Program Overview
The University of South Carolina's Geography M.A. program offers an in-depth examination of human interactions with the environment, specializing in physical and environmental processes, and geospatial technologies. With award-winning faculty, diverse course offerings, and a focus on original research, the program prepares students for careers in urban planning, environmental management, geospatial intelligence, and more. The average alumni salary five to ten years after graduation without additional education is $88,133.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The Geography, M.A. program at the University of South Carolina offers a comprehensive exploration of human interactions with the environment, with a particular focus on physical and environmental processes, as well as geospatial technologies. The program emphasizes original research and equips students with skills and techniques applicable to various career fields. It is known for its outstanding faculty, strong research focus, supportive environment, and vibrant student community.
Teaching:
- Faculty: The program boasts award-winning and approachable faculty who provide individualized attention in smaller class sizes.
- Course Variety: Students can enroll in courses across physical sciences, social sciences, and technology, taught by faculty with diverse expertise.
- International Expertise: The program offers opportunities to learn about global cultures in regions such as Europe, the Middle East, Sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America, and Central Asia.
- Community Engagement: Students can build strong connections with urban and environmental policy makers and stakeholders across South Carolina.
Careers:
- Potential Careers:
- Urban Planner
- Natural Resource Manager
- Emergency Manager
- Geospatial Intelligence Agent
- Environmental Policymaker
- GIS Consultant
- Job Titles of Alumni:
- GIS Analyst
- GIS Manager
- GIS Specialist
- Meteorologist
- Senior GIS Analyst
- Average Alumni Salary: Five to 10 years after graduation without additional education: $88,133
- Workplace Settings:
- Government
- Insurance
- Nonprofits and NGOs
- Business
- Employers of Alumni:
- South Carolina Emergency Management Division
- National Weather Service
- U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Other:
- Program Highlights:
- Classes and Faculty: Smaller class sizes allow for individualized attention from award-winning faculty.
- Course Variety: Courses cover physical sciences, social sciences, and technology.
- International Expertise: Focus on global cultures in various regions.
- Force for Change: Strong connections with urban and environmental policy makers.
- What You’ll Study:
- Advanced seminars in subfields like urban geography, political geography, environmental geography, geographic information systems, and remote sensing.
- Seminars taught by renowned faculty engaged in the discipline as journal editors and organization leaders.
- Building Skills:
- Multicultural Awareness
- Data Analysis
- Critical Thinking
- Writing
- Research
- Presentation Skills
- Using your degree:
- Gamecock GradStats, a service of the University of South Carolina Career Center, provides outcome data on alumni career paths.
- Advanced Degrees:
- Doctorate Geography, Ph.D. (College of Arts and Sciences)
- Quote: "GIS and geography are for everyone.
- Andrew White
