The M.A. in Applied Geography is designed to allow concentration in a clearly defined sub-field as well as honing a foundation in the breadth of geography.
Graduates will be equipped with the skills and expertise appropriate to geographic analysis in a range of related fields including: business site selection, environmental assessment, geographic techniques such as cartography, geographic information systems and remote sensing, transportation planning, as well as urban and regional development. Emphasis is placed in application of theoretical constructs in geography to solve real world problems at a variety of scales from the Triad and state to national and global issues.
The M.A. includes the option to do 1) a thesis, required for a doctoral program and academic careers; 2) an internship project, practical when connected with work as an employee in a company; or 3) a non-thesis option that requires two research projects and additional coursework.
The M.A. in Applied Geography offers three areas of concentration:
The Urban Planning and Economic Development concentration is directed towards students who have an interest in preserving and enhancing the quality-of-life of urban areas and dealing effectively with growth and development issues. Students completing this concentration will combine the core requirements of the MA degree in applied geography with courses emphasizing the knowledge and skills required to provide effective leadership in urban and economic development for metropolitan areas. The required core courses, electives, research courses, collateral expertise, and formal reviews and examinations are the same as for the M.A. degree in applied geography. Within this framework, the following 15 credits must be completed.
The Sustainability Concentration in the M.A. in Applied Geography is directed towards students who have an interest in connecting approaches to addressing coupled human environmental problems in the context of broader studies in geography. Students completing this concentration will combine the core requirements of the M.A. in Applied Geography with departmental courses emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches to social and environmental challenges alongside classes from outside the department (chosen in consultation with the advisor). The concentration provides foundational and advanced knowledge and skills necessary for sustainability-related careers in variety of sectors. The core seminar in Sustainability (GES 662) offers a translational experience around the unique definition of sustainability at UNCG where academics, operations, and outreach are conducted with careful attention to the enduring interconnectedness of social equity, the environment, the economy, and aesthetics.
*Up to 9 credits of courses from outside the Department of Geography, Environment, and Sustainability may be chosen in consultation with the advisor (these could include courses from Anthropology, Biology, Communication Studies, Community and Therapeutic Recreation, Economics, Education, Interior Architecture, Business, Sociology, or others.)
The Geosciences Education for Teachers concentration is directed towards students and educators interested in expanding their expertise in teaching geosciences. Completing the Master’s of Arts in Applied Geography with this concentration requires students to combine the core requirements of the M.A. degree with courses emphasizing the knowledge and skills needed to teach geosciences at the middle grades, secondary grades, and community college levels. The required core courses, formal reviews and examinations are the same as for the Master of Arts degree in Applied Geography, non-thesis, course-work option-with a competency portfolio. Within this framework, students will complete 38 credit hours by taking the required courses specified below. Note that GES 650 and GES 651 will be field course experiences for the GET concentration and students will present their portfolios as part of GES 650 and GES 651. (Students’ competency portfolios will be comprised of self-selected geosciences instructional modules designed while students were enrolled in GES 607, 608, 609, 610 and 611.
Department of Geography, Environment, and Sustainability
UNC Greensboro
Physical Address:
237 Graham Building
1009 Spring Garden Street
Greensboro, NC 27412
Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 26170
Greensboro, NC 27402
Phone: 336.334.5388
Fax: 336.334.5864
Copyright © 2024. UNC Greensboro. All rights reserved. | If you have a disability and are having trouble accessing information on this website or need materials in an alternate format contact smvetter@uncg.edu for assistance.
