Towson University United States

Geography & Environmental Planning (M.A.)

Integrated Masters with deeper specialization and research focus
Taught in English
Duration 2 Years
Mode On Campus
Level Postgraduate
Degree Masters Degree
Closing soon March 2027

Course Overview

The Master of Arts in Geography & Environmental Planning at Towson University Maryland is designed for aspiring professionals and academics ready to tackle complex spatial and environmental challenges. You will delve into critical areas such as climate change, political ecology, and urban planning, developing a sophisticated understanding of human-environment interactions. This postgraduate program equips you with advanced analytical and research skills, preparing you to contribute meaningfully to fields ranging from environmental policy and sustainable development to urban resilience and geographic information systems (GIS). It is ideal for those seeking to deepen their expertise and influence in geographic and planning disciplines.

This full-time, on-campus Master's degree is typically completed over two years. You will engage in rigorous coursework, including a seminar on geographical perspectives and research design, alongside specialized electives. Depending on your career goals, you can choose a thesis option, involving independent research and a faculty-presented paper, or a non-thesis option focusing on extensive coursework and research electives. You will have opportunities to explore areas like environmental impact analysis, GIS applications, and urban housing justice. Graduates are prepared for diverse career paths in government agencies, non-profit organizations, private sector consulting, and further academic study.

Course Curriculum & Details

Detailed information for serious evaluators

Program Overview

The Master of Arts in Geography & Environmental Planning program offers two tracks: a thesis option and a non-thesis option, both requiring a minimum of 36 units. Students will engage with a broad range of geographical perspectives, research methodologies, and specialized topics. Coursework covers areas such as human-environment interactions, GIS and remote sensing, urban planning, and regional geographies, preparing graduates for diverse professional roles or further academic pursuits.

1 Thesis Option (minimum 36 units)

Seminar on Geographical Perspectives
Research Design
Geography Thesis
Energy Resource
Soils and Vegetation
Introduction to Remote Sensing and Photogrammetry
Cartography and Graphics I
Historical Geography of Urbanization
Cultural Geography
Economic Geography
Climatology
Quantitative Methods in Geography
Meteorology
Geographic Information Systems
Political Geography
Population Geography
Urban Systems I
GIS Applications
Feminist Geographies
Outdoor Recreation Planning/Management
Geography of South Asia
Growth of Geographic Thought
Severe and Hazardous Weather
Comprehensive Planning
Rethinking Brazil
Studies in Natural Hazards
Geography of the United States and Canada
Geography of Africa
The Silk Road: The Geographies of Central Eurasia
Geography of East Asia
Geography of the Middle East
Geography of Europe
Geography of Russia
Geography of Latin America
The Two Down-Unders: Geographies of Australia and Aotearoa-New Zealand
Geography/Environmental Planning Internship
Travel and Study
Independent Study in Geography
Environmental Impact Analysis
Nature-Politics-Power: Ecological Politics and Political Ecologies
Urban Housing Justice
Planning for Urban Climate Change
Securitizing the City
Application of GIS in Emergency Management
Qualitative Methods
Problems and Analysis in Geography
Constructing the Arctic: Geographies of the Circumpolar North
Geographies of Consumption and Waste
Planning for a Sustainable Region
GIS Database Design
Advanced Remote Sensing: Digital Image Processing and Analysis
Geographies of Health
Climate Change: Science to Policy
Python Scripting for ArcGIS
Advanced Techniques in GIS
Special Topics in Physical Geography
Special Topics in Human Geography
Human-Environmental Interactions Special Topics
Directed Reading in Geography
Independent Study in Geography

2 Non-Thesis Option (minimum 36 units)

Seminar on Geographical Perspectives
Research Design
Research
Energy Resource
Soils and Vegetation
Introduction to Remote Sensing and Photogrammetry
Cartography and Graphics I
Historical Geography of Urbanization
Cultural Geography
Economic Geography
Climatology
Quantitative Methods in Geography
Meteorology
Geographic Information Systems
Political Geography
Population Geography
Urban Systems I
GIS Applications
Feminist Geographies
Outdoor Recreation Planning/Management
Geography of South Asia
Growth of Geographic Thought
Severe and Hazardous Weather
Comprehensive Planning
Rethinking Brazil
Studies in Natural Hazards
Geography of the United States and Canada
Geography of Africa
The Silk Road: The Geographies of Central Eurasia
Geography of East Asia
Geography of the Middle East
Geography of Europe
Geography of Russia
Geography of Latin America
The Two Down-Unders: Geographies of Australia and Aotearoa-New Zealand
Geography/Environmental Planning Internship
Travel and Study
Independent Study in Geography
Environmental Impact Analysis
Nature-Politics-Power: Ecological Politics and Political Ecologies
Urban Housing Justice
Planning for Urban Climate Change
Securitizing the City
Application of GIS in Emergency Management
Qualitative Methods
Problems and Analysis in Geography
Constructing the Arctic: Geographies of the Circumpolar North
Geographies of Consumption and Waste
Planning for a Sustainable Region
GIS Database Design
Advanced Remote Sensing: Digital Image Processing and Analysis
Geographies of Health
Climate Change: Science to Policy
Python Scripting for ArcGIS
Advanced Techniques in GIS
Special Topics in Physical Geography
Special Topics in Human Geography
Human-Environmental Interactions Special Topics
Directed Reading in Geography
Independent Study in Geography

Cost & Affordability

A clear picture of what this course will cost you

Program Costs

First Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 24,244.00
Second Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 24,244.00
Total Program Cost Estimated total tuition
USD 48,488.00

Currency note: Program costs shown in USD based on the available tuition breakdown.

Living Costs

Food & Groceries USD 3,600.00 - USD 5,400.00
Transport USD 840.00 - USD 1,440.00
Utilities & Bills USD 1,200.00 - USD 2,040.00
Estimated Total USD 5,640.00 - USD 8,880.00

Living cost estimates are based on Baltimore Campus.

Outcomes & Employability

What happens after you graduate

90%
Graduate Employment Rate Within 6 to 12 months of graduation

Common Graduate Roles

Agricultural Marketing & SalesCoal & Consumable FuelsFinancial Technology (Fintech)Food Processing & ManufacturingPower Generation & UtilitiesPrivate Equity & Venture CapitalProject & Construction ManagementReal Estate DevelopmentSupply Chain & Commodity TradingTax & Legal Compliance

Top Employers Hiring for this course

American Petroleum Institute

Deloitte

Maryland Department of the Environment

The Whiting-Turner Contracting Company

Why Study Geography & Environmental Planning (M.A.) at Towson University

What makes this program stand out

March 2027 Closing soon

Next intake is in March 2027

Life at Towson University in United States

What daily life looks like for international students

Language

English

Primary language everywhere

Climate

Mild & Rainy

10-20°C average, pack layers

Safety (Numbeo Safety Index)

Very Safe

Exeter is one of UK's safest cities

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Geography & Environmental Planning (M.A.) at Towson University

Can I work while studying?

International students can work up to 20 hours a week during term time and full-time during breaks without a separate work permit. Off-campus work may be possible after the first year with university approval.

What English language score do I need for this course?

To qualify for this program, you need specific English test scores. For example, a TOEFL overall score of at least 80 or an IELTS overall score of 6.5 is required.

What jobs can I get after studying this course?

Graduates can pursue careers as environmental policy analysts, urban planners, GIS specialists, sustainability consultants, or researchers.

What will I actually study in this course?

This program focuses on critical topics like climate change and urban planning. You'll develop advanced skills in research and analysis, preparing you for diverse roles in environmental policy and GIS.

When can I start — what are the intake months?

The M.A. in Geography & Environmental Planning accepts new students in March. Make sure to prepare your application materials in advance to meet this timeline.
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