Oct 18, 2024  
Graduate Catalog 2011-12 
    
Graduate Catalog 2011-12 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Master of Arts in Geography


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Advisor: Chansheng He,
Room 3234, Wood Hall

The goals of the Master of Arts in Geography are: 1) to assist students in acquiring the skills needed for independent geographic research, including organizational and communication skills; and 2) to enable the student to develop a concentration in a particular aspect of the field.

At the same time, each program is individually designed to suit career or personal objectives. Students may prepare for a geographic career in government, business and industry, or for pursuit of a higher degree. A minimum of 30 graduate hours is required.

Admission Requirements

Applicants who possess a bachelor’s degree with a major or minor in Geography OR a related academic discipline such as social science, biological, engineering, health, business, or physical science majors may apply for our master’s program. The application involves two steps:

  1. You should follow normal Western Michigan University Graduate College application procedures to complete the online application process.
  2. You must send a copy of your purpose statement, a copy of your B.S. transcript(s), three letters of references, and score on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) to our department. International students should submit evidence of English language proficiency such as Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score to The Office of International Student Services (OISS) following standard WMU procedures.
  3. Visit www.wmich.edu/geography/academics/apply-grad.html for additional information.

Program Requirements


1. Complete 30 hours of approved graduate credits of required and elective courses, and thesis or project.


At least 20 hours to be completed in the Geography Department.

For Community Development and Planning concentration, complete 36 hours.

2. Required Courses - Complete the following:


3. Electives - Complete a minimum of three courses in one of the following areas of concentration:


  • Community Development and Planning
  • Environmental and Resource Analysis
  • Geographic Techniques

4. Thesis/Project - Complete six hours of:


Or six hours of:


Additional Courses


In addition, students may enroll in the following course, and students with the Community Development and Planning concentration must complete a two-hour internship (enrolling in GEOG 7120).

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