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M.A. Program Curriculum

M.A. Program Requirements

The School of Geographical Sciences and Urban Planning may consider a student for a traditional Master's degree that includes successfully defending a thesis.

  • Master's students must complete 30 semester hours, including 24 hours of combined coursework and research hours at ASU and 6 thesis hours.
  • The Master's program includes two required courses (GCU 529 Geographic Thought, GCU 585 Advanced Research Methods), one seminar (GCU/GPH 591), registration in colloquia for two semesters, and additional coursework or research hours as selected by the student in consultation with an advisory committee.

Steps Toward the M.A.

Master's students in the Geography program complete the steps toward their M.A. in the following order:

  • Program of Study: Master's students file a program of study (iPOS) with the School and the Graduate College. This document sets out coursework toward the M.A. degree and formalizes the composition of the supervisory committee.
  • Thesis Proposal Review: M.A. students prepare a statement of their specialization in geography prior to scheduling a review meeting with their supervisory committee to present their thesis proposal.
  • Thesis: Once the full advisory committee approves the written thesis, the advisor schedules an oral defense before the student's committee and guests. A copy of the thesis must be made available in the School at least two weeks prior to the event. All Graduate College deadlines for scheduling the defense and submitting the completed thesis must be adhered to. The student must complete the M.A. within six years.
  • Completion of the M.A.: The culmination of the Master's program is a successful defense and revision M.A. thesis.

For additional information, see the ASU Graduate College Policies on Mster's Degree Requirements.