You’ll deepen your understanding of the relationship between people and their environments while building valuable, versatile skills for your career. Through access to state-of-the-art research centers and collaboration with renowned faculty, you’ll enhance your expertise in research, teamwork and communication. Hands-on projects provide practical experience, including opportunities to contribute to faculty-led, grant-funded research in your areas of interest. Along the way, you’ll sharpen your problem-solving, adaptability and leadership skills, preparing you to make an impact on the pressing environmental and spatial challenges of our time.
Who’s a good candidate for this program?
This program is a great fit for individuals from diverse backgrounds who want to expand their understanding of the Earth and its systems. Ideal candidates may be mid-career professionals looking to build new skills or those exploring a career change. You might work in fields such as sustainability, teaching, the military, foreign services or mission work—all areas where understanding spatial relationships, places and cultures is valuable.
Please note: While this program provides a foundational introduction to geographic information systems (GIS), it’s more suited for those seeking a broad, interdisciplinary perspective on geography rather than an intensive focus on GIS.
How this program compares to a geographic information science (GIS) master’s
The key distinction between this program and a geographic information science (GIS) master’s is the level of specialization. This geography master’s offers a comprehensive understanding of geography topics, including politics, culture and human-environment interactions, with only introductory GIS content.
For those seeking advanced GIS training, ASU offers a Master of Applied Science in geographic information systems and GIS graduate certificate, both available only in an on-campus format. These programs are designed for those seeking specialized, advanced training in GIS applications and spatial analysis tools. If you’re looking to build expertise in GIS, the MAS-GIS program or GIS certificate would be a more suitable choice.
Arizona State University’s online Master of Arts in geography provides specialized academic and professional training in geography, allowing you to deepen your knowledge of the world and prepare for further specialization or immediate employment. In this program, you’ll focus on location—specifically the heart of geography, urban planning, climatology and GIS to develop research projects and solutions to geographical problems.
In this program, you’ll take a diverse range of courses designed to prepare you for various roles in geography. You’ll explore key topics such as research methods, spatial statistics, GIS methods, urban planning and climate change. With the flexibility to choose electives, you can tailor your coursework to align with your interests. This program culminates with a capstone project or thesis, allowing you to dive deeper into specific areas of geography most relevant to your career goals.
As a part of The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, the School of Geographical Sciences and Urban Planning is home to nationally and internationally recognized thought leaders and innovators within the disciplines of geography and geographic information science. Our faculty includes:
- Academia Europea Member.
- American Association of Geographers Fellows.
- Fulbright American Scholars.
- U.S. National Academy of Sciences Members.
The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences takes a transdisciplinary approach to education with a vast spectrum of degrees in the social sciences, natural sciences and humanities. We inspire students to become socially aware critical thinkers and global citizens.
students enrolled as of fall 2024
in research expenditures in FY23
interdisciplinary schools and departments
undergraduate degrees
graduate degrees
for humanities research, according to the National Science Foundation
Applicants of the Master of Arts in geography program must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.
Applicants must have a minimum of a 3.00 cumulative GPA in the last 60 hours of a student's first bachelor's degree program. Alternatively, applicants must have a minimum of a 3.00 cumulative GPA in an applicable master's degree program.
All applicants must submit:
- Graduate admission application and application fee.
- One letter of recommendation.
- An up-to-date curriculum vitae or resume.
- Official transcripts.
- An applicant whose native language isn't English (regardless of current residency) must provide proof of English proficiency.
- In your personal statement, the following questions must be addressed:
- What area of geography does the applicant wish to pursue, and why?
- Describe how this program will allow you to pursue this specialty.
- What additional training do you think ASU can provide you to realize your educational and career goals?
- Provide any additional information that you feel should be considered when reviewing your application.
- Personal statements shouldn't exceed two pages, double-spaced.
- Letters of recommendation should come from individuals who can attest to your personal academic or professional growth.
- This program doesn't require the GRE or GMAT.
No, Arizona State University’s diplomas don’t specify whether you earn your degree online or in person. All diplomas and transcripts simply say “Arizona State University.”