Programs of Study
The MA and PhD in Geography focus on 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 (PSM) and graduate certificate in geographic information systems (GIS) are rigorous, technical programs focused on cutting-edge spatial analysis software. Our faculty have expertise in urban, environmental and health applications of GIS; remote sensing; cartography; and geovisualization.
Master of Arts in Geography students research 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. MA students have the option to pursue a graduate certificate in GIS with no additional coursework.
We offer an integrative PhD in Geography that gives students a strong analytical foundation and stresses spatial relations, scale transitions, place and context and societal relations. Graduates of our geography and urban studies PhD 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 dealing with relevant issues.
Professional Science Master (PSM) Programs
Our Professional Science Master (PSM) degree in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) students are introduced to a wide array of software and analytical problems, making them versatile problem solvers and critical thinkers. Additionally, the U.S. Department of Labor estimates that the geospatial technology market is growing at an annual rate of 35 percent.
Full-time students can complete our professional science master (PSM) degree in geographic information systems (GIS) in as little as one year. That means you can return to or enter the workforce quickly. Temple produces competitive and skilled GIS analysts prepared to sit for the GISP certification exam. We’re also affiliated with the National Professional Science Master’s Association and work with an advisory board of professionals in the field to ensure 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.
Graduate Certificates
We offer a graduate certificate Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for students who already have a BA 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 in GIS 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.
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.
Graduate Students
Our highly selected MA and PhD students are an intricate part of the learning and teaching experience here in the Department of Geography and Urban Studies. Our graduate students conduct research, teach courses and work closely with various faculty members and students throughout the department. Visit our PhD Students page to learn more about our current students.
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. Graduate students are eligible for financial assistance from federal, state, private and university sources.
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. Please note that master’s students are not eligible for financial aid from the department.
Visit the Geography and Urban Studies MA Scholarships & Financial Aid page or the Geography and Urban Studies PhD Scholarships & Financial Aid page to learn more about your graduate funding options.
Harris Webber Graduate Fellowship
The Harris Webber Graduate Fellowship is made possible by the generosity of Temple alumnus Harris Webber (CLA, ’65). The endowment established by Mr. Webber, supplemented by funds from the College of Liberal Arts, provides financial support for an advanced PhD candidate in Geography and Urban Studies to pursue urban research that is applied, requires fieldwork and/or has policy implications.
Mr. Webber is the founder of Harris Webber Ltd, a company involved in the planning, architecture, development and management of retirement communities and health care facilities. This endowed Fellowship expresses his commitment to the importance of preparing researchers to understand and shape livable, sustainable, socially productive and more equitable metropolitan communities of the future. That commitment marks his entire professional career as a community planner in many different settings.
- See our past Harris Webber Graduate Fellowship recipients!
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.
