Programs of Study

The MA and PhD in Geography and Urban Studies focus on the themes of globalization, sustainability, social justice and geographic methods. Our faculty have expertise in critical geography, spatial analysis, program evaluation and feminist geography. Our Professional Science Master’s and Graduate Certificate in GIS are rigorous, technical programs focused on cutting-edge spatial analysis software. Our faculty have expertise in GIS, remote sensing, cartography and geovisualization.

Master of Arts graduate students in Geography and Urban Studies emphasize research in environmental issues, gender and race, geographic methods, international development, social and spatial theory and urban development. The MA degree is designed to prepare students for further graduate study as well as for professional positions related to urban and economic development, environmental sustainability and social justice. Students in the MA have the option to pursue a Graduate Certificate in GIS with no additional coursework.

We offer an integrative doctoral program in Geography and Urban Studies that gives students a strong analytical foundation and stresses spatial relations, scale transitions, place and context and societal relations. Graduates of our PhD program in Geography and Urban Studies are prepared for faculty positions in a range of academic disciplines; they work in programs and departments that range from traditional geography to more interdisciplinary ones like development studies and urban planning. They also work in NGOs, private sector firms and think tanks that deal with relevant issues.

We place emphasis on the following issues:

  • Globalization: Capital and labor flows, welfare state restructuring, identity, culture and concepts of citizenship
  • Social Justice: Increasing inequalities in terms of economics, gender and inequalities
  • Sustainability: Urban ecology, environmental justice, land use and sprawled development patterns
  • Geographic Methods: Spatial analysis, remote sensing, qualitative research

Full-time students can complete our Professional Science Master’s (PSM) degree in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in as soon as a year. This means you can return or enter the workforce quickly. We produce competitive and skilled GIS technicians who easily pass the GISP certification exam. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is one of the 10 most employable skills of 2017 on LinkedIn, and the U.S. Department of Labor estimates that the geospatial technology market is growing at an annual rate of 35 percent. We are affiliated with the National Professional Science Master’s Association and work with an advisory board of professionals in the field ensures that we teach the skills employers seek.

Professional Science Master’s in Geospatial Data Science students will learn to process, and analyze spatial data through in-demand technical skills including programming, statistics, big data analytics, application development, machine learning, and interactive and exploratory data visualization. Graduates may be expected to work in contexts outside the realm of traditional GIS jobs, including in corporate environments. With increasing access to geospatial data, the demand for organizations to undertake projects that require geospatial skills and a spatial perspective will increase.

Full-time students can complete the Professional Science Master’s in Geospatial Data Science in as little as one-year, returning quickly to the workforce. The program curriculum is informed by an advisory board of industry professionals and incorporates real-world experiences through project-based learning and an internship capstone requirement.

Degree Offerings

Graduate Certificates 

We offer a Graduate Certificate in Geographic Information Systems for students who already have a bachelor’s degree and want to pursue additional coursework in GIS. Our courses introduce students to a variety of cutting-edge spatial analysis technology and mapping software. The certificate complements our Professional Science Master’s in GIS and serves as a gateway into the program. It also augments graduate programs in the College of Liberal Arts and throughout Temple University.

We offer a Graduate Certificate in Geospatial Data Science for students who already have a BA and want to pursue additional coursework in Geospatial Data Science. Our courses introduce students to a variety of data science tools with a focus on location-based data. The certificate complements our Professional Science Master’s in Geospatial Data Science and serves as a gateway into the program. It also pairs well with other graduate programs in the College of Liberal Arts and throughout Temple University.

Certificate Offerings

Admissions Process

Please visit the Geography and Urban Studies MA Admissions page, the Geography and Urban Studies PhD Admissions page or the PSM in GIS Admissions page to learn more about graduate program requirements, dates and deadlines and instructions on how to apply.

PhD Application Deadline:

  • Fall: January 15 

MA Application Deadline:

  • Applications for the MA are reviewed on a rolling basis for Fall or Spring entry.

PSM in GIS Application Deadline:

  • Applications for the Professional Science Master’s in GIS are reviewed on a rolling basis for Fall, Spring and Summer entry.

Graduate Certificate in GIS:

  • There is no application process for the Graduate Certificate in GIS and students may start taking classes in Fall, Spring or Summer. To get started, email psmgis@temple.edu.

Graduate Resources

Funding for Graduate School

At Temple, we believe that students from all walks of life should have access to an outstanding college education. If you need help paying for graduate school, you aren’t alone. Most students receive some form of financial aid to fund their education. Graduate students are eligible for financial assistance from federal, state, private and university sources. Explore all available funding and apply early to make your college education an affordable experience.

We provide financial support to full-time doctoral students through a variety of university and departmental teaching and research assistantships, fellowships and awards. The department nominates our strongest candidates for Graduate School Fellowships and offers a limited amount of TA-ships. Students from underrepresented groups may also be nominated for Future Faculty Fellowships. Masters students are not eligible for financial aid from the department

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University Financial Support
View the most up-to-date information on additional financial support offered by the university.
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