| ACADEMIC PROGRAMS IN GEOGRAPHY |
| The Department of Geography at George Mason University offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in Geography, Geographic and Cartographic Sciences, and Earth Systems and Geoinformation Sciences. Our full-time faculty are graduates from some of the top universities in the discipline, and our adjunct faculty have extensive experience in government and the private sector. All are dedicated to providing the highest level geographic education, and to preparing our students for jobs in a wide range of fields. |
| For current undergraduate and graduate course offerings in Geography please see George Mason University's Current Course Schedule |
| There is a suggested procedure for students interested in pursuing Internships and Independent Study opportunities. |
| Graduate Students should visit the Postgraduate Fellowships and Scholarships Program to investigate funding opportunities. |
| PHD IN EARTH SYSTEMS AND GEOINFORMATION SCIENCES |
| The PhD in Earth Systems and Geoinformation Sciences is an innovative program that seeks to integrate traditional scientific disciplines (such as Geography) with the recently developed sub-disciplines and technologies associated with Geographic Information Science. |
| For a detailed description, Admission Requirements, Program Administration, and Curriculum Requirements please see the ESGS PhD Page. |
| MS IN GEOGRAPHIC AND CARTOGRAPHIC SCIENCES |
| The master’s of science in geographic and cartographic sciences at Mason focuses on techniques of compilation, display, and analysis of spatial data. The program’s objective is to produce geographers with a solid understanding of the techniques of spatial data and the ability to apply those techniques to a variety of issues. The MS program offers two options: 36 credit hours and a comprehensive examination, or 24 credit hours and a thesis. Courses from other departments and other universities may be applied to the program with prior approval. Students may select internships as part of their program. Program graduates have proceeded to positions in government and industry and doctoral-level work. |
| A description and overview of the MS program is available HERE. |
| Please see the M.S. in Geographic and Cartographic Sciences Graduate Guidelines for information on requirements, options, advising, financial support, and other topics. Also see the University Thesis, Dissertation, or Project Guide for format and content suggestions. |
| GISCIENCE GRADUATE CERTIFICATE |
| The GIScience Graduate Certificate is designed to help students pursue careers in the rapidly expanding opportunities in the geographic and mapping sciences. The certificate requires 15 credit hours (five courses). Three courses are required, and two are electives. Courses taken for the GIScience Certificate may be applied to the departmental master’s degree. |
| A description and overview of the GIScience Graduate Certificate is available HERE. |
| Please see the Graduate Certificate in Geographic Information Science Graduate Guidelines for admission and program requirements. |
| UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMS IN GEOGRAPHY |
| The George Mason University Department of Geography undergraduate program offers a bachelor of arts and a bachelor of science in geography, providing excellent opportunities for students who want to enrich their knowledge and advance their technical skills in the discipline. Students receive hands-on experiences for real-world practice. Studies include courses in human geography, physical geography, regional geography, technique courses in cartography, geographic information systems (GIS), remote sensing, and spatial statistics. A degree in geography can be useful in careers as various as engineering, environmental science, transportation, business, marketing, and public health. |
| BS in Geography The bachelor of science in geography is for students who wish to combine their interests in geography with complementary studies in sciences and mathematics. The degree consists of three components: (1) a core program of at least 18 semester hours of geography courses from an approved list; (2) a sequence of 18 semester hours in upper-level geographical applications courses and 6 additional credits of electives in geography; and (3) approximately 26 credits of required science, mathematics, statistics, and computer science courses. |
| BA in Geography The bachelor of arts in geography allows students to combine interest in geography with a variety of other disciplines. The degree consists of two components: (1) a core program of at least 28 semester hours of geography courses from an approved list; and (2) an approved double major, disciplinary minor, interdisciplinary minor, or certificate (or a coherent 18-hour combination of courses approved by an advisor and the department chair). |
| Minor in Geography A minor in geography is a natural complement to an array of careers, including engineering, government and international politics, environmental science, transportation, business, marketing, and public health. Any Mason undergraduate student is eligible to earn a minor in geography by completing 18 credits in geography (consult geog.gmu.edu for a list of courses); many qualifying courses also complete general education requirements. |
| Minor in GIS A minor in geographic information systems (GIS) is designed to help students pursue careers in the rapidly expanding opportunities in the geospatial and mapping sciences. Any Mason undergraduate student is eligible to earn a minor in GIS by completing the 19 credits required (consult geog.gmu.edu for a lis and sequence of courses). |
| A description and overview of the Undergraduate Programs in Geography is available HERE. |