STEM MS program in Geography & Environment offers a dynamic blend of theoretical knowledge and practical skills tailored to meet the evolving needs of students interested in geography and environmental studies. By introducing required courses in Environment, Human Geography, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS), we expose students to the breadth of work in this area. Students retain the flexibility to customize their education according to their interests and career goals. With courses covering topics such as Urban Planning and Development, Climatic Change, Social-Ecological Systems, and Remote Sensing, students gain interdisciplinary expertise that prepares them for diverse career opportunities in environmental consulting, urban planning, GIS analysis, and more. By emphasizing hands-on learning experiences and cutting-edge research, our program equips students with the tools they need to address complex environmental challenges and make meaningful contributions to their communities and the world.
| Article | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Admission deadlines: | Fall - April 1 (February 1 for priority fellowship consideration) |
| Spring - November 1 (October 1 for applicants requiring a student visa) | |
| Applications received after the above dates will be considered on a case-by-case basis. | |
| Standardized test scores: | GRE General test recommended but not required (institutional code 5246). |
| The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), the academic International English Language Testing System (IELTS), or the PTE Academic is required of all applicants except those who hold a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree from a college or university in the United States or from an institution located in a country in which English is the official language, provided English was the language of instruction. | |
| Minimum scores for the program are: | |
| - Academic IELTS: an overall band score of 7.0 with no individual score below 6.0; or | |
| - TOEFL: 600 on paper-based or 100 on Internet-based; or | |
| - PTE Academic: 68 | |
| Recommendations required: | Two (2) academic letters of recommendation; maximum three letters total. Letters should address the quality of your performance on items required for graduate study such as critical thinking skills, writing skills, organizational aptitude, interest in the field, eagerness, and the ability to carry tasks through to completion. While the Department will accept letters from employers, recommendations from professors who are familiar with applicants’ academic abilities are strongly preferred. |
| Prior academic records: | Transcripts are required from all colleges and universities attended, whether or not credit was earned, the program was completed, or the credit appears as transfer credit on another transcript. Unofficial transcripts from all colleges and universities attended must be uploaded to your online application. Official transcripts are required only of applicants who are offered admission. |
| If transcripts are in a language other than English, English language translations must be provided. The English translation alone should be uploaded into your application. | |
| Statement of purpose: | In an essay of 250 – 500 words, state your purpose in undertaking graduate study in your chosen field. Include your academic objectives, research interests, and career plans. Also discuss your related qualifications, including collegiate, professional, and community activities, and any other substantial accomplishments not already mentioned on the application. If you are applying for an assistantship or fellowship, you should also describe any teaching experience you have had. |
| International applicants only: | Please follow this link - https://columbian.gwu.edu/international-graduate-applicants - to review the International Applicant Information carefully for details on required documents, earlier deadlines for applicants requiring an I-20 or DS-2019 from GW, and English language requirements. |
The following requirements must be fulfilled:
The general requirements stated under Columbian College of Arts and Sciences, Graduate Programs.
Thesis option—30 credits, including 9 credits in required courses, 9 credits in selected group courses, 6 credits in thesis research, and 6 credits in elective courses.
Non-thesis option—30 credits, including 9 credits in required courses, 9 credits in selected group courses, one 3-credit research or capstone internship course, and 9 credits in elective courses.
The student’s program of study is developed in consultation with the advisor and the graduate committee.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required | ||
| GEOG6201 | Geographic Thought | |
| GEOG6304 | Geographical Information Systems I | |
| GEOG6292 | Qualitative Methods in Geography | |
| orGEOG6305 | Geospatial Statistics | |
| For thesis option only: | ||
| GEOG6999 | Thesis Research (taken for a total of 6 credits) | |
| For non-thesis option only: | ||
| GEOG6295 | Research (taken for a total 3 credits) | |
| orGEOG6300 | Geography Capstone Internship | |
| Selected group courses | ||
| One course selected from each of the following three groups: * | ||
| Environmental group–one course from the following: | ||
| GEOG6218 | Arctic Systems | |
| GEOG6233 | Social-Ecological Systems | |
| GEOG6220 | Seminar: Climatic Change | |
| GEOG6230 | Seminar: Environmental Issues in Development | |
| Human geography group–one course from the following: | ||
| GEOG6232 | Migration and Development | |
| GEOG6243 | Seminar: Urban Geography | |
| GEOG6244 | Urban Sustainability | |
| GEOG6261 | Geographical Perspectives on Latin America | |
| GEOG6262 | Geographical Perspectives on the Middle East | |
| GEOG6265 | Geography of Russia and Its Neighbors | |
| GIS group––one course from the following: | ||
| GEOG6303 | Introduction to Remote Sensing | |
| GEOG6305 | Geospatial Statistics | |
| GEOG6306 | Geographical Information Systems II | |
| GEOG6307 | Digital Image Processing | |
| GEOG6308 | Programming for Geospatial Applications I | |
| GEOG6309 | GIS for Emergency Management | |
| GEOG6310 | Geovisualization and Cartography | |
| GEOG6311 | Open Source Solutions for Geospatial Project Management | |
| Electives | ||
| 6 to 9 credits in elective courses. Electives can be any 6000-level Geography and Environment (GEOG) course not taken to meet one of the requirements above, PPPA6101, PPPA6102, or another graduate course approved by the advisor | ||
*Topics offered under GEOG6293 Special Topics vary. The course can count as a selected group course depending on the topic and with the advisor's approval.
Combined program
- Dual Master of Science in the field of geography and environment (STEM) and Graduate Certificate in geographical information systems (STEM)
