Master of Science in Geography

The Department of Geography offers both master's and doctoral programs of study across a range of systematic, regional, and technical fields, with innovative energy in the doctoral program for studying urban environments. The department's overall strengths are aligned along a theme of Changing Environments, with three major axes, each responsive to areas with strong demand for new professionals:

Human Geography and Urban Environments: This area emphasizes the spatial interactions of economic systems as well as political, social, cultural, environmental, technological, and other forces that influence the people, identities, landscape, development, and dynamics of urban areas. With the world's population becoming increasingly urbanized and globalized, courses examine the continuing challenges of urban growth and change, race, ethnicity, and gender in the city, immigration and identity politics, and spatial aspects of urban planning processes and political decision-making.
Physical Geography and Environmental Studies: This area addresses the interactions among natural forms and processes on the earth's surface, the impact and implications of global climate change, and human connections with those natural phenomena. Courses on long-term atmospheric change are emphasized. Overlapping emphases include phenology, water resources, conservation, natural hazards, natural resource scarcity, and the mounting challenges of global environmental change.

Evidence of general intellectual ability and compelling interest in geography. An undergraduate major in geography is desirable as evidence of such ability and interest but is not required. Past coursework will be compared to the core requirements of the UWM Geography bachelor's degree in order to determine any deficiencies that need to be satisfied as a condition of acceptance.
Reason statement. This statement should outline the applicant's research interests and academic background, their goals for pursing a graduate degree in geography, and other relevant professional and research experience. The statement should not exceed two-single sided pages.
A curriculum vitae (CV) detailing academic history and accomplishments and other relevant professional qualifications.
A writing sample. The writing sample can be a paper written for a class, a professional project, or part of longer piece of writing. It should not exceed 20 pages.
Three letters of recommendation.
Departmental approval, based on thorough evaluation of applicant's potential for professional development.
You must have attended this institution for at least one year and the degree was earned at an institution in the United States, and you have lived and worked continuously in the U.S since earning the degree. Cambridge English: Advanced / Cambridge English Proficiency C1 level or higher. TOEFL IBT (not Home Edition) - 79 120, IELTS - 6.5 9.0.