Master of Science (M.S.) Major in Geography

GEO 5190. Independent Study.

This course provides an individualized, faculty-supervised learning experience that allows students to pursue an in-depth topic, problem, or applied project not fully addressed in regularly scheduled coursework. Working with an instructor, students develop a written learning contract that defines the scope, readings/resources, methods of inquiry or practice, deliverables, and a timeline for completion. The course emphasizes self-directed learning, scholarly or professional-level work products, and regular consultation with the faculty supervisor to ensure rigor and accountability. Outcomes may include a research paper, project portfolio, technical report, creative work, or other discipline-appropriate product. GEO 5190, GEO 5290, and GEO 5390 may be taken for a total of six semester hours of credit. Prerequisite: Instructor approval.

GEO 5199B. Thesis.

This course supports graduate students in completing a semester of a master’s thesis by emphasizing sustained progress from approved proposal and initial work to a final, defensible thesis product. Students continue working closely with a faculty advisor to complete data collection (if applicable), conduct rigorous analysis, and integrate results into a coherent thesis manuscript. The course focuses on refining argumentation, strengthening alignment among research questions, methods, results, and conclusions, and meeting disciplinary formatting and submission requirements. The semester culminates in a completed thesis and, where required, an oral presentation or defense.

GEO 5290. Independent Study.

This course provides an individualized, faculty-supervised learning experience that allows students to pursue an in-depth topic, problem, or applied project not fully addressed in regularly scheduled coursework. Working with an instructor, students develop a written learning contract that defines the scope, readings/resources, methods of inquiry or practice, deliverables, and a timeline for completion. The course emphasizes self-directed learning, scholarly or professional-level work products, and regular consultation with the faculty supervisor to ensure rigor and accountability. Outcomes may include a research paper, project portfolio, technical report, creative work, or other discipline-appropriate product. GEO 5190, GEO 5290, and GEO 5390 may be taken for a total of six semester hours of credit. Prerequisite: Instructor approval.

GEO 5299B. Thesis.

This course supports graduate students in completing a semester of a master’s thesis by emphasizing sustained progress from approved proposal and initial work to a final, defensible thesis product. Students continue working closely with a faculty advisor to complete data collection (if applicable), conduct rigorous analysis, and integrate results into a coherent thesis manuscript. The course focuses on refining argumentation, strengthening alignment among research questions, methods, results, and conclusions, and meeting disciplinary formatting and submission requirements. The semester culminates in a completed thesis and, where required, an oral presentation or defense.

GEO 5300. Applied Research Design and Techniques.

This course provides graduate students with a comprehensive foundation in methodological approaches used in applied geography and environmental practice. It emphasizes the design and execution of applied research and professional projects, including projects that address practical, organizational, or policy relevant questions without necessarily following traditional research models. Topics include project scoping, methodological selection, ethical data collection, spatial and non spatial analysis, and fieldwork planning in applied settings. Instruction also covers technical and analytical writing, data visualization, and professional communication. The course prepares students to develop portfolios and complete methodologically sound projects relevant to academic, governmental, nonprofit, and professional contexts.

GEO 5301. Multivariate Quantitative Methods.

This course provides a foundation for completing quantitative research in geography and environmental studies. The application of univariate and multivariate descriptive and inferential statistical methods to analyze data will be explored, and students will learn how to properly manage and prepare data for analysis. The methods covered will include nonparametric statistics, the t-test, correlation, linear and multiple regression, analysis of variance (ANOVA), multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA), factor analysis, principal components analysis, cluster analysis, and discriminant analysis. By utilizing specialized statistical software, the development of transferable practical and technical skills is emphasized. Prerequisite: GEO 3301 with a grade of "D" or better.

GEO 5304. Qualitative Research Methods.

This course provides an in depth introduction to qualitative research traditions in geography and environmental studies, emphasizing research design, data collection, and inductive forms of analysis. Students examine epistemological foundations of qualitative inquiry alongside techniques such as interviewing, participant observation, textual analysis, and field based documentation. The course highlights standards of scientific rigor that support systematic examination of complex social relationships and environmental interactions. Applications focus on human geography and nature–society relations, with attention to ethical considerations, positionality, and reflexive practice. Students gain experience designing qualitative projects and interpreting qualitative evidence within diverse geographic and environmental contexts.

GEO 5308. Regional Field Studies.

This course focuses on observation, description, and analysis of a geographic environment through structured off-campus study in that setting. Students examine physical features, cultural landscapes, spatial patterns, and human–environment relationships within a defined region. Emphasis is placed on field-based methods, place-based inquiry, and the interpretation of geographic processes as they occur in the region of study. The course integrates experiential learning with geographic concepts to support contextual understanding of regional environments. The course may be repeated once, provided the second study is in a different region, for a total of 6 semester hours. (MULT).

GEO 5309. Geographical Analysis.

This course introduces typical spatial problems of interest to geographers, with emphasis on current research and application being undertaken by the faculty in the Department of Geography and Environmental Studies. Topics include environmental geography, land use and regional development, urban planning, spatial statistics, geographic information systems, remote sensing, cartographic representation, and geographic education. The course emphasizes critical thinking and the integration of diverse data sources to address complex geographical questions and challenges to conduct research.

GEO 5312. Managing Urbanization.

This course examines the dynamics of urban growth and spatial change in a variety of geographical regions. Students analyze patterns of land use, infrastructure development, and population distribution, considering the interplay between environmental, social, and economic factors. Emphasis is placed on conceptual frameworks and methodologies for understanding urban systems and evaluating management approaches. Through case studies, the course explores how urbanization processes influence resource allocation, governance structures, and regional planning strategies in diverse global contexts. (MULT).

GEO 5313. Environmental Studies.

This course examines contemporary trends in environmental scholarship with a strong emphasis on advanced research design, theory, and practice. Students critically engage with interdisciplinary literature across environmental studies, geography, and related fields to understand how research questions are framed, justified, and situated within broader scholarly debates. The course emphasizes methodological rigor, including qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods approaches, as well as ethical considerations, data management, and reproducibility. Students develop original research projects, refine scholarly writing skills, and gain experience evaluating peer-reviewed research, preparing them for independent research in environmental studies.

GEO 5314. Geographic Elements of Environmental Law.

This course examines the spatial dimensions of environmental law, focusing on how legal frameworks vary across places and scales. Topics include environmental problems related to urbanization, industrialization, land development, noise, radiation, and solid waste management. Students analyze relationships among institutions and systems of environmental governance, with attention to jurisdiction, boundaries, land use, natural resources, pollution control, environmental impact review, and regulatory authority in local and national contexts. The course emphasizes how these spatial and institutional relationships shape legal processes and environmental outcomes across diverse legal systems.

GEO 5316. Applied Physical Geography.

This course surveys methods and techniques used in the collection, analysis, and evaluation of information related to problems within the physical environment. Emphasis is placed on applied approaches for examining environmental processes and conditions in specific geographic locations or environmental settings. Topics may include field and analytical techniques used to investigate issues related to landforms, water resources, soils, ecosystems, or environmental change. The course highlights the interpretation of environmental data within spatial contexts and may be repeated once for additional credit when offered with a different topic.

GEO 5317. Seminar in Applied Human Geography.

This course focuses on methods and techniques used in the collection, analysis, and evaluation of information related to problems within the human geographical environment. It emphasizes applied approaches for examining social, economic, cultural, and political processes in specific geographic locations or unique environmental settings. Students explore tools for interpreting spatial patterns, human–environment interactions, and demographic or socio-economic trends. The course highlights the integration of qualitative and quantitative methods in addressing human geography challenges and may be repeated once for additional credit when offered with a different topic.

GEO 5318. Environment Problems of the U.S.-Mexico Border.

This course examines the physical, social, and environmental characteristics of the U.S.–Mexico border region through an interdisciplinary geographic lens. The course traces the historical development of the border from the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo to contemporary forms of border governance, considering how legal, political, and infrastructural changes have shaped regional environments and communities. Students then analyze major issues such as land use change, ecological and wildlife dynamics, population patterns, water and waste management, and related health concerns as they affect communities in the borderlands. (MULT).

GEO 5322. Interpretive Environmental Geography.

This course examines advanced geographic theories and concepts used to interpret environmental information within diverse social, cultural, and ecological contexts. It emphasizes holistic and thematic interpretation grounded in environmental geography and interpretive principles. The course addresses advanced applications of traditional and digital interpretive techniques, including research informed communication strategies, audience assessment, and program evaluation. Emphasis is placed on integrating geographic theory, methodological rigor, and interpretive practice to support professional level environmental communication and analysis across academic, public, and applied settings.

GEO 5323. Researching the City.

This course examines the principles and practices of research design in urban geography and planning. Students explore how to formulate research questions, select data collection methods, and apply a range of quantitative, qualitative, and spatial analysis techniques to investigate urban phenomena. Emphasis is placed on semester-length projects in which students collaborate with local partners from the public or private spheres to develop and carry out research studies. The course prepares students to evaluate research frameworks, interpret findings, and apply methodological rigor to the analysis of cities, regions, and built environments.

GEO 5326. Parks and Protected Places.

This course serves as an in-depth introduction to parks and protected places. Framing parks and protected places as social-ecological systems, this course provides both theoretical and applied perspectives on the acquisition, planning, management, use, and value of sites of unique cultural, natural, scenic, or recreational significance. Accordingly, the past, current, and future challenges for land conservation are covered. This course provides professional-level experience through readings, lectures, classroom discussions, presentations, and interactions with experts in various fields of parks and protected places.

GEO 5329. Historical Geography of the Environment.

This course examines the evolution of environmental problems through the techniques and analytical perspectives of historical geography, emphasizing how past human–environment interactions shape present conditions. Students explore how environmental change unfolds over time in response to economic development, political decisions, technological innovation, and social processes. Special emphasis is placed on the historical roots of contemporary environmental challenges associated with urbanization and climate change. Through critical engagement with scholarship in the historical geography of the environment, students analyze primary and secondary sources, interpret spatial and temporal patterns, and develop original research projects that contribute to understanding long-term environmental change and its implications for present-day planning and policy.

GEO 5330. Geography of Hazards and Disasters.

This course examines advanced scholarship in the geography of hazards and disasters, focusing on threats to human life, health, and welfare arising from natural, technological, and social processes. Students engage with key theoretical frameworks that explain how hazards are produced, perceived, and managed, including concepts of risk, vulnerability, resilience, and adaptation. The course emphasizes analytical approaches used to assess and manage hazards and disasters across local, regional, and global scales. Through critical readings, case studies, and applied research, students evaluate disaster impacts, policy responses, and mitigation strategies, developing a sophisticated understanding of how geographic context shapes risk and disaster outcomes.

GEO 5332. Environmental Geography of the Coastal Zone.

This course investigates the physical geographic factors that shape coastal zones, including coastal geomorphology, ocean–atmosphere interactions, sea-level change, and sediment dynamics. It examines how these natural processes interact with human activities such as urban development, resource extraction, tourism, and coastal engineering. Students explore both the environmental problems and management opportunities characteristic of coastal environments, including erosion, flooding, habitat loss, and climate change impacts. Emphasis is placed on spatial patterns, human–environment interactions, and the challenges of balancing economic use with sustainability and resilience in dynamic and highly vulnerable coastal systems.

GEO 5334. Applied Water Resources.

This course covers the application of techniques employed in water resources management including urban water conservation and heat mitigation, agricultural water use in response to drought and resilience planning, flood hazards, water supply assessment, water management strategies, and monitoring ground and surface water changes in connection to biophysical and socio-economic parameters. Students apply principles to specific study areas and water problems through analysis of physical, land use, socio-economic, and legal factors. This course is also designed for students to conduct independent research in their topical areas.

GEO 5335. Professional Project.

This course serves as the culminating experience for the Master of Applied Geography program. Under the supervision of a graduate advisor, students complete a professional project that demonstrates the application and synthesis of advanced geographic knowledge, theories, methods, and technical skills. The project emphasizes integration of the student's graduate coursework with professional practice and applied problem solving. Credit is awarded upon successful completion of the comprehensive examination and approval of the final project by the committee.

GEO 5336. Transportation Systems.

This course examines the evolution of urban transportation technologies, policies, and systems, both in the United States and abroad. It compares policies and institutions across countries and cities to analyze the effect of policy choices and institutional legacies on the present day. This course introduces transportation data sources, methods for analyzing travel behavior surveys, and relevant literature in transportation geography and urban transportation planning. It also examines current practices in transportation systems and planning.

GEO 5339. Geography of Land Management.

This course explores U.S. land management philosophies, techniques, and development approaches within their historical, political, and environmental contexts. Students examine foundational land ethics and philosophies, along with U.S. traditions in cadastral geography and property systems. Major topics include patterns and consequences of urban sprawl, principles of green and sustainable development, and land conservation strategies such as zoning, easements, and preservation programs. The course also analyzes the roles of local, state, and federal regulations in shaping land management decisions. Emphasis is placed on evaluating the environmental, social, and economic impacts of land development and the trade-offs inherent in land-use planning.

GEO 5340. Active Learning in Geography.

This course examines instructional strategies used in geography education, with attention to approaches associated with active learning and alignment with standards. It addresses project-based, problem-based, and inquiry-based methods across geography, social studies, and the sciences. The course emphasizes the development of pedagogical knowledge and skills for incorporating these strategies into classroom practice, including connections to content goals, skill progression, instructional decision making, and broader curricular frameworks used in schools and instructional planning at different levels.

GEO 5341. Contemporary Issues in Geographic Education.

This course examines contemporary issues in teaching and learning geography within American K-12 educational settings. The course surveys historical to current national and state educational reform initiatives, including frameworks, standards, and teacher certification. Participants review current research in geographic education, including developments in emerging classroom materials, evolving instructional tools and strategies, and assessment practices. Students critically evaluate instructional resources and research literature to understand how changing societal, technological, and educational conditions shape geographic education practice and implementation.

GEO 5342. Theory and Research Methods in Geographic Education.

This course examines the design, conduct, and communication of empirical research on teaching and learning geography. It emphasizes the analysis of learning theories in geographic education, research questions, and methodological approaches used in the field of geographic education. Attention is given to contemporary theoretical frameworks in geography, data collection and analysis strategies, and conventions for presenting findings. Consideration is also given to how research informs instructional decision making and contributes to scholarly discourse within geographic education.

GEO 5344. Curriculum, Standards, and Assessments in Geography.

This course examines major curriculum traditions in U.S. geography education with comparative examples from the UK and other countries. Geography will be examined as a school subject that is part of the social studies, as an element of interdisciplinary studies, and as a stand-alone subject. The course also focuses on educational assessment, including large-scale empirical studies of student achievement data as well as classroom-based practices of evaluating student learning using formative and summative assessment methodologies.

GEO 5345. Spatial Thinking in Education.

This course examines the concept of spatial thinking and its role in K–16 educational settings. It explores major theoretical perspectives, research foundations, and curricular contexts that inform how spatial reasoning develops across childhood, adolescence, and early adulthood. Emphasis is placed on instructional strategies, assessment practices, and the use of tools such as maps, geospatial technologies, and visual representations. Attention is given to classroom applications, curriculum alignment, and the intentional design of learning experiences grounded in developmental considerations and disciplinary practices within geography and related fields.

GEO 5346. Inquiry-Based Teaching in Human Geography.

This course introduces historic and contemporary models of geographic inquiry for instruction in human geography at the secondary and postsecondary levels. Case studies examining contemporary global issues will be paired with lessons and activities that support integrated and inquiry-based approaches to teaching human geography topics including political, cultural, economic, and population issues. The course emphasizes the importance of developing inquiry lessons that are aligned with geography/social studies standards, the Advanced Placement Human Geography course, and introductory undergraduate courses in human geography.

GEO 5347. Jobs, Careers, and Professional Development in Geography.

This course introduces graduate students to research-based strategies for career planning and professional development in geography. Students explore diverse career pathways in business, government, nonprofit, and academic sectors, with particular attention given to how geographic expertise may be applied in professional settings. The course further examines professional identity, ethics, and the societal relevance of geography, while emphasizing lifelong learning, effective networking, work–life balance, and informed decision-making in support of long-term career growth and adaptability.

GEO 5349. Population and Sustainability.

This course examines the geographic dimensions of sustainability through population–environment relationships across multiple scales. Students investigate how fertility, mortality, migration, age structure, and urbanization intersect with resource use, land use change, exposure to environmental hazards, and climate adaptation. Emphasis is placed on interpreting socio demographic and environmental data, assessing spatial variability in sustainability challenges, and evaluating approaches to sustainable development and resilience. The course introduces frameworks for analyzing coupled human–environment systems and long-term socio ecological dynamics. (MULT).

GEO 5350. Practicum in Teaching Geography and Environmental Studies.

This course introduces key concepts in teaching geography and provides structured training and periodic evaluations of instructional responsibilities. Topics include instructional strategies, assessment approaches, classroom management, and development of pedagogical content knowledge for higher education. Required for first-year instructional assistants in Geography and Environmental Studies, the course is graded on a credit/no-credit basis and does not count toward graduate degree credit. Emphasis is placed on pedagogical theory, instructional materials development, and the improvement of teaching effectiveness.

GEO 5351. Solid Waste Management and Resource Recovery.

This course is an examination of the magnitude, sources and characteristics of solid waste and the various elements of its management including generation, storage, collection, transportation, treatment, disposal, resource recovery, recycling and sustainable alternatives with a focus on the policies, laws, logistics and economics that frame the industry. The course delves into the planning, contractual, and operational aspects of solid waste management and the interface shared by the private sector industry, government and the public.

GEO 5352. Air Quality Management.

This course provides an assessment and analysis of air quality, including types, sources, and effects of air pollutants on health, welfare, and the natural environment. Topics include atmospheric processes, the physics of contaminant generation and movement, and the chemical composition and behavior of pollutants. The course examines patterns of pollution generation and dispersion and evaluates impacts on human health and ecosystems. Past and present approaches to air quality management are analyzed within economic, legal, and social contexts. Students conduct original research and produce a report on a selected topic in air quality management.

GEO 5353. Emergency Management.

This course provides a comprehensive overview of the core principles and functions of emergency management across multiple geographic scales, with particular emphasis on local, regional, and federal systems. Students examine the organizational structures, policies, and legal frameworks that guide emergency management in the United States. The course emphasizes best practices and standard methodologies used in disaster preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation. Through applied examples and case studies, students develop practical skills relevant to careers in emergency management, including planning, coordination, communication, and decision-making in complex and high-risk environments.

GEO 5360. Seminar in Planning Problems: Community Geography for Community Planning and Economic Development.

This course is a graduate seminar that offers an interdisciplinary exploration of contemporary planning challenges through the lens of geography and community economic development. Students engage theoretical, empirical, and applied literature while developing practical skills in data collection, geospatial analysis, and technical communication. Emphasizing collaboration and real-world application, the course focuses on identifying local assets and resource gaps, synthesizing quantitative and qualitative data, and formulating strategies that support positive community change. Through team-based projects, policy analysis, and engagement with local organizations, students learn to connect academic research with community priorities and contribute to evidence-informed planning and development efforts.

GEO 5365. Remote Sensing and the Environment.

This course is an advanced seminar on extracting environmental information from satellite imagery using cutting-edge machine learning and other quantitative remote sensing approaches. Students examine current research from a selection of topics such as semantic segmentation, feature extraction, atmospheric correction, and estimation of environmental variables, and implement selected methods using appropriate workflows for large image collections. Emphasis is placed on model and algorithm design, parameter selection, validation, and interpretation in the context of environmental questions, with attention to uncertainty, generalizability, and reproducibility. In some offerings, students also collect field data and integrate it with satellite image analysis to strengthen applied competence.

GEO 5367. Exploring Spatial Databases.

This course examines the design and use of spatially enabled database systems for storing, organizing, and analyzing geographic information. It introduces foundational ideas in ontology, semantics, and entity–relationship modeling to conceptualize how real‑world phenomena are represented in database schemas. Students study core relational database concepts and advanced query constructs alongside spatial extensions that support geometry types, coordinate reference systems, and spatial operators. Using a spatially enabled RDBMS, they practice importing, creating, reading, updating, deleting, and analyzing spatial and non‑spatial data, and complete a semester‑long spatial database project of their choosing. Prerequisite: GEO 5418 or equivalent with a grade of 'B' or better.

GEO 5368. Lidar and SfM Data Processing and Analysis.

This course examines lidar systems and Structure from Motion (SfM) workflows for environmental mapping and geospatial analysis. Students explore airborne laser scanning, computer vision principles, point cloud classification, quality assessment, and derivative product generation. Emphasis is placed on topographic modeling, hydroenforcement, vegetation structure analysis, and drone-based data acquisition, image processing, and orthophoto generation. Through lab applications and independent projects, students develop advanced skills in processing, analyzing, and visualizing lidar and SfM datasets that prepare them for professional careers in advanced geospatial data processing.

GEO 5370. Seminar in Applied Physical Geography.

This course provides a critical analysis of theories, models, and techniques used in physical geographic research, emphasizing their application to real-world environmental problems. Students examine approaches for investigating processes and patterns in topical areas such as landforms, water systems, soils, climate, and ecosystems, considering both spatial and temporal dimensions. Students evaluate methodological strengths and limitations in applied contexts and explore how research informs environmental planning and decision-making. It may be repeated once for additional credit when offered with a different topic.

GEO 5371. Seminar in Geographic Education.

This course is designed as a graduate research seminar that introduces foundational theories, methodological approaches, and current scholarship in geography education. It emphasizes analysis of research literature, structured academic discussion, and development of scholarly communication skills. The course may address selected contemporary topics in geography curriculum, instruction, and assessment. Attention is given to interpreting research findings and connecting them to professional practice. The seminar supports preparation for advanced study and applied work in geography education.

GEO 5380. Internship.

This course provides on-the-job training in a public or private-sector agency related to the field of geography. Students engage in supervised professional activities that apply geographic knowledge, skills, and methods in organizational settings. Experiences may involve spatial analysis, environmental assessment, planning processes, data management, or community engagement, depending on the placement. The course integrates practical experience with geographic concepts to support professional development and understanding of workplace practices within geography-related fields. Students must apply to the department internship director at least six weeks prior to registering for the internship course. This course may be repeated one time for additional internship credit.

GEO 5390. Independent Study.

This course provides an individualized, faculty-supervised learning experience that allows students to pursue an in-depth topic, problem, or applied project not fully addressed in regularly scheduled coursework. Working with an instructor, students develop a written learning contract that defines the scope, readings/resources, methods of inquiry or practice, deliverables, and a timeline for completion. The course emphasizes self-directed learning, scholarly or professional-level work products, and regular consultation with the faculty supervisor to ensure rigor and accountability. Outcomes may include a research paper, project portfolio, technical report, creative work, or other discipline-appropriate product. GEO 5190, GEO 5290, and GEO 5390 may be taken for a total of six semester hours of credit.

GEO 5393G. Jobs, Careers, and Professional Development in Geography.

This course introduces graduate students to research-based strategies for career planning and professional development in geography. Career opportunities for geographers in business, government, nonprofit, and academic organizations are examined. The course also analyzes professional identities, applications of geography in society, professional ethics, lifelong learning, work-life balance, and professional networking.

GEO 5393H. Professional Development in Geographic Education.

This course examines the role that professional development plays in addressing the needs of K-12 geography and environmental science teachers. Special attention is paid to disciplinary content knowledge, instructional practice, and teacher leadership. It explores online and face-to-face models of professional learning and evaluates digital resources used in geography instruction. Emphasis is placed on analyzing professional standards, examining roles and competencies in educational settings, and reflecting on teaching practice to support continued professional growth in geography education contexts.

GEO 5393I. Geography and the Social Studies.

This course examines the structure and organization of geography within the broader social studies curriculum in the United States. It analyzes how geographic content, skills, and perspectives are represented in historical and contemporary curriculum frameworks and standards across grade levels and states. The course explores interdisciplinary connections between geography, history, economics, and civics, with attention to curriculum alignment and instructional planning. Emphasis is placed on applying integrated approaches to geography instruction within social studies education contexts.

GEO 5395. Problems in Applied Geography.

This course is designed to examine selected topics within the field of applied geography. The course emphasizes the practical use of geographic concepts, analytical approaches, and geospatial tools to explore spatial problems and applied research questions. Topics may vary depending on student and faculty interests and may draw from any of the four graduate tracks: physical-environmental systems, urban and regional planning, geographic education, or GIScience. Through these areas, students investigate how geographic methods and frameworks are employed to analyze, interpret, and address real-world spatial phenomena. The course may be repeated for up to six credit hours to accommodate different topics and evolving areas of inquiry within the discipline.

GEO 5399A. Thesis.

This course guides graduate students through the initial planning, execution, and completion of their master’s thesis. Students work with a faculty advisor to refine a research question, situate the study within relevant scholarly literature, and select appropriate research design and methods (e.g., qualitative, quantitative, mixed methods, or applied project methodologies, as appropriate to the discipline). Emphasis is placed on ethical research practice, rigorous data collection and analysis, clear academic writing, and effective project management. The course culminates in a defensible thesis document and an oral presentation or defense.

GEO 5399B. Thesis.

This course supports graduate students in completing the second semester of a master’s thesis by emphasizing sustained progress from approved proposal and initial work to a final, defensible thesis product. Students continue working closely with a faculty advisor to complete data collection (if applicable), conduct rigorous analysis, and integrate results into a coherent thesis manuscript. The course focuses on refining argumentation, strengthening alignment among research questions, methods, results, and conclusions, and meeting disciplinary formatting and submission requirements. The semester culminates in a completed thesis and, where required, an oral presentation or defense.

GEO 5408. Web Mapping.

The course introduces students to interactive and dynamic mapping techniques within contemporary GIS environments, with an emphasis on web-based cartographic representation of temporal and non-temporal spatial data. Students examine methods for visualizing geospatial objects and phenomena using web-based mapping platforms and tools. Topics include spatial data preparation, web map design principles, dynamic visualization techniques, and the integration of spatial data with online mapping applications to support analysis, communication, and information sharing across digital environments. The course considers practical and conceptual issues associated with the design and implementation of interactive geospatial mapping systems. Prerequisite: GEO 3411 with a grade of “C” or better.

GEO 5415. Geographic Applications of Remote Sensing.

This course is an accelerated introduction to digital remote sensing and Earth observation designed for graduate students who have limited experience with remote sensing. Students learn fundamental concepts of the electromagnetic spectrum and its interaction with the atmosphere and Earth’s surface, and develop practical skills in radiometric and geometric correction, image enhancement, and thematic classification. Students progress to accuracy assessment and change detection analysis using satellite imagery to investigate geographic patterns and human–environment relationships. Integrated lecture and laboratory activities help students build both conceptual understanding and applied competence, preparing them for more advanced remote sensing and geospatial analysis work.

GEO 5417. Advanced Cartographic Design.

This course provides advanced study of the theoretical principles and professional practices of cartographic design. Emphasis is placed on visual communication, thematic mapping techniques, typography, color theory, projection selection, and atlas composition. Students examine the cartographic production process from conceptualization through final publication-quality output, including data preparation, symbolization, layout development, and integration of text and graphics. The course culminates in a final project requiring the creation of a professional-grade map portfolio that demonstrates the application of concepts and techniques covered in the course. Prerequisite: GEO 3411 with a grade of "D" or better or instructor approval.

GEO 5418. Geographic Information Systems I.

This course is concerned with the analysis and interpretation of maps stored in digital form. Students are introduced to concepts and practices involving computerized geographic data input, storage, and retrieval, as well as data manipulation, spatial analysis, and cartographic modeling. The course covers methods for producing graphic and tabular outputs and examines the use of GIS software for analyzing spatial data. Applications are drawn from a range of geographic topics to illustrate common analytical workflows and data structures used in GIS.

GEO 5419. Geographic Information Systems II.

This course focuses on the development of advanced GIS concepts and application issues, with an emphasis on strengthening spatial data manipulation and analysis skills. Students gain hands-on experience using GIS hardware and software tools to support a range of analytical tasks, including data management, automation, spatial analysis, and visualization. Instruction emphasizes the practical application of GIS methods to a diverse set of real-world geographic problems while reinforcing technical proficiency and methodological understanding relevant to professional and research settings.Prerequisite: GEO 5418 with a grade of "C" or better.

GEO 5424. GPS and GIS.

This course progresses from foundational Global Navigation Satellite Systems theory to applied, client-based geospatial project implementation. Students examine system components, signal processing methods, signal error sources, and correction strategies before conducting structured field data collection of points, lines, and polygons. Labs emphasize accuracy assessment, metadata, offsets, and publishing workflows in ArcGIS Online. The semester culminates in collaborative project planning, data processing, GIS integration, app development, and professional report submission which serve to prepare students for careers in geospatial data collection. Prerequisites: GEO 2426 with a grade of "D" or better or GEO 5418 with a grade of "C" or better.

GEO 5430. Field Methods.

This course introduces students to the principles and practices used to observe, measure, document, and analyze geographic phenomena in field settings. Emphasis is placed on hands-on data collection, spatial observation, mapping techniques, and the use of field instruments and geospatial technologies. Students gain practical experience designing and conducting field investigations in local and regional environments while developing skills in data recording, interpretation, and professional reporting. The course also emphasizes research design and technical proposal development, preparing students to plan independent geographic field projects and communicate scientific objectives effectively. Prerequisite: GEO 3301 with a grade of "D" or better.

GEO 5447. Technology in Geographic Education.

This course focuses on the applications and implications of technology in geographic education, particularly its role as an instructional tool in inquiry-based learning. It examines traditional and emerging technologies in geography and related fields and their relationships to spatial thinking and the teaching and learning of geography. The course reviews academic literature on methods and strategies using those technologies in geography education contexts. The laboratory component addresses the development of relevant technical skills and instructional competencies.

GEO 5599B. Thesis.

This course supports graduate students in completing a semester of a master’s thesis by emphasizing sustained progress from approved proposal and initial work to a final, defensible thesis product. Students continue working closely with a faculty advisor to complete data collection (if applicable), conduct rigorous analysis, and integrate results into a coherent thesis manuscript. The course focuses on refining argumentation, strengthening alignment among research questions, methods, results, and conclusions, and meeting disciplinary formatting and submission requirements. The semester culminates in a completed thesis and, where required, an oral presentation or defense.

GEO 5680. Internship.

This course provides on-the-job training in a public or private-sector agency related to the field of geography. Students engage in supervised professional activities that apply geographic knowledge, skills, and methods in organizational settings. Experiences may involve spatial analysis, environmental assessment, planning processes, data management, or community engagement, depending on the placement. The course integrates practical experience with geographic concepts to support professional development and understanding of workplace practices within geography-related fields. Students must apply to the department internship director at least six weeks prior to registering for the internship course.

GEO 5999B. Thesis.

This course supports graduate students in completing a semester of a master’s thesis by emphasizing sustained progress from approved proposal and initial work to a final, defensible thesis product. Students continue working closely with a faculty advisor to complete data collection (if applicable), conduct rigorous analysis, and integrate results into a coherent thesis manuscript. The course focuses on refining argumentation, strengthening alignment among research questions, methods, results, and conclusions, and meeting disciplinary formatting and submission requirements. The semester culminates in a completed thesis and, where required, an oral presentation or defense.