconsin and Oregon State U. It does not seem like I’m gonna make it though. Can you recommend other schools; they do not necessarily have to be the best. TJ in South Africa.

Hi TJ – thank you for the comment. Instead of searching for a geography program, you need to be looking for the right geography professor to become your advisor. Ideally, you would identify a professor in a PhD granting department who has expertise in GIS, political geography *and* Africa. No small task. My advice would be to do some research on your topic of interest – this will give you a taste of life as a PhD student and it should help you identify some of the key players in your area of research interest. Look up anyone who seems like they might be doing the sort of work you want to do and find out more about the programs offered in their home department. If you find a fit I would go ahead and email and/or phone the professor to inquire about admissions to the PhD program and possible funding opportunities. As I’ve mentioned here and elsewhere the choice of advisor is more important than just about anything else when it comes to PhD program selection. Hope this helps. Best wishes, Justin

[…] years I have produced rankings for the top graduate geography programs in the U.S.  You can see my 2012 NRC-based rankings and my 2013 rankings in previous […]

The ranking is very problematic. Boston, UCD and Oregon State were ranked for earth/environmental sciences, not really geography. UCD does not even have a geog. dept. U Maryland cheated by adding temporary researchers as faculty.

Hi Kevin – The 2012 rankings were based on NRC data. Did you see my 2013 Rankings which included other factors? http://www.justinholman.com/2013/03/18/2013-top-20-graduate-geography-programs-in-the-us/

Hello Justin,

I have a question for you, what happened to UNC at Chapel Hill, is still a good department for graduate studies? Especially those related to climatology, which has been good in the last 20 years or so?

I have seen that some departments require GRE while others not, for example UCLA does not, which is quite interesting.

Kind regards

Hello! Sorry I must have missed this comment a few days ago. Yes, UNC Chapel Hill seems to be an excellent department. I don’t know much about their climatology faculty but I’ve never heard anything bad about the department. I do know that Michael Emch, current Chair, has made some very nice contributions in the “geohealth” area and has produced some successful grad student outcomes along the way. Not sure about the GRE requirements and how they may have changed. I would plan to take the test very seriously as, in my limited experience, GRE scores are the only reasonable way to rank/sort applicants (whether it’s fair or not is a separate question) when you have far more applications than spots available. Hope this helps! Best wishes, Justin

Hello Mr. Holman

I am an undergrad student in Rural Surveying and Engineering at the National Technical University of Athens, Greece (N.T.U.A). When i was a freshman i wasn’t really happy with the school i ended up with because it wasn’t my top choice and i almost dropped the classes for like 2 years. Then i realized that i need to finish this school whether i liked it or not else id have no work future at all! I started attending classes until i reached a gis class which i really enjoyed and found very interesting. So now i am in the 6th year of the bachelor’s program (out of 5 minimum) and i think i will need one more to complete it. As i am searching on the web for rankings on gis- geography master’s degrees in the US but like you’ve mentioned, there are not any rankings on the geography discipline besides the one from NRC. So question number 1: if i pay to get full access on the usnews website to get full access to ranking data and statistics, will that maybe unlock geography as a discipline and provide separate ranking just for geography grad schools? Also, while surfing on various geography grad school sites, i have noticed that all of them require a minimum of 3 gpa. Here in Greece our grades range from 0-10. With simple math 3/4= 7,5/10 BUT my early college year slacking and lazyness has resulted to a 6,5/10 gpa. The good thing is that in the last semester students have to complete a project with a supervising professor (like a big thesis) which counts as 20% of the overall degree grade, which is quite a good boost. I must also note that in my school grades like 9 and 10 are considered a taboo for professors even if you study hard and never miss a class! So comparing grades from one country to another is not always fair in my humble opinion. Do you think admission committees share the same thought when it comes to International applicants like myself? And finally, do you think acing the GRE and the TOEFL, going to national geography congresses just for the certificate of attendance and having a strong letter of purpose can increase my chances of being accepted to a top 20 geography grad school?

P.S Sorry for the long post

Hi Stelios, thanks for submitting these questions. My guess is that many undergrads have similar questions. Answer #1: Unless something has changed recently US News & World Report does not publish geography grad school rankings. So don’t waste money purchasing full access. Answer #2: Yes, most admissions committees will take your individual circumstances into consideration but only if you make the first cut. GPAs are difficult to compare in general, even between US schools. So, for better or for worse, the GRE becomes the easiest way to rank applicants. Aside from GRE scores there may be key recommendations (e.g., a letter from a professor who is closely connected to a faculty member) or other unique qualifications (e.g., early publication in a key journal) that push someone’s name to the top of the queue. After that, an admissions committee would comb through personal statements and recommendation letters in an attempt to identify the best applicants. So, yes, acing the GRE (and the TOEFL) will most certainly improve your chances. I don’t know about the national geography congress certificate – my guess is that it won’t make any difference unless it’s a key factor for a recommendation letter. One last note – don’t limit your focus to “top 20” programs. The best program for you may well be a department that’s not on the list. Think about your research interests and try to find a professor or faculty that will provide you with the appropriate expertise. Also, if you are shooting for a PhD you may be better off completing a Master’s at a smaller program where you will receive more attention and then look at top programs for your doctoral studies. Hope this helps. Best wishes, Justin

Thanks for the quick response!

This is Hafiz from India. presently my daughter is studying 3rd year 2nd sem in GIS(Bachelor of Technology) from Andhra University, she like to pursue Ms in GIS from US and likes to do service in Remote sensing or satellite launching back in India. now she is taking classes for GRE and TOEFL. we are planning for 2015 August. Could you please let us know the best universities where on campus full time courses in GIS & RS are offered.

Hi Mohammed, take a look at my recent post ranking/highlighting top graduate programs in GIS. Here’s the link: http://www.justinholman.com/2014/01/05/2014-top-10-gis/ Hope this helps! Best wishes to you and your daughter, Justin

hi Justin I really appreciate your Top 20. I have some questions and I hope that you can help me. Let me tell you my situation. I’m from Spain I hold a bachelor in Technical Engineering in Computer Systems ( I think, this is the most appropiate translate). I’m currently collaborating with Spanish Red Cross as a GIS Technician and I’d like to improve my knowledge about the subject. I’ve been looking in Spain but I didn’t find anything interesting. I need a Online program. In my case the best chose is a Graduate Certificate. Could you help me? Do you Know any graduate certifiate, course… from a well known University?

Hi Rafa! The first program I would investigate is Penn State. They have an excellent reputation within geography and GIS and they’ve been providing on-line education for some time. Probably your best bet. http://www.worldcampus.psu.edu/degrees-and-certificates/geographic-information-systems-gis-certificate/overview

Hi Justin, I am an undergraduate student studying economics, with a very strong math and computer programming background. I have taken a few geography classes at my university and really enjoyed them. I’m interested in pursuing an masters degree in geography after I graduate, but am concerned that because my undergraduate background is not in geography, I will not be considered. Is this true, or is economics a related enough field that I should not be concerned? Thanks so much for the great post and for your advice.

Hi Lina, Your undergrad preparation sounds great. I wouldn’t worry about not having a geography degree. That said, it’s good that you’ve taken a few geography classes. Before applying to grad programs I would recommend spending time in the library doing your own research on various sub-fields within geography that you might want to invesrigate. Economic geography is one such sub-field. Given your interest in math/programming and background in econ you might want to look into “spatial econometrics” and check out Arizona State’s geography program led by Luc Anselin. Hope this helps! Best wishes, Justin

I’m a geography major and just finished my junior year at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI). I want to continue on to at least the masters level at a different school but I don’t know what exactly I want to focus on. If forced, I would have to say that I am most interested in geovisualization, cartography, society/environment interaction, and urban morphology. These interests do seem somewhat disparate, and after browsing many grad program websites, it seems that I need to have a really strong sense of exactly what I want when crafting my statement of purpose.

Also, I am not entirely sure how much I would enjoy/be good at research because I simply don’t have enough experience at it yet. Sure, I have done many papers and projects, but not very many of the sort where I’ve posed a question and found an answer that contributed to the body of knowledge. This makes deciding between the research degree or a professional degree rather difficult for me to make.

I am doing well gradewise and have a 3.7 gpa cumulative and 3.9+ in the major.

After looking at your lists and program websites, my highly preliminary shortlist is University of Washington, Portland State University, Indiana University, University of Minnesota, and University of Colorado at Boulder. Location is a major factor in most of these as well as the actual program.

My main dilemma is that I know I like the subject and I want to learn more, but I don’t exactly know what I want from it. Hopefully your input can help me figure this out.

Thanks, Ryan

Hi Ryan – I think your interests (visualization + human-environment + urban) can come together nicely in a research project. The key is to find a good mentor. I would add Wisconsin and Oregon to your list. Madison and Eugene seem to fit the mold location wise as well. Sounds like you have some exploring to do. I would try to decide what you think you’d like to do *after* grad school before you begin applying. A year in the “real” world might help clarify. Hope this helps. Best wishes, Justin

Hello Justin.

First of all, I appreciate your writings and integration of informations! My name is Don, and I’m studying geography as a major in S.Korea. My english might not be good enough, but I hope you can catch the sense out of confusing sentences 🙂

Your lists kinda stimulated me to consider going graduate school. I’ll be graduating after next semester, but I still can’t make up my mind.

I’m interested in physical geography, and environmental science(not engineering) attracts me also. My major interest was Hydrology and Environmental geography. I’m also studying for Engineer Soil Environment. (ps. Not familiar with forestry or ecology but still bit interested.) I think those kind of Studies seems to have little bit of difficulty standing alone by itself these days. However I also believe that when it becomes combined with other studies and applied with proper methodology, it’ll be prospective. These kind of idea keeps me to consider studying more at graduate school.

However one big problem for me is that, it is so hard for me to find out the trend of studies (in US or the other english using nations). In my country, climatology is leading the physical geography, but my concerned studies are quite quiet. And at my college, only one professor deals with hydrology, geomorphology, tour geography all by himself. Almost none of colleagues are interested in physical geography(except climatology). These kind of situation discourages my academic interest…

Is this kind of depression for physical geography common worldwide?(for research or job whatever) I would like to hear your opinion, whom will not have distorted view affected by situation which might be just regional.

If you don’t mind, can you aslo inform me which field is most active among my interests and which university are leading? (Hydrology, Environmental geography, Geoscience etc)

All your advises will be very helpful for me I suppose. Want to thank you in advance! Kind regards.

Hi Don, in the US climatology, biogeography and geomorphology are strong sub-disciplines. Climate research gets a lot of attention but there is good work being done across the board. I don’t think you’ll have trouble finding high quality faculty advisors in the US. The top schools for physical geography are more or less the same as those listed in this newer geography department ranking: http://www.justinholman.com/2013/03/18/2013-top-20-graduate-geography-programs-in-the-us/ Washington is one exception as they focus on human geography. Hope this helps! Best wishes, Justin

[…] Top 20 Graduate Geography Programs in the U.S … – This post was written in February 2012. Since then I’ve posted 2013 Geography Program Rankings using an updated methodology and, more recently, I’ve published …… […]

I apologize if this was already asked but curious if you are aware of any decent online Masters programs in Geography. I have an undergrad degree from Kutztown University of Pennsylvania and I am interested in pursuing my Masters but I cannot relocate out of Charlotte, NC where I currently reside. I have looked in state and haven’t found an online program.

Hi RJ – have you checked out UNC-Charlotte’s geography program? I’m not sure if it’s still true but UNCC at one time was considered among the very best programs for applied spatial analysis. Here’s a link: https://geoearth.uncc.edu/masters-programs/masters-geography . If you prefer on-line programs, check this blog post on the topic: http://www.justinholman.com/2014/05/16/top-10-on-line-gis-masters-degree-programs/ Hope this helps! Best, Justin

Hello Justin;

I am looking to apply for a masters program in Geography. Though I have a very good undergraduate and masters degrees, I have low GRE score. Can you please recommend me good schools that could accept me? Thank you!!

Hi Henry, GRE scores are important but most admission committees are willing to overlook a low score if other elements of your application are compelling. One of the keys is to articulate why the program is just right for you. So try to find a good match between your interests and department strengths to maximize your chances. Hope this helps. Best, JH

I am from India and completed my masters in GIS. I have 4 years of work experience in the field of Photogrammetry and GIS. Now i am planning to do MS in GIS. But i am bit confused of choosing universities in U S. Could you please guide me to choose universities, which suits for me based on my work experience.

Try this list: http://www.justinholman.com/2014/01/05/2014-top-10-gis/

[…] to believe it’s already been 3 years since 2012 when I published my first set of geography graduate program rankings, based on NRC data. I followed in 2013 with a survey-driven set of rankings. Last year I produced rankings of […]

[…] Top 20 Graduate Geography Programs in the U.S … – This post was written in February 2012. Since then I’ve posted 2013 Geography Program Rankings, 2014 GIS Graduate Program Rankings and, more recently, 2015 Top …… […]

Hello justin

let me introduce myself, I write from turkey. ı want to come to usa for PHD but not now ı have time for 2 years for it. ı got education in geography and archeology( as a major) my GPA is 3.39 in geography and I have two master program in different universtys which are the best universty of turkey, THAT İS, ı will have two master program in different field. One of them are related to GIS another is about little ıce age. by the way my GPA is 3.83 in master but another is not certain. I hope that I would take high score on it. NOW my alternatives are berkeley, ucla, washinton at seatle, colarado at boulder . but sametimes ı think ı was not enoght to come there. What should ı do to be accepted them as different? Do you have suggestion for me?

Hi Guneyi, You should find a US researcher with interests in climate history and contact them directly. At the PhD level finding the right advisor is more important than the reputation of the department or the University. Best wishes, Justin

thanks justin

I will pay attantion to more what you said.

Hi, I’m an undergrad geography major and wondering about grad programs in same at UMN. Do you have an opinion on their grad programs both masters and doctorate? How do I find out what the department’s strengths are and whether they align withy interests? Can you explain that more?

Hi Wendy, I’ll assume you mean the University of Minnesota. When I was a grad student in the 90s Minnesota was considered one of the very best programs. But a decade later it had fallen significantly. I don’t really know why. I assume top people left for some reason. Even though Minnesota is no longer a Top Tier geography department it is still an outstanding University and, if you find a good fit with a faculty advisor, I wouldn’t hesitate to attend. That goes for a Masters and a PhD. To answer your second question, you can usually read the Department web page to better understand program emphasis areas. Here’s a link to research themes or “clusters” at Minnesota: http://www.geog.umn.edu/clusters/ . I wouldn’t place *too* much weight on these department focus areas as they are almost always changing. The most important element in your search for a graduate program is the fit between your research interests and your faculty advisor’s research program. So, to properly search for a research advisor you would read their profile webpage, their CV (typically available for download) and then read some of their recent publications to more fully understand their work. Hope this helps. Best wishes, Justin

Hello Justin, I am from Indian and I am currently pursuing graduation in Geography(honors). So, after I complete my graduation degree course can I join MS and PhD courses in Geomorphology in USA universities and do Geomorphology is a good career option there? Please let me know.

Hi Soumyadeep, I would assume you would be eligible but it may vary from program to program. Geomorphology is a great specialty but I don’t really know as much about the career options there might be (unless you combine with GIS-related skills). Sorry I can’t be more helpful. Best wishes, Justin

Thanks for the reply and I wanted to know whether full scholarship programs are available for geography students and what are the requirements to secure full scholarships from universities in USA ?

Yes, full scholarships are typically available for PhD students and sometimes Master’s students. The only requirement is whether or not the faculty wants you to join the department. Cheers, Justin

So, when does a faculty could want me to join the department and what they expect from foreign students ?

[…] out the top Geography Departments in the U.S. The U of O ranks number […]

Hi Justin So I was going through mostly all the comments and the post. I’m planning to relocate to FL after I finish undergrad at Hunter College NYC. Right now I am attending College Of Staten Island planning to transfer. I am interested in Sustainability, Climate change, and cleaning pollution focusing on new technologies that are environmental friendly. I want your opinion on which college program in FL or if not in FL, colleges general have programs that are very hands on in field work.

Hi Ayanna, field work component will vary by department and mostly depends on individual faculty who make an effort to get students in the field. You’ll need to visit University websites, find faculty who specialize in one of your areas of interest (which are too scattered at the moment – you’ll need to narrow down in grad school apps) and ask about field work. Sorry I can’t provide more specific guidance. Best wishes, Justin

HI Justin I am looking for postdoc position in USA , I am from Iran and holding PhD degree from Iran. I also have some other experiences and publications. I am not familiar with the process to get a postdoc position. I am so thankful for any suggestion. I also interested in earth science. thanks

Hi Hadi, I’ve never held a post-doc so I’m probably not qualified to answer. Ideally, your PhD advisor will help you identify and find a position. If that’s not a possibility, I think the process would be pretty similar to seeking out an appropriate PhD program. In that case, please read this recent post: http://www.justinholman.com/2015/08/12/seven-steps-to-finding-the-right-geography-phd-program/ Hope this helps! Best, Justin

Hi, Justin,I’m Dorothy and pursuing an udergraduate course in geography in education.Please help me with a master’s degree course to pursue in South florida or any university after my BED in geography.I love the course and thanks for your advice.

Hi Dorothy, does your program need to be in South Florida?

Hi Justin, I’m Dipal from India. I have recently become a Civil Engineering graduate. Despite lovinvg Geography, due to some reason I could not take up Geography at the undergraduate level. But now I want to pursue a career in Geography. Is there any way or any course that I can take up to dedicate my future to Geography ? Geology is a subject very close to my heart. So if there is any way I can switch my career from Engineerkng to Geography I would absolutely love to know. Thanks

Hi Dipal, there’s nothing stopping you from applying to graduate programs in geography. Maybe take a course or two online for free or do some self study before you commit to the long process of graduate study. Best to be certain before going all in. Cheers, Justin

Hey justin , Am sofia from india . I was persuing bsc . Geography hons but for some reason ive shifted to bsc general with geography , economics and political science as my subjects . Can i get admission in ms. In geography in any university in california . What are the criterias can u help me with . I want to persue GIS in future . Thank you !

Hi Sofia, Yes, a degree in geography, econ and politics would be looked upon favorably. There are a large number of strong Master’s degree programs in California. UC Santa Barbara, UCLA, Berkeley and San Diego State are top programs but you can also find great success at a number of “Cal State” programs. Check out San Francisco State, San Jose State, Chico, Humboldt, etc. Best wishes, Justin

[…] I’ve cautioned in previous posts (see 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015 rankings), the programs I consider to be the very best may not be the best for […]

Thanks for this thread Justin. Looking for a good undergrad program for geology and environmental sciences. We have visited U of Utah and really liked it. Wondering your thoughts on this school as well as other recommendations. U of Minnesota? Thanks

Hi Lou, Don’t think you can go wrong at either Utah or Minnesota. If it were me I’d head to Utah for better weather, skiing and proximity to a plethora of field study locations and natural wonders in the Western US. But Minnesota is a superb University. Best wishes, Justin

Thanks for this very informative thread.

For some background information, I’m an International Affairs/Economics double major at FSU. My concentration for IA is geography (and I have taken courses in geography, just not GIS or environmental courses). My main concern is that my undergraduate background will not be suitable for graduate-level degrees in geography. I have no real interest in GIS or the environmental track of geography; rather, I would prefer to study economic or political geography. That being said, could you recommend any high-ranking human geography (and related) graduate programs?

Awesome information! I graduate from Texas State in GIS Spring of 2017 but am looking into Oregon and Washington for graduate schools since that’s where I’m originally from. Do you have any idea which is better for GIS?

Hi Michael, I’m completely biased because I graduated from Oregon and I think it’s the best place in the world to study geography. If you’re interested in the Cartography and Data Visualization side of GIS, Oregon is indeed world class and second to none except possibly Wisconsin. Washington has strong GIS programs as well but their department has a different philosophy favoring Human Geography over Physical. You can see on their Research Fields page that one key area of emphasis is Critical Theory. https://geography.washington.edu/research/fields To me, Critical Theory is Sociology disguised as Geography and, as I’ve written elsewhere, I would avoid it. That said, I’m certain you can find an excellent graduate education at U. Washington especially if you were to combine your studies with offerings from the Departments of Computer Science and/or Statistics. If you’re interested in environmental/physical geography and GIS you should also consider Oregon State in Corvallis. Best wishes, Justin

Pretty! This was a really wonderful article. Thanks for sharing.

there is availability of Scholarship to support African students to study in U.S.A?

Yes, if you can gain admission to a PhD program there will often be funding available in exchange for teaching and/or research.

Thanx Justin for sharing this. My sister wants to pursue GIS next year. Keep up the good work!

Hi Erik, Yes, most PhD programs offer student financial support, typically by providing tuition and a small stipend in exchange for teaching or research duties. You would need to contact the graduate programs directly to inquire about admission and funding opportunities. Best wishes, Justin

Hi Justin, I’m exploring option for MS in Geo-Information science from Salem State university in Boston? Would like to hear from you all about the course offered and how do you rate this university ? -Thanks, Prachi

Hi Prachi, I’ve heard good things about Salem State but I don’t know enough about the program to make a strong recommendation one way or the other. Best wishes, Justin

Thank-you for being out there, answering questions and lighting the way. I have been a full-time wildland firefighter/Ranger for 17 years. I have an old BFA in art/education and a GIS Professional Certification from UWSP 2016 – emergency mgmt. emphasis. Currently, I have been taking on-line coursework in information management at a community college. I have been also been taking Emergency Management professional development program coursework for All-Risk Hazards/Incident Management Team, on my own time, to work towards getting out of operations (boots on the ground) and into the infrastructure. I know first hand, from the number of weather/life-threatening events, that climate change is upon us and we need to prepare.

That all being said, I love GIS, especially making maps (I have a lot of applied experience in forest stand/structure/EMS events/plume modeling/etc) and I have found that (just like you have written above), a GIS certificate doesn’t really do that much for you. Are there GIS master programs that are known for emergency management and could use someone with extensive field experience on staff or perhaps internships/work-study public or private programs that would assist my making a non-traditional mid-career transition to GIS?

Hi Ellen, Penn State and South Carolina come to mind as schools where I’ve seen research activity in emergency management but it’s not something I’ve really tracked; I’m sure there are plenty of other solid programs out there. I suspect your “non-traditional” background would be welcome in most geography departments and I think if your objective is to work as a GIS Analyst for the forest service (or similar) you wouldn’t need to be terribly concerned about going to the most reputable program. With the huge wildfire activity in 2018 I wouldn’t be surprised if there was a round of new research grants that might fund your grad studies so that would be worth investigating. In any case, I would encourage you to pick-up Python and/or R as the most popular tech tool kits for processing and visualizing large data sets. Hope this helps. Best wishes, Justin

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PhD in Geography

Course of study.

Minimum degree requirement is 54 graduate credits beyond the bachelor’s degree, at least 27 of which must be earned in residence at UWM with a minimum GPA of 3.0.

Under the guidance of the advisory committee, the chair of which serves as the student’s major professor, the student plans a program of study leading to the development of a special interest. All programs of study contain the following four elements: core concepts and methods, thematic focus, elective courses (as needed to meet the total credit requirement), and dissertation.

Core Concepts And Methods (four courses)

All students must take the following foundation courses:

• Geog 726 – Geographic Information Systems
• Geog 870 – Contemporary Geographic Approaches
• Any Geography graduate seminar

One of the following three courses:

• Geog 704 – Remote Sensing: Environmental and Land Use Analysis
• Geog 747 – Spatial Analysis
• Geog 827 – Qualitative Research

Thematic Focus (at least three courses)

Students, in consultation with their advisor, must select a minimum of three courses that together confer specialized expert knowledge in one thematic area. The courses selected do not have to come from a single list, and they may include other courses not listed. Local Places: Problems and Issues (relevant courses include):

• Geog 441 – Geography of Cities and Metropolitan Areas
• Geog 455 – Applied Climatology
• Geog 464 – Environmental Problems
• Geog 564 – Urban Environmental Change and Social Justice
• Geog 834 – GIS and Society
• Geog 945 – The Internal Structure of the City
• Geo Sci 465 – Advanced Environmental Geology
• Urb Std 981 – Perspectives Toward Change in Urban Social Institutions
• Urb Plan 720 – Urban Development Theory and Planning

Global and Regional Perspectives (relevant courses include):

• Geog 440 – City Systems and Metropolitan Development
• Geog 443 – Cities of the World: Comparative Urban Geography
• Geog 540 – Globalization and the City
• Geog 730 – Geography of Transportation
• Geog 742 – Urban and Regional Dimensions of Globalization
• Geog 744 – Cities, Regions, and Globalization
• Geo Sci 470 – Engineering Geology
• Urb Std 701 – Comparative Urban Development
• Urb Plan 780 – Seminar in Environmental Planning Issues

Monitoring and Modeling Urban Dynamics (relevant courses include):

• Geog 411 – Physical Climatology
• Geog 420 – Methods and Principles in Land Form Geography
• Geog 520 – Physical Geography of the City
• Geog 650 – Geography Field Work
• Geog 704 – Remote Sensing:Environmental and Land Use Analyses (if not taken in core)
• Geog 747 – Spatial Analysis (if not taken in core)
• Geog 804 – Advanced Remote Sensing
• Geog 826 – Intermediate Geographic Information Science
• Geog 827 – Qualitative Research (if not taken in core)
• Geog 904 – Remote Sensing and Urban Analysis
• Geog 926 – Advanced Geographic Information Science: Geographic Modeling
• Geo Sci 730 – Modeling Techniques for Hydrogeology
• Urb Std 725 – Methods of Urban Community Development
• Urb Plan 721 – Applied Planning Methods

Research Techniques (elective course)

Students who have not taken a research techniques course in their prior graduate program should consult with their faculty advisor regarding their enrollment in Geog 910 – Techniques of Research and Presentation, an introduction to theoretical and practical aspects of geographic research, funding, presentation, and publication. Ideally, students should enroll in this course after their first full year of courses, but no later than their fourth semester, after they have completed the majority of CORE requirements. The course is designed to assist students with the initiation of their Ph.D. dissertation research.

Foreign Language Requirement

If appropriate to the proposed area of study, the student’s committee will require that s/he acquire the necessary competence in a foreign language. The major professor will supervise the completion of this requirement with input from the committee as necessary.

Elective Courses

Courses taken from geography or cognate fields to achieve the total of 54 credits required for the PhD degree. Students must have the approval of their advisors for the elective courses.

Graduate Grievance Procedures

Federal law and UWM policy require programs and departments to have procedures for graduate students to appeal academic decisions such as grades or scholastic standing. These procedures ensure the protection of students’ rights. These pages serve as a reference on procedures for graduate student academic appeals.

• UWM Graduate School Academic Appeal Procedures

Guide to Geography Programs and Opportunities

Find programs and opportunities in geography.

The Guide to Geography Programs is an interactive directory of departments and programs in the United States, Canada, the Caribbean, Central and South America offering degrees or courses in geography, GIS, and closely related fields.

We are also working on a more robust feature of the Guide that will include information on private businesses, government agencies, research institutions, nonprofit organizations and NGOs known to hire geography graduates.

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Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Geography and Environmental Engineering

Offered By: Department of Environmental Health and Engineering (Whiting school of engineering)

Onsite | Full-Time | 5 years

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About the PhD in Geography and Environmental Engineering Program

A PhD student in the Geography and Environmental Engineering program will explore the current state of knowledge in his or her field. Information and ideas developed by others are critically examined and placed in proper context.

Subject areas are identified that are important to achieving the goals of the discipline, but which have not been explored or developed. The student will propose new research to improve understanding in this key area. A research proposal should then outline, in an orderly and logical manner, how key questions are addressed. While pursuing these research hypotheses, the student must take time to consider alternative explanations for experimental observations, and devise new experiments that critically test assumptions and theories.

The student will learn to state problems clearly and solve them in a reliable and efficient manner. Whatever lines of reasoning one uses, one must be as sure as possible that the conclusions are correct, particularly since there is always some uncertainty in science and engineering. The student must think through their research plans to avoid unproductive activities. Because research involves managing time and resources, the PhD student is receiving excellent preparation for future professional work.

Students have the option to focus their study: Track in Environmental Sustainability, Resilience, and Health (ESRH) .

Doctoral students in the Geography and Environmental Engineering doctoral program have the opportunity to learn from and collaborate with faculty from a wide variety of disciplines, including:

• Air pollution and greenhouse gases
• Energy systems
• Public health
• Water quality
• Economic dimensions of environmental health
• Anthropological dimensions of environmental health

PhD in Geography and Environmental Engineering Program Highlights

Fully funded.

The minimum guaranteed 2025-2026 academic year stipend is $50,000, with a 4% increase the following year. Tuition, fees, and medical benefits are provided.

MULTIDISCIPLINARY

Opportunities to work across departments in the Schools of Public Health, Engineering, and more

WRITE AND PUBLISH

Help with academic writing and grant proposals embedded into coursework, with opportunities to learn from published faculty and peers

TEACHING TRAINING

Teaching assistantships, training, and support for learning to teach, and opportunities for paid TA positions as well

What Can You Do With a Graduate Degree in Geography and Environmental Engineering?

• Research or Teaching Faculty
• Research Scientist
• Environmental Engineer (water/wastewater engineer, hydrogeologist, ecologist)
• Data Scientist
• Postdoctoral Research

Curriculum for the PhD in Geography and Environmental Engineering

Browse an overview of the requirements for this PhD program in the JHU  Academic Catalogue and explore all course offerings in the Whiting School  Course Directory .

Admissions Requirements

For general admissions requirements, please visit the Graduate Admissions  page.

Vivien Thomas Scholars Initiative

The  Vivien Thomas Scholars Initiative (VTSI)  is an endowed fellowship program at Johns Hopkins for PhD students in STEM fields. It provides full tuition, stipend, and benefits while also providing targeted mentoring, networking, community, and professional development opportunities. Students who have attended a historically Black college and university (HBCU) or other minority serving institution (MSI) for undergraduate study are eligible to apply .  Vivien Thomas Scholars Initiative  applicants for the  PhD in Geography and Environmental Engineering  are automatically vetted for eligibility for the VTSI fee waiver during the application process.

Faculty Advisers

The following faculty may be willing to advise PhD students. If you identify a faculty member that you want to work with who is not on this list, we encourage you to ask them about their availability.

Peter DeCarlo

Peter studies the chemical composition of gas particles in the air to improve our understanding of climate, air quality, and health impacts of pollutants.

Paul Ferraro

Paul ­ is a Bloomberg Distinguished Professor with joint appointments in the Department of Environmental Health and Engineering and the Carey Business School. He is known for his research on behavioral economics and the design and estimation of impacts of environmental programs.

Ciaran Harman

Ciaran, an associate professor of landscape hydrology and Russell Croft Faculty Scholar, studies how the structure of landscapes controls the movement of water from rainfall to streams, and how that structure evolves over time.

Thomas Hartung

Thomas Hartung, MD, PhD, steers the revolution in toxicology to move away from 50+ year-old animal tests to organoid cultures and the use of artificial intelligence.

Scot Miller

Scot Miller combines satellite data and statistics to understand greenhouse gas emissions across the globe.

Roni A. Neff

Roni Neff, PhD '06, ScM, researches ways to cut food waste and address climate change through more resilient, equitable, and healthy food systems.

Carsten Prasse

Carsten's research focuses on the occurrence and fate of organic contaminants in the urban water cycle and their impact on environmental and human health.

Per the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) with the JHU PhD Union, the minimum guaranteed 2025-2026 academic year stipend is $50,000 for all PhD students with a 4% increase the following year. Tuition, fees, and medical benefits are provided, including health insurance premiums for PhD student’s children and spouses of international students, depending on visa type. The minimum stipend and tuition coverage is guaranteed for at least the first four years of a BSPH PhD program; specific amounts and the number of years supported, as well as work expectations related to that stipend will vary across departments and funding source. Please refer to the  CBA to review specific benefits, compensation, and other terms.

Need-Based Relocation Grants Students who  are admitted to PhD programs at JHU starting in Fall 2023 or beyond can apply to receive a need-based grant to offset the costs of relocating to be able to attend JHU.   These grants provide funding to a portion of incoming students who, without this money, may otherwise not be able to afford to relocate to JHU for their PhD program. This is not a merit-based grant. Applications will be evaluated solely based on financial need.  View more information about the need-based relocation grants for PhD students .

Questions about the program? We're happy to help. [email protected]

Compare Programs

• Check out similar programs to find the best fit.
• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Environmental Health
• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Earth and Planetary Science

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Department of Geography

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

The Ph.D. is a different kind of degree from the master’s degree. A doctoral candidate in geography must be capable of making original contributions to knowledge and scholarship. For the students to make such contributions, they must concentrate on a narrow and clearly defined field of study. We require, however, that doctoral candidates know more of geography than their particular specialties; thus, any aspirant for a doctorate must obtain master’s training or its equivalent before being admitted to doctoral candidacy. In short, admission to doctoral candidacy is official recognition that a student’s general foundation in the breadth of geography is satisfactory. Students then devote their attention to developing depth in chosen specialties.

The general requirements for a doctoral degree in geography are more rigorous than those for a master’s degree. At the same time, the greater flexibility of the doctoral program allows advanced students to pursue programs of study tailored to their special interests and needs.

Progress through the degree is marked by: 

• Successful performance in a verbal qualifying exam; 
• Four-day written comprehensive exam, with a verbal portion after the written answers have been assessed by the committee;  
• Formal dissertation proposal; and 
• Verbal defense of a completed dissertation.

The four-year Ph.D. program is reserved for students who have a master’s degree from another graduate program. That can be another geography program at another university, a non-geography program at another university, or a non-geography program at Penn State.

Students entering the four-year Ph.D. program must take the doctoral qualifying exam in their first year. A committee from three of the four fields of geography and formally appointed by the Graduate Program Officer will administer the qualifying exam. The qualifying exam can take place any time during the year, but students in the four-year Ph.D. program typically take it during spring semester.

Students in the four-year Ph.D. program complete a comprehensive exam and defend their dissertation proposal in the second year. Depending on the needs of their research, and in agreement with their doctoral committee, students can fulfill these two requirements in either order. Once students have successfully passed their comprehensive exam and defended their proposal, they typically take two years to research, write, and defend their dissertations.

Our online Graduate Student Handbook explains the program requirements for all degrees.

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Department of Earth and Spatial Sciences

Physical Address: McClure 201

Mailing Address: 875 Perimeter Drive MS 3021 Moscow ID, 83843-3021 Geography: 208-885-6216 Geology: 208-885-6192

Email: [email protected]

Web: Earth and Spatial Sciences

Climate Change and Solutions Degree

Mars to Minecraft

"The Vandal Theory" Interviews Erika Rader

Sustainable Science Innovations

U of I Leads Systemic Sustainability Research Efforts

Ice Age Idaho

Addressing the Mammoth in the Room

A Delicate Balance

Exploring Water and Energy Use in Idaho

Melting, Moving Glaciers

"The Vandal Theory" Interviews Tim Bartholomaus

Window to Mars

Studying Martian Climate in Iceland

Rock Solid Learning

Geology Students Learn Hands-On from Hecla Mining Company Professionals

Start Your Adventure Today

Curiosity drives you — it drives science. Study with faculty scientists and students who are on the leading edges of discovery about our planet, from the depths of the ocean and remote mountain peaks to the surface and viability of Mars. From state-of-the-art labs and productive industry partnerships to the communities we serve with our research. For more than 100 years, we have been training leaders in geology and Earth Science in our high-quality and affordable programs:

• B.S. Climate Change and Solutions Act Now and Be a Part of the Solution in this new major starting Fall 2023. You will learn the science of climate change but discover solutions and tradeoffs to help communities and landscapes obtain a sustainable future.
• B.S. Geology is in the top 100 of most popular and most focused geology majors in the nation. You will learn geology through hands-on activities in the field and gain key networks with industry.
• B.S. Geographic Information Systems  helps train a modern workforce in one of the most rapidly growing careers in the nation. You will learn the science of space and place and become proficient in the next generation of spatial analysis tools.
• B.S. Earth and Spatial Sciences builds on our Geography major that is ranked 3rd in the nation for Academic Excellence and Affordability by Great Value Colleges. This degree focuses on the intersection of geography and geology will students learning key interdisciplinary topics.

View Ranking

Turner Glacier

How do you “listen” to water under a glacier? Chris Miele used seismic tools to understand water flow under Alaska’s Turner Glacier, which may provide insights on how climate change will influence the world’s glaciers.

Core Logging Workshop

Vandals got their hands on geologic core samples in a workshop hosted by professionals from Hecla Mining Company.

Best Value, Best College

The University of Idaho is ranked the Best Value Public University in the Western United States and recognized as one of the top 8% of Best Colleges in the Nation by the Princeton Review.

The BS Geology degree prepares students for the Fundamentals of Geology (FG) exam administered by the National Association of State Boards of Geology (ASBOG) . Our graduates are well prepared to pass the Foreign Service Office Test and go on to represent the United States abroad.

Undergraduate Degrees

Information on the course work for a bachelor of science degrees in geography or geology.

Learn about our undergraduate degrees

Graduate Degrees

Degree requirements and application procedures for a M.S. or Ph.D in geography or geology.

Learn about our graduate degrees

Faculty & Staff

Meet Our People

Tomorrow's Earth Sciences Education

Welcome to the Department of Earth and Spatial Sciences at the University of Idaho.

We share your passion for the outdoors, the changing climate, and sustaining our nation’s critical water and earth resources. Our graduates are tomorrow’s leaders and our reputation as an outstanding place to study has been earned over the past 100 years. Our students and faculty research and learn together, in programs that reach across the country and around the world.

When you come to the Department of Earth and Spatial Sciences, you will find a focus on hands-on science education. Moscow is conveniently located near Idaho’s mountains and rivers, where you'll learn by doing. We work with regional industry to provide summer internship opportunities and professional connections to help you establish your career. Courses provide you experience in key marketable skills — using geographic information systems (GIS) and software like R. Field trips to fossil beds and lava tubes put your learning to the test and you can participate in research with our faculty, both in the lab and in the field. From day one, you'll "Do Science."

GeoClub organizes trips to explore the region — for education as much as recreation. Faculty are recognized nationally and internationally for both teaching and research.

When our students graduate, they go to work. They find jobs in their field of study and are backed by science-based degrees.

Want to learn more? Please email, call or arrange a visit.

Alistair Smith Chair and Professor Phone: 208-885-1009 Email Me: [email protected]

Alistair M.S. Smith

Professor and department chair.

McClure 201

208-885-1009

Email Alistair Smith

Research Interests:  Combustion physics, Wildland fire science, Lidar, Forest biometrics

2024-2025 Catalog

Department of earth and spatial sciences.

Alistair Smith, Chair 201/203 McClure Hall, 83844-3021; phone 208-885-6216;  [email protected] ;  https://www.uidaho.edu/sci/ess . 

The Department of Earth and Spatial Sciences provides programs in both geology and geography to satisfy the needs of a wide variety of students seeking professional careers in the geosciences.

Geology is the study of the origin and evolution of the earth, emphasizing the concepts of geologic time and plate tectonics. The applied aspects of geology include the search for hydrocarbons, ores, and water; the assessment of geologic hazards associated with earthquakes, volcanoes, and landslides; and the study of the global environment. Also included in these studies are geologic aspects of waste disposal and pollution abatement.

Geography is the science of place and space. Geographers ask where things are located on the Earth, why they are located where they are, how places differ from one another and change over time, and how people interact with the environment. Geography is organized into four primary branches: human geography, physical geography, human-environment interaction, and geospatial methods. Human geography is concerned with the spatial aspects of politics, economics, culture, and sustainability. Physical geographers study patterns of climates, landforms, vegetation, soils, and water. Human-environment geographers investigate the connections between the two and the impacts of natural hazards on society. Geospatial methods are useful tools for understanding our complex world, which include spatial analysis, geographic information systems (GIS), remote sensing, and mapping platforms.

Undergraduate Programs

To prepare students for many rewarding and important career opportunities, the Department of Earth and Spatial Sciences in the College of Science offers Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degrees in climate change and solutions, earth and spatial sciences, geographical information systems, and geology; minors in geology, geography, and groundwater hydrology; and undergraduate certificates in climate change, environmental hydrogeology, and geographic information systems.

Students benefit from close contact with their instructors and hands-on experience within their coursework and through internships with industries and agencies involved in geologic, geographic, GIS, and cartographic applications.

The bachelor's degree in geology emphasizes practical and field science along with theory. It is the goal of the department that our graduates not only be ready for immediate employment, but also that they have the broad education that will help them to grow professionally, be successful in graduate school, and advance through positions of greater responsibility during their careers. Degree options are available in physical geology, environmental hydrogeology, and geologic education.

Minors in geology and geography are offered for students in allied fields who have an interest in geology or geography or both. The minor curriculum for either program can be tailored to meet the needs of individual students.

Graduate Programs

Master of Science (M.S.) degrees in geographic information systems, geography, geology, and groundwater hydrology and Ph.D. degrees in geography and geology are available. Graduate certificates in climate change and geographic information systems are also offered.

The undergraduate preparation expected of the entering graduate candidates depends upon the degree sought. Some of our most promising graduate students have come to us with bachelor's degrees in other subjects. Deficiencies for master's candidates are determined by the major professor. Students may be required to complete some undergraduate courses in the department to provide adequate background.

Geography graduate programs provide training in research methods and applications of theory and spatial modeling to problems in regional development, cartography, and the physical environment. Students learn problem definition, research design, and data analysis using a variety of techniques including GIS, remote sensing, spatial analysis, and computer assisted cartography.

The geology program provides the student with the necessary background courses in cognate sciences and mathematics plus a spectrum of courses in the sub-disciplines of geology. Specialized elective courses can be chosen to prepare for various careers such as exploration for minerals or petroleum, the search for and management of ground water, environmental geology, and earth science education.

Research laboratories are equipped for work in applied dendrochronology, economic geology, geochemistry, geochronology, geographical and spatial analysis, geomechanics, geophysics, GIS, hydrogeology, mineralogy, paleontology, petrology, structural analysis, tectonics, and volcanology. Laboratories are maintained for work in all of the basic courses, with large study collections of fossils, rocks, minerals, crystal models, maps, ore suites, thin sections, polished sections, and topographic and geologic maps. Equipment used in advanced courses includes several sets of microscopes, photomicrographic apparatus, x-ray diffraction equipment, and a variety of instruments for geochemical analysis. Also available are computers, resistivity survey equipment, gravity meters, GPS receivers, seismographs, a magnetometer, soil drilling and sampling kits, and water-level recorders.

Undergraduate Geographic Information Systems Certificate

The GIS certificate is designed to serve students to enhance their educational foundation in geographical information systems (GIS) or to strengthen their GIS credentials. GIS is the computer technology that uses digital information about earth surface features and location patterns to produce useful maps and analytical solutions to complex problems in physical, environmental, social, and economic sciences. Applications of GIS have expanded continuously during the past decade, and GIS software has become very powerful, enabling complex problem solving in a wide variety of public and private sector settings worldwide.

Requirements for this program are listed on the website:  www.uidaho.edu/sci/geography .

Undergraduate Climate Change Certificate

There is a need for personnel who have a working knowledge of the science of climate change, its potential impacts, and adaptation and mitigation strategies to build climate resilient societies and landscapes.

Careers include scientists quantifying impacts, mitigation, and adaptation and practitioners and managers minimizing effects in natural and human systems.  

Career Opportunities

Geology, geography, and GIS applications continue to be among the fastest-growing job markets worldwide. Most industry jobs today involve the use and adaptation of GIS in both the public and private sectors. Geologists and geographers work in industry using their skills in research, location analysis, site selection, mapping, and management of geographical information with the aid of computers. Industrial jobs for geographers range from research, planning, and data management in primary resources to deciding where to locate a new supermarket or shopping mall. Many jobs for geographers involve computer mapping or GIS. Cartographers from our program are employed in a variety of positions working with map design, graphics, and production cartography. There are increasing opportunities for geographers with the area studies and global systems options in international employment with government agencies and NGOs. Geographers are also employed in the public and private sector monitoring air and water quality, managing natural resources, and addressing other environmental and land management issues. The department arranges student internships with industries and agencies to provide on-the-job training as well as maintains a close relationship with the U of I Career Services Center to aid students in their search for employment.

Faculty members in the Earth and Spatial Sciences department emphasize quantitative methods and rigorous problem formulation. In addition, critical approaches and qualitative methods are employed. Faculty members can answer questions about specific programs and courses. Prospective majors should contact the department office or visit the  department's website .

• Earth and Spatial Sciences (B.S.)
• Geographical Information Systems (B.S.)
• Geology (B.S.)
• Climate Change and Solutions (B.S.)
• Geography Minor
• Geology Minor
• Groundwater Hydrology Minor

Certificates

• Climate Change Undergraduate Academic Certificate
• Environmental Hydrogeology Undergraduate Academic Certificate
• Geographic Information Systems Undergraduate Academic Certificate
• Geographic Information Science (M.S.)
• Geography (M.S.)
• Geography (Ph.D.)
• Geology (M.S.)
• Geology (Ph.D.)
• Groundwater Hydrology (M.S.)

Academic Certificates

• Climate Change Graduate Academic Certificate
• Geographic Information Systems Graduate Academic Certificate

GEOG 100 Introduction to Planet Earth (3 credits)

General Education: Natural/Integrated Science

Natural environment; nature, distribution, and relationships of climate, landforms, oceans, vegetation, hydrography, and soils. Three lectures and one 2-hour lab per week; may involve evening classes. Typically Offered: Fall, Spring and Summer.

GEOG 100L Introduction to Planet Earth Lab (1 credit)

Natural environment; nature, distribution, and relationships of climate, landforms, oceans, vegetation, hydrography, and soils. Three lectures and one 2-hour lab per week; may involve evening classes. Typically Offered: Fall and Spring.

GEOG 165 Human Geography (3 credits)

General Education: International, Social and Behavioral Ways of Knowing

General Education: International and Social and Behavioral Ways of Knowing. Intro to geographical dimension in human behavior and how this is evident in population distribution, rural and urban land use, and social, economic, and political attributes of societies. Typically Offered: Varies.

GEOG 200 World Cultures and Globalization (3 credits)

Countries, regions, and peoples of the world; interrelationships between humans and their physical and cultural environments. Typically Offered: Spring. Cooperative: open to WSU degree-seeking students.

GEOG 203 (s) Workshop (1-16 credits)

Credit arranged

GEOG 204 (s) Special Topics (1-16 credits)

GEOG 220 The Geography of Middle Earth (3 credits)

The course will explore the various roles that geography and geographical thinking have had in Tolkien’s master works and the ideas of imaginary worlds. It will cover the issues of landscape creation in an imagined environment as well as the nature of culture, language and civilization in Tolkien’s realm. These ideas are transferable to real-world situations. The details of landscape, geology, biology, religion, politics and economics will also be discussed in the context of the various ethnolinguistic groups and geographically disparate groups. The approach will use humanistic geography, mythic metaphor and chorography as analytical tools.

GEOG 260 Introduction to Geopolitics (3 credits)

The course introduces students to contemporary approaches to geopolitics through the exploration of key geographic concepts and the ideas of structure and agency. Topics include terrorism, nationalism, militarism, borders, and environmental geopolitics. Current events are discussed to exemplify the concepts.

GEOG 299 (s) Directed Study (1-16 credits)

GEOG 301 Meteorology (3 credits)

Atmospheric processes that produce weather; temperature; moisture, clouds, and precipitation; synoptic-scale weather; severe storms; weather instrumentation, weather maps, and forecasting; influences of weather on humans and impacts of humans on weather. (Fall only)

Prereqs: MATH 143 or equivalent

GEOG 313 Global Climate Change (3 credits)

Joint-listed with GEOG 513

Scientific basis of the climate system and global climate changes; process-based understanding of past, present and future climate change; natural and anthropogenic influences; interactions between climate, society and ecosystems; scientific review and politicization; climate change solutions and opportunities. Students in GEOG 513 will be required to solve additional quantitative problem sets and synthesize journal articles. (Fall only)

GEOG 317 Tree Rings and Environmental Change (3 credits)

Joint-listed with GEOG 517

Principles, techniques, and interpretation in tree-ring science. Applications in climate, ecology, forestry, and earth sciences. The course objectives are (1) to become proficient with the field and laboratory skills commonly used in tree-ring research, (2) to develop an understanding of the diversity of the applications of tree-ring science, and (3) to apply the techniques and knowledge learned in the course in addressing a specific topic of interest within the broad realm of geographic research. Additional work required for graduate credit. Cooperative: open to WSU degree-seeking students. Typically Offered: Spring.

GEOG 330 Urban Geography (3 credits)

Joint-listed with GEOG 531

Theory and models of the functions, origin, development, structure, and distribution of cities; land-use and housing, globalization and cities, neighborhood transition, urban economic development, and geographic aspects of city planning. Also considers urban social differences, inequality, and conflicts over the uses and meanings of city space. Graduate students are required to synthesize journal articles and complete an additional independent research paper.

GEOG 345 Global Economic Geography (3 credits)

Joint-listed with GEOG 545

An overview of major developments and contemporary debates in the economic geography literature; economic globalization, the spatial dimensions of resource use, agriculture, industry, and post-industry landscapes, economic aspects of land-use change, location theory and case studies. Additional projects required for graduate credit.

GEOG 350 Sustainability of Global Development (3-4 credits)

General Education: International

Joint-listed with GEOG 550

Geographic appraisal of resource problems and development potentials of the Third World. One hour additional meeting per week or project for fourth credit. Additional assignments and exams required for graduate credit. Typically Offered: Fall and Spring. Cooperative: open to WSU degree-seeking students.

GEOG 360 Population Dynamics and Distribution (3-4 credits)

Effects of fertility, mortality, and migration on population size and distribution; demographic trends in U. S. and other societies and how these relate to economic, political, environmental, and other factors. One hour additional meeting per week or project for fourth credit. Additional assignments and exams required for graduate credit. (Spring only)

GEOG 365 Geopolitics and Conflict (3 credits)

Joint-listed with GEOG 565

Surveys the geographic distribution of political processes, actions, and outcomes at variety of spatial scales - international, national, and local. Topics include origins of the modern territorial state, conflicts over access to and use of space, access to natural resources, nationalism, elections, democratization, globalization, terrorism, and the politics of identity. Graduate students are required to complete an additional independent research paper. Typically Offered: Spring. Cooperative: open to WSU degree-seeking students.

GEOG 385 Foundations of GIS (3 credits)

Intro to basic concepts and applications of geographic information systems (GIS), lab exercises on PC-based GIS packages. Two lectures and 2 hours of lab per week. Cooperative: open to WSU degree-seeking students. Typically Offered: Fall, Spring.

Prereqs: basic knowledge of PC-based operating system.

GEOG 390 Cartographic Design & Geovisualization (3 credits)

Map projections, map generalization, cartographic design, map symbology, and typography; statistical, isarithmic and multivariate mapping; static versus dynamic mapping; interactive and internet mapping; cartographic animation; 2 hours of lab per week. (Spring only)

Prereqs: GEOG 385

GEOG 400 (s) Seminar (1-16 credits)

GEOG 401 Climatology (3 credits)

Joint-listed with GEOG 512

Physical basis for climatic processes and patterns; mechanics of global atmospheric circulation; radiation balance and heat budget of the earth; models of weather patterns and climate. Additional assignments and quantitative exercises required for graduate credit. (Spring, alt/years)

GEOG 402 GIS Skills Development (1-3 credits, max 6)

Hands-on skills development in GIS and related technologies. Primary topics vary by semester, but may include topics such as GPS/GIS integration, web-based GIS, project management and cartographic design. May be taken for credit multiple times.

GEOG 403 (s) Workshop (1-16 credits)

GEOG 404 (s) Special Topics (1-16 credits)

GEOG 407 Spatial Analysis and Modeling (3 credits)

Joint-listed with GEOG 507

Introduces the basic theories and methods of spatial analysis used for statistical modeling and problem solving in human and physical geography. The special nature of spatial data (point, continuous, and lattice) in the social and physical sciences is emphasized. Topics include point pattern analysis, spatial autocorrelation analysis, spatial multivariate regression, local indicators of spatial association, and geographically weighted regression. Extra oral and/or written assignments required for graduate credit. Cooperative: open to WSU degree-seeking students.

Prereqs: STAT 431 or permission

GEOG 410 Biogeography (3 credits)

Geographic distributions of plant and animal species, and causes of patterns, including climate, geology, speciation, extinction, and migration. Typically Offered: Spring.

Prereqs: GEOG 100 / GEOG 100L or FOR 221 or WLF 220 . Cooperative: open to WSU degree-seeking students.

GEOG 411 Natural Hazards (3 credits)

Joint-listed with GEOG 561

Overview of the physical drivers and factors associated with natural hazards including impacts on community and landscape resilience and sustainability. Topics include geospatial analysis and modeling or projected risks and methods to monitor impacts of natural hazards on human communities and landscapes. Other topics include a survey of natural hazards, their controlling factors, and recognition of hazard potential, with an emphasis on floods, earthquakes, landslides, fires, volcanic eruptions, tsunamis, risk assessment, etc. Additional work required for graduate credit. Typically Offered: Fall (Even Years) and Summer. Cooperative: open to WSU degree-seeking students.

GEOG 414 Socioeconomic Applications of GIS (3 credits)

This course explores the use of geographic information systems (GIS) in various socioeconomic research fields including but not limited to urban planning, transportation, public health, environmental justice, crime analysis, and retail/business location etc. A major goal of this course is to teach students how to integrate geographical information techniques and data analytics with their future or ongoing research and real-world applications in the fields of social sciences. The course will be a combination of lectures and labs. The basic concepts, methodologies, and theories will be introduced in the lecture, and the lab sections are designed to give students hands-on experience using ArcGIS to complete a series of real-world projects.

Prereqs: GEOG 385 or equivalent

GEOG 420 Land, Resources, and Environment (3 credits)

Social, legal, cultural, political, and economic aspects of land-use control both in the United States and worldwide. Contrasts are made between indigenous and contemporary cultures within a sustainable geography-of-limits and political ecology framework. Cooperative: open to WSU degree-seeking students. Typically Offered: Fall.

GEOG 424 Hydrologic Applications of GIS and Remote Sensing (3 credits)

Joint-listed with GEOG 524

Concepts of area-based hydrologic modeling and assessment and the various types of spatially distributed information commonly used in these activities, such as topographic data, vegetation cover, soils and meteorologic data. Hands-on experience in manipulating these types of data sets for hydrologic applications via weekly ArcGIS lab exercises. Additional project work required for graduate credit. Recommended Preparation: FOR 462 , or CE 325 ; or equivalent. Typically Offered: Fall.

Prereqs: GEOG 385 or FOR 375 Cooperative: open to WSU degree-seeking students.

GEOG 430 Climate Change Ecology (3 credits)

Climate change impacts on ecosystems, plants, and animals; feedbacks to climate change; climate change mitigation related to ecosystems and species. Typically Offered: Spring.

Prereqs: BIOL 114 or ENVS 101 or GEOG 100 or FOR 221 /REM 221/ WLF 220 or Instructor Permission Cooperative: open to WSU degree-seeking students.

GEOG 435 Climate Change Mitigation (3 credits)

Joint-listed with GEOG 535

Technical, environmental, social and economic aspects of planning and implementing actions that reduce the emission of, or enhance sinks of greenhouse gases, from the local to international scale. Linkages are made to sustainable energy systems, sustainable community planning and transportation options; sustainable food systems, and international sustainable development goals. Environmental justice considerations and effective communication of climate change solutions are also discussed. Additional work will be required for graduate credit. Recommended preparation: GEOG 313 Typically Offered: Spring. Cooperative: open to WSU degree-seeking students.

GEOG 453 Water and Energy Systems (3 credits)

The class covers the basic science of water and energy and the applied interrelationships of those two resources in today’s society. The broad spectrum coverage of the topic includes the energy linkage to both the supply and demand of water and also the water linkage to the supply of and demand for energy. The class includes development of systems dynamics models for describing the resource interactions. Recommended Preparation: Basic Physical Sciences.

Prereqs: MATH 143

GEOG 455 Societal Resilience and Adaptation to Climate Change (3 credits)

Consequences of human causes, mitigation and adaptations, community resilience strategies, and policy implications to human impacts of global climate change. Concentration on social science issues including opportunities and constraints for resilience and adaptation to global climate change. Recommended Preparation: GEOG 411 .

GEOG 475 Intermediate GIS (3 credits)

Course covers in-depth geographic information systems models and applications. Topics include network analysis, watershed analysis, spatial interpolation, terrain mapping and analysis, 3D visualization, and GIS modeling. Students develop spatial analysis and modeling skills to solve real-world problems. Typically Offered: Spring.

Coreqs: STAT 251 Cooperative: open to WSU degree-seeking students

GEOG 479 GIS Programming (3 credits)

Joint-listed with GEOG 579

Introduction to using computer programming to solve geospatial problems. Basic programming concepts as well as integration with ArcGIS are covered. Students learn Python and complete lab assignments on managing, processing, and plotting geographic and attribute data. Additional work will be required for graduate credit. Recommended preparation for graduate students: GEOG 525 Typically Offered: Fall.

Prereqs: GEOG 385 or equivalent Cooperative: open to WSU degree-seeking students.

GEOG 483 Remote Sensing/GIS Image Analysis (3 credits)

Joint-listed with GEOG 583

Concepts and tools for the processing, analysis, and interpretation of digital images from satellite and aircraft-based sensors. The integration of remotely sensed date and the other spatial data types within Geographic Information Systems. Additional assignments and exams required for graduate credit. Two lectures and 2 hours of lab per week. Cooperative: open to WSU degree-seeking students. Typically Offered: Spring.

Coreqs: GEOG 385 or FOR 375 or equivalent

GEOG 487 (s) Topics in Geospatial Analysis (1-3 credits, max 6)

Joint-listed with GEOG 587

Current topics and applications in remote sensing, GIS, and/or spatial analysis. Topics to vary by instructor and current trends in the field. Recommended preparation: At least 2 courses in GIS and/or 1 in remote sensing, depending on topic. Additional course project required for graduate credit. Typically Offered: Summer.

GEOG 488 Geography of Energy Systems (3 credits)

Joint-listed with GEOG 588

This course examines geographic dimensions associated with the production, distribution, acquisition, consumption and storage of energy. Geographic tools and techniques will be used to analyze, understand and deconstruct complexity and nuance across various modes of production, current topics and challenges along with future considerations such as transitioning to renewable energy sources. The course will split time between classroom settings, field trips to energy installations on campus and across the inland Northwest, in addition applied learning activities. Additional readings, assignments and project required for graduate credit. Typically Offered: Fall (Even Years). Cooperative: open to WSU degree-seeking students.

GEOG 493 Senior Capstone in Geography (3 credits)

General Education: Senior Experience

A capstone course in which students integrate their knowledge of human and physical geography, as well as geographic techniques, to propose solutions to real-world problems. Students gain experience in working in small groups and in written and oral presentation of project results, and will be evaluated with respect to the skills acquired in their degree program. Topics may include, but are not limited to, issues such as sustainable development in rural communities, global and regional food and energy distribution, quantifying and analyzing global or regional indicators of environmental and/or societal trends. Open to Senior geography majors or to nonmajors with Instructor Permission.

Prereqs: Department of Geography Majors or Permission

GEOG 498 (s) Internship (1-16 credits)

Credit arranged.

GEOG 499 (s) Directed Study (1-16 credits)

GEOG 500 Master's Research and Thesis (1-16 credits)

GEOG 501 (s) Seminar (1-16 credits)

GEOG 502 (s) Directed Study (1-16 credits)

GEOG 503 (s) Workshop (1-16 credits)

GEOG 504 (s) Special Topics (1-16 credits)

GEOG 507 Spatial Analysis and Modeling (3 credits)

Joint-listed with GEOG 407

GEOG 513 Global Climate Change (3 credits)

Joint-listed with GEOG 313

GEOG 515 Pyrogeography (3 credits)

An introduction to the field of pyrogeography that focuses on the fire being a cornerstone of a sustainable society in the Anthropocene. Topics include the global study of the past, present, and projected distribution of wildfire and the interconnection with fire ecology and cultural geography. The course will include readings and discussions of recent scientific literature. Typically Offered: Summer.

GEOG 517 Tree Rings and Environmental Change (3 credits)

Joint-listed with GEOG 317

GEOG 524 Hydrologic Applications of GIS and Remote Sensing (3 credits)

Joint-listed with GEOG 424

Concepts of area-based hydrologic modeling and assessment and the various types of spatially distributed information commonly used in these activities, such as topographic data, vegetation cover, soils and meteorologic data. Hands-on experience in manipulating these types of data sets for hydrologic applications via weekly ArcGIS lab exercises. Additional project work required for graduate credit. Recommended Preparation: FOR 462 , or CE 325 ; or equivalent. Typically Offered: Fall. Cooperative: open to WSU degree-seeking students.

GEOG 525 Graduate GIS Fundamentals (3 credits)

Introductory graduate level course in Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Students will learn how to use GIS to manage, integrate, analyze, and visualize geospatial data and information. GIS can be used to explore patterns and relationships in geographic data, seek explanations, and develop solutions to pressing problems. The basic concepts of GIS will be introduced in the lecture, and the lab section will help students develop ArcGIS Pro skills. We explore the theory underlying sources of spatial data such as passive and active remote sensing imagery and apply geo-analytical and data exploration methods to integrated problems. Typically Offered: Spring.

GEOG 531 Urban Geography (3 credits)

Joint-listed with GEOG 330

GEOG 535 Climate Change Mitigation (3 credits)

Joint-listed with GEOG 435

GEOG 545 Global Economic Geography (3 credits)

Joint-listed with GEOG 345

GEOG 550 Sustainability of Global Development (3-4 credits)

Joint-listed with GEOG 350

GEOG 560 Population Dynamics and Distribution (3-4 credits)

GEOG 561 Natural Hazards (3 credits)

Joint-listed with GEOG 411

GEOG 565 Geopolitics and Conflict (3 credits)

Joint-listed with GEOG 365

GEOG 579 GIS Programming (3 credits)

Joint-listed with GEOG 479

Introduction to using computer programming to solve geospatial problems. Basic programming concepts as well as integration with ArcGIS are covered. Students learn Python and complete lab assignments on managing, processing, and plotting geographic and attribute data. Additional work will be required for graduate credit. Recommended preparation for graduate students: GEOG 525 Typically Offered: Fall. Cooperative: open to WSU degree-seeking students.

GEOG 583 Remote Sensing/GIS Image Analysis (3 credits)

Joint-listed with GEOG 483

GEOG 587 (s) Topics in Geospatial Analysis (1-3 credits, max 6)

Joint-listed with GEOG 487

GEOG 588 Geography of Energy Systems (3 credits)

Joint-listed with GEOG 488

GEOG 591 History and Philosophy of Geography (3 credits)

Evolution of geography as a discipline, focusing on post-scientific revolution developments and identification of major themes in contemporary geographic thought.

GEOG 593 Geovisualization (3 credits)

Covers methods for visualization and analyzing of spatial data. This includes modern data visualization techniques such as incorporation of modeling results, remote sensing and geographic information system layers, and dynamic virtual assets within virtual environments. Typically Offered: Spring and Summer.

GEOG 596 Geography Department Seminar (1 credit)

Weekly or bi-weekly department seminar with talks given by visiting and local speakers on topics relevant to geography.

GEOG 597 (s) Practicum (1-16 credits)

Credit arranged. Graded pass/fail.

GEOG 598 (s) Internship (1-16 credits)

Credit arranged. Practical, on-the-job experience with governmental agencies or commercial establishments; oral and written reports are presented in which the student reviews and constructively criticizes the experience gained; salary may be received for services performed.

GEOG 599 (s) Research (1-16 credits)

Credit arranged. Research not directly related to a thesis or dissertation.

GEOG 600 Doctoral Research and Dissertation (1-45 credits)

GEOL 101 Physical Geology (3 credits)

The earth, its composition, structure, and natural processes. Three lectures and 2 hours of lab per week; one 1-day field trip. Typically Offered: Fall and Spring.

GEOL 101L Physical Geology Lab (1 credit)

The earth, its composition, structure, and natural processes. Three lectures and 2 hours of lab per week; one 1-day field trip.

GEOL 102 Historical Geology (3 credits)

Evolution of the physical earth, plants, and animals; techniques used in interpretation of geologic history and how organisms have changed our planet through geologic time. The geologic rock record, past extinction events, evolution of organisms through time, and recovery from gradual and catastrophic events such as climate change and major volcanic events are discussed. The current ‘6th extinction’ and changing climate is used to critically think about practices of sustainability and how future Earth may be impacted. Includes one 1-day field trip. Typically Offered: Fall and Spring.

Coreqs: GEOL 102L or permission Cooperative: open to WSU degree-seeking students

GEOL 102L Historical Geology Lab (1 credit)

Evolution of the physical earth, plants, and animals; techniques used in interpretation of geologic history. Typically Offered: Fall and Spring.

GEOL 111 Physical Geology for Science Majors (3 credits)

Introductory course in earth science for geology and other science majors. Three lectures and one 2-hour lab per week; two 1-day field trips.

GEOL 111L Physical Geology for Science Majors Lab (1 credit)

GEOL 200 (s) Seminar (1 credit)

GEOL 203 (s) Workshop (1-16 credits)

GEOL 204 (s) Special Topics (1-16 credits)

GEOL 212 Paleontology: Dinosaurs and Prehistoric Life (4 credits)

Studies of morphology, classification of fossil groups, and utility of fossils in interpreting depositional environments and ages of sedimentary rocks. This class discusses organisms through time and how they moved into or out of available niches as their environment changed. It provides a deep Earth perspective regarding how organisms reacted amongst major climatic changes and relates to sustainability practices for the current and future organisms. One 4 day to 1 week field trip. Recommended preparation: GEOL 102 . Typically Offered: Fall. Cooperative: open to WSU degree-seeking students.

GEOL 226 Crime Scene Science (3 credits)

Introduction to the use of geological and mineralogical materials and techniques within the criminal/civil justice system. Topics will include the origin and description of minerals, rocks, soils and sands, fossils, industrial materials, and pollen, the history of forensic science, instrumental & forensic laboratory techniques, and the legal aspects of scientific evidence. Two lectures and one 2-hour lab per week; one 1-day field trip. Typically Offered: Fall.

Prereqs: One of the following: GEOL 101 / GEOL 101L , GEOL 111 / GEOL 111L , CHEM 101 / CHEM 101L , CHEM 111 / CHEM 111L ; or Permission Cooperative: open to WSU degree-seeking students.

GEOL 249 Mineralogy and Optical Mineralogy (4 credits)

Principles of crystallography, crystal chemistry, and crystal structure; mineral identification; principles of optical mineralogy and use of the polarized light microscope. Three lectures and one 2-hour lab per week; two 1-day field trips.

Prereqs: GEOL 111 / GEOL 111L or GEOL 101 / GEOL 101L , and CHEM 111 / CHEM 111L

GEOL 250 Marine Geology: Fiery Birth to Cold Demise (3 credits)

This course introduces students to fundamental topics in marine geology including the origin of the oceanic lithosphere at mid-ocean ridges and its eventual return to the mantle at subduction zones, the formation of seamounts, and the circulation of hydrothermal fluids. The class will explore how interactions between the mantle, lithosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere govern the Earth’s carbon budget, provide opportunities for deep-sea mining of critically rare minerals, and maintain a thriving, but still poorly explored deep-sea biosphere. Typically Offered: Fall (Odd Years). Cooperative: open to WSU degree-seeking students.

GEOL 299 (s) Directed Study (1-16 credits)

GEOL 302 Field Geology Methods (3 credits)

Introduction to field mapping and field techniques; mapping sedimentary sequences and tectonic structures; Professional ethics, report preparation, project budgeting, and safety planning. Accident and health insurance required. Single- and multiple-day field trips with camping required. Typically Offered: Summer.

Prereqs: GEOL 101 / GEOL 101L or GEOL 111 / GEOL 111L or GEOL 102 / GEOL 102L or GEOG 100 / GEOG 100L Cooperative: open to WSU degree-seeking students.

GEOL 309 Ground Water Hydrology (3 credits)

Occurrence, movement, and properties of subsurface water; introduction to ground water hydrology. Typically Offered: Fall.

Prereqs: GEOL 101 / GEOL 101L or GEOL 111 ; or MATH 143 with a grade of C or better Cooperative: open to WSU degree-seeking students.

GEOL 310 Geological Core Logging (1 credit)

Designed to give students an overview of the mining industry and acquaint students with methods used for mineral exploration. Students will receive hands on training in core logging, a fundamental skill for a mining geologist, from mining industry professionals, and will be able to learn about career opportunities for geologists in the mining industry. Typically Offered: Spring. Cooperative: open to WSU degree-seeking students.

GEOL 318 Economic Geology (3 credits)

Provides an introduction to economic geology through an examination of the lifecycle of a mine—target identification, exploration, mine development, mining methods, ore processing, extraction processes, mine closure, and remediation/restoration, along with discussions regarding the circular economy and green mining. The extraction economy is no longer based on target elements and our ability to remove them from the Earth. Modern mining requires substantial planning at each step of the mine lifecycle from target identification to landscape restoration. Typically Offered: Spring (Even Years).

Prereqs: GEOL 101 / GEOL 101L or GEOL 111 , and MATH 130 or MATH 143 with a grade of 'C' or better Cooperative: open to WSU degree-seeking students.

GEOL 324 Principles of Stratigraphy and Sedimentation (4 credits)

Interrelationship of sedimentation and stratigraphy and processes and factors influencing genesis of sedimentary rocks. Topics include weathering, fluid flows, sediment mechanics, depositional environments, stratigraphic logging and field data collection, sedimentary lithofacies, provenance, and application of principles of interpretation of stratigraphic record. Two lectures and one 4-hour lab per week; two 1-day field trips; One 5-day field trip.

Prereqs: GEOL 102 / GEOL 102L and MATH 143 with a grade of 'C' or better

GEOL 326 Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology (4 credits)

Hard rock petrology plus megascopic and microscopic petrography of igneous and metamorphic rocks. Two lectures and two 2-hour labs per week; two 1-day or one 2-day field trips.

Prereqs: GEOL 249 and MATH 143 with a grade of 'C' or better

GEOL 335 Geomorphology (3 credits)

Classification, recognition, origin, and significance of land forms; land form analysis in interpretation of geologic structure and history. One 2-day field trip.

Prereqs: GEOL 101 / GEOL 101L or GEOL 102 / GEOL 102L or GEOL 111 / GEOL 111L , or GEOG 100 / GEOG 100L ; and MATH 143 with a grade of 'C' or better; or Permission

GEOL 344 Earthquakes (3 credits)

The geology of earthquakes including the cause of fault rupture, seismic waves, focal mechanisms, and earthquakes associated with all fault types in a variety of tectonic settings; methods of identifying paleo-earthquakes in the geologic record, and the assessment of seismic risk in active fault environments.

Prereqs: GEOL 101 and GEOL 101L or GEOL 111 and GEOL 111L or GEOG 100 or ENVS 101 ; and MATH 143 with a grade of 'C' or better

GEOL 345 Structural Geology (4 credits)

Investigation of deformed rocks; mechanics of brittle and continuum failure, stress and strain relations, characterization, description, classification of folded and fractured rocks. Three hours of lecture and one 2-hour 45-minute lab per week; one week-long mandatory field trip. (Spring only)

Prereqs: MATH 143 with a grade of 'C' or better; and one semester high-school trigonometry or MATH 144 ; and GEOL 101 / GEOL 101L or GEOL 111 / GEOL 111L ; and PHYS 111 / PHYS 111L or PHYS 211 / PHYS 211L .

GEOL 361 Geology and the Environment (3 credits)

This class is constructed to examine the legacy and current generation and disposal of mine waste and how we might best reduce the potential impacts from the mine waste stream. As part of this course, we will explore the production of waste rock (unprocessed mine waste) and tailings (processed mine waste), their potential impact on the environment, and disposal practices for reducing environmental degradation. To assist us in understanding modern mining methods and their ability to reduce environmental impacts from mine waste, we will explore the use of GoldSim, a Monte Carlo simulation software for dynamically modeling complex systems to supports decision-making and risk analysis. GoldSim allows you to create realistic models of mine systems in order to carry out risk analyses, evaluate potential environmental impacts, support strategic planning, and optimize operations.

GEOL 375 Geology of National Parks (3 credits)

Primarily for non-geology majors who want to acquire a better knowledge of geologic concepts and processes through study of geology of national parks. One 6-day field trip.

Prereqs: GEOL 101 / GEOL 101L , GEOL 102 / GEOL 102L , GEOL 111 / GEOL 111L , or GEOG 100 / GEOG 100L ; and MATH 143 with a grade of 'C' or better

GEOL 398 (s) Internship (1-16 credits)

GEOL 400 (s) Seminar (1 credit, max arranged)

Participation in departmental colloquium.

Prereqs: MATH 143 with a grade of 'C' or better

GEOL 403 (s) Workshop (1-16 credits)

GEOL 404 (s) Special Topics (1-16 credits)

GEOL 405 (s) Professional Development (1-16 credits)

GEOL 407 Basin Analysis (3 credits)

Joint-listed with GEOL 507

Formation mechanisms and characteristics of sedimentary basins. Modern concepts of tectonics and sedimentary basin analysis, includingtectonics of subsidence, detrital mineral provenance, thermal histories, and facies models. Lithofacies distributions and structural styles in a variety of basin types with specific examples from around the world. Additional paper required for graduate credit. One 2-day and one 5-day field trip. Cooperative: open to WSU degree-seeking students. (Spring only)

Prereqs: GEOL 324 and MATH 143 with a grade of C or better

GEOL 410 Groundwater Field Methods (3 credits)

Joint-listed with GEOL 508

Field methods and professional practice in groundwater hydrology. Basic field techniques used in groundwater investigations, including measuring and interpreting depth to water in wells, slug testing, and aquifer pumping tests. Professional skills complementary to field investigations, including logistics, project budgeting, and safety planning. Students are required to participate in a significant amount of work in the field, including performance of a field-based final project. For graduate credit, students must complete a resource evaluation using data gathered in the final project. Cooperative: open to WSU degree-seeking students.

GEOL 411 Advanced Paleontology (3 credits)

Joint-listed with GEOL 511

This class discusses methods used in assessing organisms in the paleontological rock record and what they can tell us about ancient climate, ecology, and geography. Applications include using past organisms' response to a changing earth in discussions on how current organisms will react regarding current and future climate change, sea level fluctuations, and other major events. Additional work required for graduate course. Typically Offered: Fall (Even Years).

Prereqs: GEOL 212 Cooperative: open to WSU degree-seeking students.

GEOL 413 Environmental Hydrogeology (3 credits)

Cross-listed with HYDR 412

Joint-listed with HYDR 512

This course provides an examination of hydrogeochemical site characterization to evaluate the transport of water-quality contaminants and the impact of the contaminants on water resources, particularly aquifers. The primary goal is an evaluation of the integration of physical and chemical tools available for determining the current state of contamination and predicting future conditions with changes in the hydrogeologic environment. Additional independent research paper required for graduate credit. Typically Offered: Spring (Odd Years).

Prereqs: GEOL 309 Cooperative: open to WSU degree-seeking students.

GEOL 417 Advanced Paleontology (3 credits)

Fossil assemblage analyses and report writing; marine faunal assemblage 1st half of semester; nonmarine floral assemblage 2nd half of semester. Three 2-hour labs per week; one 1-day field trip.

Prereqs: MATH 143 with a grade of 'C' or better and GEOL 212 ; or Permission

GEOL 422 Principles of Geophysics (4 credits)

Outline of geophysical methods for geological investigations. One 1-day field trip. Course includes 3 hours of lecture and one 2-hour lab per week.

GEOL 423 Principles of Geochemistry (3 credits)

Physiochemical principles applied to geologic processes. Topics covered include atmospheric geochemistry, environmental geochemistry, aqueous geochemistry, crystal chemistry, radiogenic and stable isotopes. These topics provide an overview of the principles of physics and chemistry that define geochemistry and its use to understand Earth's geology. The objective of this course is to learn how geochemical processes control the distribution of elements from the core of the Earth to the atmosphere. Includes one 3-day field trip.

Prereqs: GEOL 249

GEOL 424 Advanced Topics in Sedimentary Rocks (3 credits, max 3)

Joint-listed with GEOL 520

Modern concepts of tectonic sedimentology, depositional environments, facies models, and application of analytical techniques to stratigraphic sequences. GEOL 520 students will have an additional research project. One 5-day field trip. Typically Offered: Spring.

Prereqs: GEOL 324 . Cooperative: open to WSU degree-seeking students.

GEOL 427 Paleoclimatology (3 credits)

Joint-listed with GEOL 517

This course will cover the sedimentological, paleontological, geochemical, and numerical methods used to study climate in the Phanerozoic geologic record. The paleoclimate record will be used to assess modern climate change and conditions on future Earth. Students will gain an understanding of how past climates can help us implement sustainable practices in the future. This class will cover how climate change affected Earth and organisms in the past in order to understand how our Earth and organisms will respond in the future. Additional coursework will be required for graduate credit. Typically Offered: Varies. Cooperative: open to WSU degree-seeking students.

GEOL 428 Geostatistics (3 credits)

Cross-listed with GEOE 428

Joint-listed with GEOL 534

Applications of random variables and probability in geologic and engineering studies; regression, regionalized variables, spatial correlation, variograms, kriging, and simulation. Recommended Preparation: STAT 301 . Cooperative: open to WSU degree-seeking students.

GEOL 431 Chemical Hydrogeology (3 credits)

Joint-listed with GEOL 531

An exploration of low temperature, aqueous geochemistry principles through examination of atmospheric, geologic, and biologic influences on water chemistry in surface and near-surface hydrologic environments. For graduate credit, students are required to complete an additional independent research paper or presentation. Recommended preparation: GEOL 423 .

Prereqs: CHEM 111 / CHEM 111L

GEOL 433 Geodynamics (4 credits)

Joint-listed with GEOL 533

This class focuses on the processes and mechanisms that cause motions within and on the surface of the Earth and other planets. Topics to be covered include plate boundary deformation, plate flexure, planetary heat transfer, convection in the mantle and core, melting and melt transport, magma dynamics, and large-scale lithospheric deformation. For graduate credit, students will be expected to complete a research project and report. Course includes 3 hours of lecture and one 3-hour lab per week. Recommended Preparation: Math 175 or equivalent. Typically Offered: Fall.

Prereqs: MATH 143 with a grade of 'C' or better; and MATH 170 or equivalent Cooperative: open to WSU degree-seeking students.

GEOL 435 Glaciology and the Dynamic Frozen Earth (3 credits)

Joint-listed with GEOL 535

This course examines the physical processes that govern the frozen components of the Earth system. Idaho’s changing snowpack, thinning Arctic sea ice, and accelerating glaciers are all evidence of the Earth’s dynamic and rapidly changing frozen surface. These landscapes play critical roles in the climate system. Thinning and retreat of glaciers and ice sheets is on track to raise global sea level by up to a meter within student lifetimes. This course covers the mechanics and energy budgets of the frozen earth. Upon completion of this course, students will be able to describe the ways by which glaciers increase or decrease their flow, the controls on the growth and loss of sea ice, the importance of permafrost environments to the climate and landscape evolution, and how ice preserves a record of past global temperatures. Additional work required for graduate credit. Cooperative: open to WSU degree-seeking students.

Prereqs: MATH 160 or MATH 170

GEOL 447 Geochronology and Thermochronology (3 credits)

Joint-listed with GEOL 547

Constraining the timing, rate, and pace of earth processes and events is crucial for geoscience research. This course covers the fundamentals of radiometric dating methods for geologic materials and recent developments in the fields of geochronology and thermochronology. Discussions will focus on principles and assumptions of each technique, novel applications, and interpretation of complex datasets. Additional work required for graduate credit. Typically Offered: Varies.

Prereqs: GEOL 101 or GEOL 111 or Permission Cooperative: open to WSU degree-seeking students.

GEOL 448 Tectonics (3 credits)

Joint-listed with GEOL 548

An investigation into the processes driving the physical evolution of the Earth's crust and mantle and how those processes are reflected at the surface. Discussion of the development of mountain belts, growth of continents and ocean basins, and plate boundary dynamics. A more advanced project/paper required for graduate credit. One or two 1-2 day field trips. Cooperative: open to WSU degree-seeking students.

Prereqs: GEOL 345 or Permission

GEOL 454 Air Quality, Pollution, and Smoke (3 credits)

Cross-listed with FIRE 454

Joint-listed with FIRE 554

Provides details of the controls and drivers of emission processes and impacts on air quality from fires, industry, and natural sources. The course provides an overview of relevant policy and health impacts of various air pollutants on humans. It also includes detail on atmospheric chemistry and physics related to natural and anthropogenic emissions and how these impact atmospheric chemistry and climate. Overview of the combustion and emission process, how these emissions impact air quality, and what models exist to monitor these emissions. Other topics to include: guidelines for smoke management planning, attainment issues, atmospheric transport and deposition processes. Additional work required for graduate credit. Typically Offered: Spring and Summer.

GEOL 462 Petroleum Systems and Energy Transitions (3 credits)

Joint-listed with GEOL 562

Learn the play elements and the science behind the discovery, analytical work, extraction, and economics of a petroleum system; learn how to use cutting-edge software to do geophysical well log and 3D seismic interpretation with key stratigraphic concepts, and subsurface geologic mapping and analysis. Topics include the economics of future resources, and the role of the petroleum industry and alternative energy sources regarding the sustainability of future energy needs and the discussion of climate change. Additional project work will be required for graduate credit. One two-to-four day fieldtrip. Typically Offered: Fall (Even Years). Cooperative: open to WSU degree-seeking students.

GEOL 467 Volcanology (3 credits)

Joint-listed with GEOL 567

Eruption mechanisms, volcanic processes and landforms, and volcanic deposits. Additional projects/assignments required for graduate credit. Two lectures and one 2-hour lab per week; seven days of field trips.

GEOL 471 Ore Deposits and Exploration (3 credits)

Joint-listed with GEOL 572

The geologic origin of metallic ore deposits and the methods used to search for them. Taught in alternating years. One 1-day and one 3-day field trip. For graduate credit, graduate students must complete a research paper describing some aspect of ore deposit formation. Typically Offered: Varies.

Prereqs: GEOL 249 and MATH 143 with a grade of 'C' or better Cooperative: open to WSU degree-seeking students.

GEOL 474 Stable Isotopes in the Environment (3 credits)

Joint-listed with GEOL 584

Learn the theory and application of stable isotopes to a range of topics in earth sciences, environmental science, and related disciplines. Topics include the kinetic and equilibrium fractionation of stable isotopes in natural systems, the processes that drive those fractionations, and the use of isotope mass spectrometry to measure and understand those processes. Students will work with and interpret real datasets. Additional work is required for graduate credit. Typically Offered: Spring.

Prereqs: GEOL 101 or GEOL 102 or GEOL 111 ; CHEM 111 . Cooperative: open to WSU degree-seeking students.

GEOL 489 Virtual Field Camp (3 credits)

Advanced field problems and methods; interpretation of field data, preparation of reports based on geological observations and interpretations. Virtual Field camp provides the necessary support for students with physical challenges to meet the requirements of the BS degree in geology. Typically Offered: Summer.

Prereqs: GEOL 302 , GEOL 345 , and MATH 143 with a grade of 'C' or better Cooperative: open to WSU degree-seeking students.

GEOL 490 Geology Field Camp (3 credits)

Prereqs: GEOL 345 ; and MATH 143 with a grade of 'C' or better. Cooperative: open to WSU degree-seeking students.

GEOL 497 (s) Practicum In Tutoring (1 credit, max 2)

Tutorial services performed by advanced students under faculty supervision. Graded P/F.

Prereqs: MATH 143 with a grade of 'C' or better and Permission of department

GEOL 498 Senior Thesis (3 credits)

Cross-listed with ESS 498

Completion of original research and report. Course is taken over two semesters; first semester is graded IP until completion of second semester. Typically Offered: Varies.

Prereqs: MATH 143 with a grade of 'C' or better and Senior standing and Permission

GEOL 499 (s) Directed Study (1-16 credits)

GEOL 500 Master's Research and Thesis (1-16 credits)

GEOL 501 (s) Seminar (1 credit, max arranged)

GEOL 502 (s) Directed Study (1-16 credits)

GEOL 503 (s) Workshop (1-16 credits)

GEOL 504 (s) Special Topics (1-16 credits)

GEOL 505 (s) Professional Development (1-16 credits)

GEOL 507 Basin Analysis (3 credits)

Joint-listed with GEOL 407

GEOL 508 Groundwater Field Methods (3 credits)

Joint-listed with GEOL 410

GEOL 510 (s) Geosystems (3 credits, max 6)

Interdisciplinary core graduate course in earth sciences. Course will involve multiple instructors and modules framed around a common theme. Specific focus may vary from year to year. Cooperative: open to WSU degree-seeking students.

GEOL 511 Advanced Topics in Paleontology (3 credits)

Joint-listed with GEOL 411

This class discusses methods used in assessing organisms in the paleontological rock record and what they can tell us about ancient climate, ecology, and geography. Applications include using past organisms' response to a changing earth in discussions on how current organisms will react regarding current and future climate change, sea level fluctuations, and other major events. Additional work required for graduate course. Typically Offered: Fall (Even Years). Cooperative: open to WSU degree-seeking students.

GEOL 517 Paleoclimatology (3 credits)

Joint-listed with GEOL 427

GEOL 520 Advanced Topics in Sedimentary Rocks (3 credits, max 3)

GEOL 531 Chemical Hydrogeology (3 credits)

Joint-listed with GEOL 431

GEOL 533 Geodynamics (4 credits)

Joint-listed with GEOL 433

This class focuses on the processes and mechanisms that cause motions within and on the surface of the Earth and other planets. Topics to be covered include plate boundary deformation, plate flexure, planetary heat transfer, convection in the mantle and core, melting and melt transport, magma dynamics, and large-scale lithospheric deformation. For graduate credit, students will be expected to complete a research project and report. Course includes 3 hours of lecture and one 3-hour lab per week. Recommended Preparation: Math 175 or equivalent. Typically Offered: Fall. Cooperative: open to WSU degree-seeking students.

GEOL 534 Geostatistics (3 credits)

Joint-listed with GEOL 428 and GEOE 428

GEOL 535 Glaciology and the Dynamic Frozen Earth (3 credits)

Joint-listed with GEOL 435

GEOL 547 Geochronology and Thermochronology (3 credits)

Joint-listed with GEOL 447

Constraining the timing, rate, and pace of earth processes and events is crucial for geoscience research. This course covers the fundamentals of radiometric dating methods for geologic materials and recent developments in the fields of geochronology and thermochronology. Discussions will focus on principles and assumptions of each technique, novel applications, and interpretation of complex datasets. Additional work required for graduate credit. Typically Offered: Varies. Cooperative: open to WSU degree-seeking students.

GEOL 548 Tectonics (3 credits)

Joint-listed with GEOL 448

An investigation of the processes driving the physical evolution of the Earth's crust and mantle and how those processes are reflected at the surface. Discussion of the development of mountain belts, growth of continents and ocean basins, and plate boundary dynamics. A more advanced project/paper required for graduate-level credit. One or two 1-2 day field trips. Cooperative: open to WSU degree-seeking students.

GEOL 549 Principles of Electron Microscopy (3 credits)

Theory and principles of scanning and transmission electron microscopy as an investigative tool; includes physical principles of electron microscopy, operation and maintenance of the electron microscope, specimen preparation, and digital image capture. Lab section involves hands-on use of SEM and TEM. Students registering are required to complete a research project. One 1. 5-hour lecture and one 2-hour lab per week. Cooperative: open to WSU degree-seeking students. Typically Offered: Fall.

GEOL 562 Petroleum Systems and Energy Transitions (3 credits)

Joint-listed with GEOL 462

GEOL 567 Volcanology (3 credits)

Joint-listed with GEOL 467

Eruption mechanisms, volcanic processes and landforms, and volcanic deposits. Additional projects/assignments required for graduate credit. Two lectures and one 2-hour lab per week; seven days of field trips. Cooperative: open to WSU degree-seeking students.

GEOL 572 Ore Deposits and Exploration (3 credits)

Joint-listed with GEOL 471

The geologic origin of metallic ore deposits and the methods used to search for them. Taught in alternating years. One 1-day and one 3-day field trip. For graduate credit, graduate students must complete a research paper describing some aspect of ore deposit formation. Typically Offered: Varies. Cooperative: open to WSU degree-seeking students.

GEOL 582 Planetary Surfaces and Interiors (3 credits)

Joint-listed with ESS 482 , PHYS 482

, PHYS 582 . Planetary geology is an integrated field that applies knowledge from several areas of science to understand the origin and evolution of the Sun, planets, and minor bodies (asteroids, comets, etc). This course will primarily focus on the geological and physical processes that create and modify planetary surfaces. Topics will include economic exploration in space, volcanology, tectonics, impact cratering, geomorphological modifications, and how those processes change when applied to physical parameters outside the natural range for Earth. Due to the inaccessible nature of space, the methods used to explore its secrets are widespread, creative, complex, and often underutilized in purely terrestrial studies. Graduate students will have extra responsibilities running group discussions and giving presentations. Typically Offered: Varies. Cooperative: open to WSU degree-seeking students.

GEOL 584 Stable Isotopes in the Environment (3 credits)

Joint-listed with GEOL 474

Learn the theory and application of stable isotopes to a range of topics in earth sciences, environmental science, and related disciplines. Topics include the kinetic and equilibrium fractionation of stable isotopes in natural systems, the processes that drive those fractionations, and the use of isotope mass spectrometry to measure and understand those processes. Students will work with and interpret real datasets. Additional work is required for graduate credit. Typically Offered: Spring. Cooperative: open to WSU degree-seeking students.

GEOL 597 (s) Practicum (1-16 credits)

GEOL 598 (s) Internship (1-16 credits)

GEOL 599 (s) Research (1-16 credits)

GEOL 600 Doctoral Research and Dissertation (1-45 credits)

HYDR 404 (s) Special Topics (1-16 credits)

HYDR 409 Quantitative Hydrogeology (3 credits)

Joint-listed with HYDR 509

A rigorous introduction to the description of flow in porous media; the basic equations of potential flow theory as they relate to ground water problems, with application to common engineering problems encountered by hydrogeologists and engineers; dimensional analysis, properties assignment, and heterogeneous systems. Additional reading, presentations, and/or written reports of assigned literature required for graduate credit. Typically Offered: Varies.

Prereqs: 'C' or higher in either MATH 160 or MATH 170

HYDR 412 Environmental Hydrogeology (3 credits)

Cross-listed with GEOL 413

HYDR 496 Hydrogeology Senior Thesis (3 credits)

Completion of original research and report. Course is taken over two semesters; first semester is graded IP until completion of second semester.

Prereqs: GEOL 309 or HYDR 409 / HYDR 509 and GEOL 410

HYDR 499 (s) Directed Study (1-16 credits)

HYDR 500 Master's Research and Thesis (1-16 credits)

HYDR 501 (s) Seminar (1-16 credits)

HYDR 502 (s) Directed Study (1-16 credits)

HYDR 503 (s) Workshop (1-16 credits)

HYDR 504 (s) Special Topics (1-16 credits)

HYDR 509 Quantitative Hydrogeology (3 credits)

Joint-listed with HYDR 409

HYDR 512 Environmental Hydrogeology (3 credits)

Joint-listed with GEOL 413 , HYDR 412

This course provides an examination of hydrogeochemical site characterization to evaluate the transport of water-quality contaminants and the impact of the contaminants on water resources, particularly aquifers. The primary goal is an evaluation of the integration of physical and chemical tools available for determining the current state of contamination and predicting future conditions with changes in the hydrogeologic environment. Additional independent research paper required for graduate credit. Typically Offered: Spring (Odd Years). Cooperative: open to WSU degree-seeking students.

HYDR 576 Fundamentals of Modeling Hydrogeologic Systems (3 credits)

Development and application of models representing physical systems, with particular emphasis on ground water flow. Development and solution of the basic equations of potential flow will be covered, along with their assumptions and limitations. Properties assignment, parameter sensitivity, and dimensional analysis will also be discussed. The course will emphasize when modeling is appropriate, how to design a model, and how properties should be selected to achieve meaningful results. Cooperative: open to WSU degree-seeking students.

Prereqs: MATH 275 or Permission

HYDR 598 (s) Internship (1-16 credits)

HYDR 599 (s) Research (1-16 credits)

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The Top International Relations Schools

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The Top International Relations Schools of 2024, Ranked

An insider’s guide to the world’s best programs—for both policy and academic careers.

The Teaching, Research, and International Policy (TRIP) Project at William & Mary’s Global Research Institute has long partnered with Foreign Policy to create a reputational ranking of academic programs in international relations. Over the past two decades, our process has remained simple and consistent: We ask IR professionals what they think are the five best places to study for an undergraduate, terminal master’s, and doctoral degree.

In our most recent survey on the topic, conducted from October 2022 to January 2023, we received responses from 979 IR scholars across the United States, 294 staff affiliated with U.S. think tanks, and 291 policymakers who worked in the U.S. government during the George W. Bush, Obama, and Trump administrations. For the first time, we also asked respondents which Ph.D. programs are best for a student interested in a policy career, rather than an academic one. As the number of tenure-track positions in universities declines and the demand for expertise within the policy community increases , this question is more relevant today than ever before.

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• Ph.D., ACADEMIC
• Ph.D., POLICY

Undergraduate Programs

These results should look familiar to those who follow national undergraduate rankings. Ivy League schools, Stanford University, the University of Chicago, and a few large public universities were favored across the board. But a handful of outliers punched well above their weight: Georgetown University, American University, George Washington University, Tufts University, and William & Mary all placed much higher here compared with their rankings in U.S. News & World Report , widely considered the most influential college ranking in the United States. In fact, Georgetown stands out as the top undergraduate choice among policymakers and think tank staff.

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Master’s Programs

For master’s students hoping to pursue a policy career, all three groups we surveyed expressed a preference for programs on the East Coast. Only a few schools located west of the Rocky Mountains made the top 20 in each list. Respondents also highlighted several options outside the United States in the top 20: IR faculty included four international programs, while policymakers included five—all located in Europe—and think tankers included eight, one of which is in Asia.

Ph.D. Programs for Academics

IR faculty members’ rankings of Ph.D. programs have proved remarkably stable over the years. Between our 2017 survey and our most recent one, no top 15 program has moved more than one spot in either direction; in fact, most held the same rank. Additionally, policymakers and think tank staff appeared to value academic Ph.D. programs located in Washington, D.C., and outside the United States much more than U.S.-based IR scholars did.

Ph.D. Programs for Policymakers

When asked about doctoral students pursuing a policy career, all three groups we surveyed showed a preference for institutions with strong connections to Washington. Schools such as George Washington University, Georgetown University, and American University are ranked higher for students pursuing policy careers than for those hoping to enter academia. Conversely, institutions such as the University of Chicago and Massachusetts Institute of Technology are ranked lower for policy careers than academic ones. This shift highlights the importance of proximity to policy centers and the availability of practical engagement opportunities in shaping perceptions of a program’s value for a policy-oriented career in IR.

Advice to Prospective Students

Prospective students would do well to explore the specific features of various programs rather than focusing solely on a broad reputational ranking, which tells us little about a program’s regional, functional, or methodological strengths. For example, both academic and policymaker respondents who specialize in international political economy and/or trade policy ranked the London School of Economics master’s program higher than respondents who focus on security policy. Similarly, academics who specialize in the study of Latin America ranked the University of California, Berkeley Ph.D. program higher for an academic career than their non-Latin Americanist colleagues.

Still, prospective students should keep in mind that reputation matters. Although reputation may be an imperfect indicator of quality, it is a strong indicator of perceived quality within the field. A program’s standing can have conscious and unconscious effects on graduate school admissions committees, scholarship committees, and hiring managers in the public, private, and higher education sectors. For this reason, our ranking provides a systematic measure of these perceptions to assist prospective students in making informed choices as they plan for their future.

Advancing a Global Affairs Career

The intersection of large-scale challenges and technological advancements demands a broader range of knowledge and skills from international relations professionals. Learn about the impact this is having on employment trends in the latest FP Graduate School Guide .

To learn how your academic institution can be part of the FP Guides, contact Director of Academic Partnerships: Sherri Greeves, [email protected] .

Irene Entringer García Blanes is a senior project manager for the Teaching, Research, and International Policy Project at William & Mary. Twitter:  @EntringerIrene

Susan Peterson is the Wendy and Emery Reves professor of government and international relations at William & Mary.

Michael J. Tierney is the George and Mary Hylton professor of international relations and director of the Global Research Institute at William & Mary. Twitter:  @MikeTierneyIR

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A Geology Expert’s Guide to Colorado’s Coolest Rock Formations

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University of Denver Associate Professor Michael Kerwin shares a few of his favorite lesser-known locations to take students for on-site lessons.

Colorado National Monument

What better way to delve into Colorado’s history than by exploring some of its many different rock formations? Whether by foot, car, bike, or rock climbing, the state is filled with Mother Nature’s art.

From north to south, Michael Kerwin, director of the Environmental Science Program and an associate professor in the Department of Geography & the Environment at the University of Denver, shares a few of Colorado’s less commonly traveled geologic marvels—along with a few bonus recommendations from the DU Newsroom.

Pawnee Buttes

2 hours 13 minutes from DU

The first geological destination is in the northeast corner of the state, roughly 13 miles south of the Wyoming border. 

What are otherwise grassy plains surrounding the area, the  Pawnee Buttes —formed by sedimentary rock that rise approximately 300 feet from the ground—make for a striking environmental juxtaposition.

A two-mile trail leads hikers to the first butte, while the second butte is on private land. Climbing on the rocks is not allowed, nor is mountain biking.

Located immediately beneath the rocks is the Ogallala Aquifer, North America’s largest aquifer.

“It’s beautiful out there, it’s subtle, but the sandstone rocks that they’re looking at are the ones that—when they’re underground—hold the groundwater. It’s this incredible resource, really allowing for a lot of the agriculture that takes place in the Great Plains,” Kerwin says.

North Table Mountain

30 minutes from DU

The next spot is the only place in the Denver metro area where you can find volcanic rock: Golden’s North Table Mountain.

“The entire North Table Mountain is made up of three lava flows,” he says. “It makes for really great rock climbing because it's hard and you have the cracks.”

In fact, both North Table Mountain and its  sister mesa, South Table Mountain , were formed from lava flows about 60 million years ago.

When looking at the rocks themselves, visitors can see what’s called columnar jointing—a six-sided column-type pattern in volcanic rock that was formed from the magma when it cooled.

North Table Mountain is home to more than 15 miles of hiking trails, complete with panoramic views of the Front Range.

25 minutes from DU

The geologic magnificence of Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre is no secret; however, Kerwin takes students to this spot for a specific reason you may not know about.

Near the entrance to the top of the amphitheater is a plaque tells the story of a contact (where two rocks of different ages touch one another) between the 1.7-billion-year-old Pre-Cambrian basement rock and the newer Fountain Formation from 300 million years ago.

The rocks were formed when the Rocky Mountains were eroded and the rocks weathered, giving them their reddish color.

“When you get two different-aged rocks on top of each other, there’s a whole lot of missing Earth history in between,” he says, adding that it’s also referred to in geology as an unconformity. “Many visitors probably don’t get a chance to ponder how amazing that is.”

Spanish Peaks

3.5 hours from DU

The  Spanish Peaks are in the southern part of the state and are a prime example of what geologists call “stocks."

Stocks are large groups of igneous or molten rocks layered by sedimentary rock and later exposed by erosion.

The peaks are also home to a prominent feature called a dike, which radiates out from the mountains and looks like the spokes on a bicycle.

“It can be this incredible aha moment … I take students to the top of West Spanish Peak, and from the top you can look down and see these features in the landscape that extend out for miles—it’s really neat,” Kerwin says.

Picket Wire Canyonlands 

3 hours 25 minutes from DU

Staying in the southern part of the state, the Picket Wire Canyonlands are home to the largest dinosaur track site in North America. 

In fact, visitors can see more than 1,900 prints in 130 separate trackways, according to the U.S. Forest Service website. The round-trip hike to the dinosaur tracks is 11.2 miles, so be sure to bring lots of water.

What makes Picket Wire unique, compared to, say, Dinosaur Ridge, is how many different species of dinosaur footprints are preserved, Kerwin says.

“People don't know about this because it’s far away, but it's really well worth it for people who are geology enthusiasts,” he adds.

A few other recommendations from the DU Newsroom:

4 hours 40 minutes from DU

Located in Grand Junction near the border of Utah, visitors can hike, bike, camp, rock climb, picnic or drive throughout Colorado National Monument. Rim Rock Drive, an approximately 23-mile route, is a classic way to take in all the sights and enjoy the many scenic overlooks. 

Rocks exposed in Colorado National Monument range in age from 1,741 million years old to approximately 100 million years, according to the  National Park Service .

Black Canyon of the Gunnison

4 hours 50 minutes from DU

Sculpted by both the Gunnison River and the process of weathering, you can find  Black Canyon of the Gunnison in west-central Colorado. 

The “deep, steep and narrow” park, which does not require reservations to enter, is divided between the completely separate North Rim and South Rim.

Paint Mines Interactive Park 

1 hours 30 minutes from DU

The  Paint Mines Interpretive Park is named for the colorful clays that were collected here by Native American communities to make paint. 

Located near Callahan in El Paso County, the park is free to visit and features geological formations including spires and hoodoos.

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19 Facts About Tim Walz, Harris’s Pick for Vice President

Mr. Walz, the governor of Minnesota, worked as a high school social studies teacher and football coach, served in the Army National Guard and chooses Diet Mountain Dew over alcohol.

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By Simon J. Levien and Maggie Astor

• Published Aug. 6, 2024 Updated Aug. 9, 2024

Until recently, Gov. Tim Walz of Minnesota was a virtual unknown outside of the Midwest, even among Democrats. But his stock rose fast in the days after President Biden withdrew from the race, clearing a path for Ms. Harris to replace him and pick Mr. Walz as her No. 2.

Here’s a closer look at the Democrats’ new choice for vice president.

1. He is a (very recent) social media darling . Mr. Walz has enjoyed a groundswell of support online from users commenting on his Midwestern “dad vibes” and appealing ordinariness.

2. He started the whole “weird” thing. It was Mr. Walz who labeled former President Donald J. Trump and his running mate, Senator JD Vance of Ohio, “weird” on cable television just a couple of weeks ago. The description soon became a Democratic talking point.

3. He named a highway after Prince and signed the bill in purple ink. “I think we can lay to rest that this is the coolest bill signing we’ll ever do,” he said as he put his name on legislation declaring a stretch of Highway 5 the “Prince Rogers Nelson Memorial Highway” after the musician who had lived in Minnesota.

4. He reminds you of your high school history teacher for a reason. Mr. Walz taught high school social studies and geography — first in Alliance, Neb., and then in Mankato, Minn. — before entering politics.

5. He taught in China in 1989 and speaks some Mandarin. He went to China for a year after graduating from college and taught English there through a program affiliated with Harvard University.

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