Faqs

FAQs

• Where do I send my application materials?

  Application materials including application form, application fee, transcripts, statement of purpose, letters of reference, and resume are uploaded directly to the Graduate College. The Graduate Assistantship application form must be completed separately online and is available here – https://www.geo.txst.edu/degrees-programs/graduate.html .

• How many letters of recommendation are required?

   Three letters of recommendation are required for the Ph.D. and master’s degree.

• Can the statement of purpose be sent electronically?

  Yes, you must submit your statement of purpose through the Graduate College application portal with your other application materials.

• What is required in the Statement of Purpose?

  The Statement of Purpose is generally between 1 ½ to 2 pages long double spaced.

  The Statement of Purpose (SOP) usually describes who you are and why you are interested in applying to our graduate program, what type of research you wish to pursue, faculty members you may be interested in working with on your research, how you intend to use this degree in the future, and why you are an excellent candidate for this graduate program.

• How can I obtain a copy of the application for admission?

  The application for admission can be accessed from the Graduate College website at https://www.gradcollege.txst.edu/admissions.html

• What is the application fee?

  For domestic students, the fee is $55. The fee is $90 for applications with international credentials, e.g. you received credit from an international institution, you need to provide English proficiency exam scores, and/or you require immigration documents. All fees are paid directly to the Graduate College.

• What are the minimum grade-point average (GPA) and GRE requirements for admission to the graduate programs?

  The minimum standards for admission to the graduate programs are as follows:
  Ph.D.: 3.5 GPA at the master’s level
  M.S.: 3.4 GPA in the last 60 hours of undergraduate course work
  M.A.Geo.: 3.2 GPA in the last 60 hours of undergraduate course work
  Our graduate programs do not require the GRE for admission.

• My GPA was below the minimum standard for admission to the program of my choice. Can I still be admitted and if so how?

  Exceptions to these minimum standards mentioned above are addressed on a case-by-case basis by the Graduate Program Coordinator. If your GPA was below the minimum standard, you may discuss it with the Coordinator and demonstrate that you will nevertheless be a successful graduate student. Such a case is ordinarily based on evidence of maturity and professional achievement since graduation and/or evidence of issues such as illness, financial problems, or relationship issues that had the effect of lowering the GPA at the previous level.

• What additional requirements are there for international applicants?

  Applicants are required to submit English Proficiency scores that meet the minimum program requirements unless they have earned a bachelor’s degree or higher from a regionally accredited U.S. institution or the equivalent from a country on our exempt countries list.
  The Geography program does not offer admission if the scores above are not met.
  International applicants are also subject to immigration policies and procedures of the United States, as administered by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. An international student must prove that he or she has sufficient financial resources to cover the expenses associated with living and studying in the United States.

• My transcript is in a language other than English. How do I submit it to the Graduate College?

  If your transcript or diploma is written in a language other than English, you must arrange to have a certified English translation of the documents submitted to the Graduate College.

• What resources are available to help international students find housing and otherwise adjust to life in San Marcos?

  The International Office at Texas State University helps international students with these and other issues. For details visit the International Office website at http://www.international.txstate.edu/.

• How can I find out about specific policies and procedures associated with the Ph.D. programs?

  This information is given in the Ph.D. handbook, which is available online through the Department website at https://www.geo.txst.edu/degrees-programs/phd.html. Policies and procedures of the Graduate Catalog relevant to the Ph.D. programs are given in the Graduate Catalog, which is available online through the Graduate College website. https://www.gradcollege.txst.edu/students/catalog.html

• What are the admission requirements for the Ph.D. programs?

  The admission requirements include a complete master’s degree in geography or a related discipline and a grade-point average of 3.5 or better in the master’s program.

• Can I enter the Ph.D. program without a completed master’s degree?

  No, a master’s degree is required for admission. There are no exceptions to this requirement.

• Does meeting the minimum admission requirements guarantee admission to the Ph.D. program?

  No. Each applicant meeting the criteria listed above is evaluated by the Graduate Committee, subject to approval by the Graduate Program Coordinator and the Department Chair. The total number of students admitted each year is determined by Departmental financial and faculty resources.

• What are the most important factors determining whether I will be admitted to the program?

  Above and beyond the formal admission criteria as listed above, the most important factor in determining whether you will be admitted is support from one or more members of the Ph.D. Graduate Faculty in your area of specialization as potential research advisors. A list of Ph.D. Graduate Faculty can be found here: https://www.geo.txst.edu/degrees-programs/graduate/graduate-faculty.html.

• How can I identify the research interests of potential research advisors?

  This information is available on the Departmental website at https://www.geo.txst.edu/people/faculty.html

• Can any member of the faculty serve as my advisor?

  No. Only members of the Ph.D. Graduate Faculty can serve as your advisor. A list of Graduate Faculty can be found here: https://www.geo.txst.edu/degrees-programs/graduate/graduate-faculty.html.

• What is the residency requirement for the Ph.D. program?

  The residency requirement for the Ph.D. program is 18 consecutive semester hours in residence.

• How many hours of course work are required for the Ph.D.?

  The Ph.D. requires a minimum of 31 hours of course work, along with a minimum of 15 dissertation hours.

• What courses are required of all Ph.D. students?

  All Ph.D. students must complete GEO 7302 (Nature and Philosophy of Geography), GEO 7300 (Research Design), and GEO 7301 (Quantitative Methods) or GEO 7304 (Qualitative Methods) The option to take GEO 7301 or 7304 is determined by the program and research advisor. Note that all GIScience Ph.D. students must take GEO 7301.

• When are the core courses offered?

  GEO 7302 and GEO 7304 are offered each Fall semester, and GEO 7300 and 7301 are offered every Spring semester. Full-time students are expected to take these courses during their first year in residence, though you should consult with your research advisor to determine the best sequence.

• Can I transfer any course work from other universities?

  The Graduate Program Coordinator can request to the Dean of the Graduate College that transfer credits from other universities be accepted toward your 31-hour course work requirement. To be considered for transfer credit, such courses must be recent, doctoral-level courses with grades of A or B and may not have been used toward completing requirements for another degree.

• How many courses can be transferred in?

  Ordinarily, up to two courses (6 credit hours) can be transferred from other universities. Requests to transfer in more than two courses require special justification.

• When must I select a research advisor?

  Incoming full-time students must declare their research advisor by the end of the first semester in the program. Part-time students must do so at the end of the first year.

• How do I formally declare myself a research advisor?

  Once you have identified a potential research advisor, meet with that person, and secure his or her willingness to serve as your research advisor. Once the advisor has expressed his or her
  willingness to serve, you must fill out the Advisor form. The Advisor form must be signed by the student, the research advisor, the Graduate Program Coordinator, and the Department Chair and is then sent to the Dean of the Graduate College for approval. Please contact the Graduate Staff Advisor, Allison Glass-Smith, and she will provide you with the appropriate form.

• How many faculty members serve on my committee?

  The minimum number of committee members is four, including the research advisor. At least three committee members must be members of the Ph.D. Graduate Faculty in the Department of Geography and Environmental Studies, and at least one must be outside the department. A list of Ph.D. Graduate Faculty can be found here: https://www.geo.txst.edu/degrees-programs/graduate/graduate-faculty.html

• Can my outside committee member come from another university, agency, or organization?

  Yes, with approval of the Graduate Program Coordinator, Department Chair, and Graduate College. An external committee member living outside the local Austin-San Marcos-San Antonio area must sign a form stating that he or she understands that the University is not responsible for his or her expenses associated with committee service.

• What credentials must the outside member hold?

  The outside committee member must hold a Ph.D. and must hold credentials equivalent to those held by members of the Ph.D. Graduate Faculty in the Department.

• How can I find out about specific policies and procedures associated with the master’s programs?

  This information is given in the M.A.Geo/MS Handbook, which is available online through the Department website at https://docs.gato.txst.edu/107841/magmspp.pdf Policies and procedures of the Graduate Catalog relevant to the master’s degree programs are given in the Graduate Catalog, which is available online through the Graduate College website at https://www.gradcollege.txst.edu/students/catalog.html

• What employment opportunities are available for graduates of the M.S. and M.A.Geo. programs?

  Graduates of the M.S. and M.A.Geo. programs hold responsible geography-related positions in government, the private sector, education, and the non-profit sector. About a third of past MAGeo and MS graduates work in government, a third in the private sector, and the rest work in organizations in education, non-profits, and other areas. For more information about our alumni graduates please go to the webpage at: https://www.geo.txst.edu/resources/business-card-directory.html where you will find many example employment opportunities at the Geography Business Card Directory.

• Where do graduates of the M.S. and M.A.Geo. programs live and work?

  The majority of M.S. and M.A.Geo. graduates live in the Austin-San Antonio corridor. However, many others live and work in other parts of Texas, in other parts of the United States, and abroad.

• Can I teach community college with a master’s degree in Geography?

  In Texas, you can teach community college in Geography with a master’s degree in Geography including 18 graduate hours in your subject area. Graduates of the M.A.Geo. program currently teach in community colleges in Austin, San Antonio, Houston, and beyond.

• Is a thesis required for the master’s degree?

  M.S. students are required to write a thesis. M.A.Geo. students are required to write a directed research project under the supervision of a faculty advisor.

• What are the core courses for the M.S. and M.A.Geo. degrees?

  The core courses for the M.S. are GEO 5309 (Geographical Analysis), GEO 5301 (Quantitative Methods) or GEO 5304 (Qualitative Methods), and GEO 7300 (Research Design). For the M.A.Geo., the core courses are GEO 5309, GEO 5301 or GEO 5304, and GEO 5300 (Applied Research Design).

• When are these core courses offered?

  GEO 5309 is offered each fall semester. All incoming M.S. and M.A.Geo. students are expected to take GEO 5309 during the first fall semester after entering the program.

• Why should GEO 5309 be taken in the first fall semester?

  GEO 5309 is an introduction to graduate work, to the Department, and to the Department’s faculty and resources. It is intended to provide the student guidance toward the eventual decision of a research advisor and research topic.

• At what point should I plan to select a research advisor?

  M.A.Geo. and M.S. students are expected to select the research advisor by the end of the first fall semester in the program.
  Once a faculty member agrees to serve as the student’s research advisor, the student and the faculty member must sign an Advisor form and submit it to the Graduate Staff Advisor. The form is available at this link: https://docs.gato.txst.edu/108200/Master%20Advisor%20Form.pdf

• What are the relative advantages of the M.S. and M.A.Geo. degrees?

  The M.A.Geo. is oriented primarily to those intending to remain in the non-academic workforce after graduation. The M.S. is geared toward those students who plan to enter a Ph.D. program at Texas State University or elsewhere, or who plan to focus on positions involving research and teaching.

• Can I switch from the M.A.Geo. to the M.S.?

  A student in the M.A.Geo. program who wishes to switch to the M.S. program may do so after having completed nine or more graduate hours with a grade-point average (GPA) of 3.6 or higher.

• Can I be admitted to the Ph.D. program with an M.A.Geo. as opposed to an M.S. degree?

  Yes, although those seriously considering pursuing doctoral study are strongly encouraged to complete the M.S. as opposed to the M.A.Geo.

• How many hours of internship credit can I earn toward the master’s degree?

  You may earn up to 6 hours of credit for internships.

• At what point in my program should I plan to take an internship?

  Internships are usually pursued by students who have completed 12 or more semester credit hours of course work; however, the Internship Coordinator is authorized to approve exceptions.

• How does the Department help students obtain internships?

  Please contact the Department Internship Coordinator, Dr. Rebecca Davio (r_d178@txstate.edu)

• Can I obtain an internship on my own?

  Yes, provided that the internship is approved by the Internship Coordinator. Do not begin the internship prior to consulting with the Internship Coordinator to ensure that you will be able to get credit for it.

• Are internships paid?

  The Department recognizes that its students have valuable skills and talents, and therefore anticipates that employers seeking these skills will compensate those who hold them. Therefore, the Department is committed to as many paid internships as possible. You may also earn credit for an unpaid internship.

• How can I find out more details about internships?

  Please contact the Department Internship Coordinator, Dr. Rebecca Davio (r_d178@txstate.edu)

• What assistantship opportunities are available to incoming Ph.D. and master’s students?

  The Department currently supports more than 44 Ph.D., M.S., and M.A.Geo. students as graduate assistants. Many of these students teach courses or laboratory sections. Others work as research assistants for the Department or on projects funded by grants or contracts.
  Assistants who are not residents of Texas are also eligible to pay tuition at in-state rates instead of out-of-state rates.

• What are the current stipends for Ph.D. and master’s assistants?

  Ph.D. stipends were at least $29,800 for nine months; master’s assistantships were at least $15,500 for nine months.

• How many hours a week do graduate assistants work?

  Graduate assistant contracts are for 20 hours a week.

• For how many years is a graduate assistant supported?

  Ph.D. assistants are supported for up to eight long semesters from the time the student enters the program provided that work and academic performance are satisfactory. M.S. and M.A.Geo. assistants are supported for up to four long (fall or spring) semesters from the time the student enters the program if work performance and academic performance are satisfactory.

• How do I apply for an assistantship?

  Every applicant applying for an assistantship must complete and submit a separate assistantship application along with their resume or curriculum vitae.

• How can I obtain a graduate assistantship application form?

  The form can be downloaded from the Department’s website https://docs.gato.txst.edu/108234/ga_application.pdf

• How may I obtain more information about the Department’s policies and procedures concerning graduate assistantships?

  This information is contained in the Graduate Assistants’ Handbook, available on the Department’s website and provided here: https://docs.gato.txst.edu/107840/gapoliciesprocedureshandbook.pdf

• In addition to assistantships, what other forms of financial aid are available to graduate students in Geography at Texas State University?

  Other forms of financial aid available to graduate students include scholarships administered by the Department, scholarships administered through the Graduate College, and student loans administered through the Office of Student Financial Aid. For more information on graduate student funding please go to https://www.gradcollege.txst.edu/funding.html

• What scholarships are available from the Department?

  The Department supports over 30 scholarships valued at $500-$1,000 annually. Of these, about half are awarded to graduate students.

• How can I find out details about the available scholarships?

  Details about the Departmental scholarships can be found on the Department of Geography website and provided here: https://www.geo.txst.edu/resources/scholarshipopportunities.html

• How do I apply for a Departmental scholarship?

  https://www.geo.txst.edu/resources/scholarshipopportunities.html

• What is the deadline for applying for a Departmental scholarship?

  The deadline for applying for a Departmental scholarship is usually early in the spring semester. Most scholarship funds are dispersed to your student account for use during the following academic year.

• Can I apply for a scholarship before being admitted to the graduate program?

  Yes, you are strongly encouraged to do so.

• When will I be notified about whether I received a scholarship?

  Generally, scholarship winners are notified in February as to whether they have been awarded a scholarship for the following academic year. Scholarship awardees are presented their scholarships at the annual Alumni Reunion and Student Celebration and are expected to be present at the Reunion to receive the scholarship.

• What scholarships are awarded by the Graduate College?

  The Graduate College administers scholarships through the Graduate College. More information can be found here: https://www.gradcollege.txst.edu/funding/scholarships.html

• How do I apply for Graduate College scholarships?

  Information about these applications is available on the Graduate College website.
  http://www.gradcollege.txstate.edu/funding/scholarships.html

• How does the University distribute funds to scholarship winners?

  The value of any scholarship awarded to a student, whether from the Graduate College or the Department, is deducted from that semester’s tuition bill before the student is billed for his or her tuition. Any residual funds are dispersed to the student.

• How many graduate students are currently enrolled in the program?

  There are approximately 50 master’s students and 50 Ph.D. students active in the program.

• Where do graduate students in the Department come from?

  Our students come from throughout Texas, across the United States, and many other countries including Bangladesh, Brazil, Canada, China, Ghana, India, Iran, Italy, Mexico, Nepal, and Nigeria

• Geography and Environmental Studies is generally perceived as lacking representation for underrepresented populations. What opportunities are there for women and minority students?

  The Department has a long-standing commitment to women and minority students. About 55% of our students are women, and more than 20% are non-Caucasian. By point of contrast, the membership of the Association of American Geographers (AAG) membership is about 32% female and 9% non-Caucasian. The Department maintains and aggressively promotes toleration and non-discrimination based on race, color, religion, gender, or sexual orientation.

• What types of social activities are sponsored by the Department?

  The Department sponsors several department-wide activities each year. The premier event of the year is the Alumni Reunion and Student Celebration, held each April. In addition, numerous social activities are sponsored by student organizations and by individual students acting on their own initiative.

• How are graduate students represented in departmental decision making?

  The Graduate Student Forum is a group for all master's and Ph.D. students in the Department of Geography and Environmental Studies at Texas State University. It's a social group and an
  open forum to meet others, exchange ideas and research topics, get advice on navigating grad school, organize outings, and support each other through the degree process.
  Each year, graduate students through the Graduate Forum elect one master’s and one Ph.D. student to represent the graduate students. The representatives are voting members of the Graduate Committee, which advises the full faculty on all matters regarding graduate program policy. The representatives may attend faculty meetings as non-voting representatives, except for personnel matters.
  https://www.geo.txst.edu/resources/organizations/graduate-forum.html

• What other student organizations can I participate in?

  In addition to the Graduate Student Forum, the Department recognizes seven other student organizations:
  Bobcat Stream Team (BST)
  Purpose: Bobcat Stream Team (BST) is an interdisciplinary, registered student organization at Texas State University, founded in August 2016. BST offers training in water quality monitoring to help protect and maintain the health of Texas waterways, including those in the Texas State University and San Marcos community. BST also advance student interest in watershed awareness by educational outreach about the importance of water resource protection, provide students with hands-on professional experience that may further their future careers, and help students build necessary professional skills such as organization, leadership, teamwork and communication.

  Membership: BST is open to all Geography students and faculty and those in related fields.
  
  Activities: BST provides free Water Quality Citizen Scientist Trainings, promotes environmental stewardship, attends outreach and educational events, and hosts social events, professional development workshops, guest speakers, kayak trips, and more!
  Contact Information: Organizational Email: bobcatstreamteam@txstate.edu

  Gamma Theta Upsilon (GTU)
  Purpose: GTU is the Geography Honor Society. The purpose of GTU is to further professional interest in geography by affording a common organization for those interested in the field; to strengthen student and professional training through academic experiences in addition to those of the classroom and laboratory; to advance the status of Geography as a cultural and practical discipline for study and investigation; to encourage student research of high quality, and to promote an outlet for publication; to create and administer funds for furthering graduate study and/or research in the field of Geography.

  Membership: Academic standards are a must to enter this fraternity. Members are required to have a 3.0 GPA or better for all course work in last 60 hours and a 3.0 GPA or greater in at least nine (9) hours of Geography and Planning courses. Chapter dues of $10.

  Activities: Our TXST chapter sponsors speakers, campus activities, field trips, social events, and participates in service functions. Members also have the opportunity to participate in numerous volunteer activities. GTU provides a network where you can become better acquainted with other geography students and can meet and talk with geography faculty. As a GTU member you can improve your expertise in the field of geography by learning things not normally dealt with in the classroom. As being a part of an academic honor society, it is evidence of your dedication and competency in your career field. Some employers give hiring preference to honor society members!
  Contact Information: www.gammathetaupsilon.org
  
  Environmental Conservation Organization (ECO)
  Purpose: The ECO mission is to promote sustainability in all forms and to focus on minimizing local environmental degradation as best we can. Through education on sustainable practices, activism, community service, as well as setting examples for others to see, we are confident that our presence in San Marcos will bring about positive changes that we at ECO hope to see.

  Membership: ECO is open to all Geography students and faculty and those in related fields. Members must pay a club fee of $15.

  
  Activities: ECO participates in numerous activities divided in three main categories: Educational, Service, and Proposals for Change. They also try to have a wide range of social events from hikes to potlucks, as well as one camping trip a year.

  
  Supporting Women in Geography (SWIG)
  Purpose: S.W.I.G.’s goal is to promote the participation and aid in the success of women in the discipline of geography. However, we believe the best way to meet this goal is to provide professional and personal support to everyone. Thus, we offer regular intellectual, professional, and social opportunities.

  
  Membership: SWIG is open to all Geography students and faculty and those in related fields. We welcome all individuals, especially men and undergraduates. Annual dues are $5.
  
  Activities: Networking opportunities, volunteerism, social interactions, and professional/educational development workshops.

  Student Urban Planning Organization (SUPO)
  Purpose: The mission of the TXST Student Urban Planning Organization is to expand the academic and field-work knowledge of all students ordained within the Department of Geography by utilizing tenured wisdom presented by guest lecturers, faculty, and noted alumni as well as applying skill and knowledge to semester projects, field work, and encouraged trips.

  Membership: SPO is open to all Geography students and faculty and those in related fields.

  Activities: SPO promotes interaction and professional development though regular meetings, hosting speakers, field trips, and community service.

  Student Organization for Geographic Information Science (SOGIS)
  Purpose: To promote awareness of the importance, usefulness, and versatility of GIS, to provide GIS services to the campus and local communities for a mutual benefit, to provide opportunities for acquiring professional contacts for organization members, and to provide a forum for members to showcase their work and receive objective feedback from peers and advisors.

  Membership: SOGIS is open to all Geography students and faculty and those in related fields. Members are required to attend at least 2 meetings per semester.

  Activities: SOGIS promotes GIS geography, networks with GIS professionals in a wide range of fields, shares internship and job opportunities on various forums, and designs projects. SOGIS organizes and hosts TXST GIS Day annually in November.

  Contact Information: sogistxstate.gmail.com

  Geology Club
  Purpose: The mission of the TXST Geology club is to provide a safe place for students to share their passion for geology.
  Membership: Geology Club is open to all Geography students and faculty and those in related fields.
  
  Activities: The Geology Club provides tutoring for geology courses, arranges guest speakers, and organizes geology activities involving exploring, caving, hiking, or kayaking in Texas.

  Each of these organizations maintains a website that is linked to the main Department website. https://www.geo.txst.edu/resources/organizations.html

• How can I get involved in national and regional professional organizations as a student in the Department?

  The Department strongly encourages students to become involved in the Association of American Geographers, National Council for Geographic Education, Applied Geography Conference, American Planning Association, regional affiliates of these organizations, and other professional associations. Students are strongly encouraged to present papers and posters at meetings of these organizations. Travel support is provided to students in residence who present papers and posters at these meetings.

• Where is San Marcos located?

  San Marcos is located about 30 miles southwest of Austin and 50 miles northeast of San Antonio, Texas.

• What are the average summer and winter temperatures in San Marcos?

  The average temperature for January is a high of 58 F (14 C) and low of 38 F (3 C); for July, a high of 96 F (36 C) and low of 75 F (24 C).

• How can I “beat the heat” in the summer?

  Although Texas’ summer temperatures are hot, virtually every building in Texas is comfortably air-conditioned. Humidity is low relative to the eastern half of the United States. The spring-fed San Marcos River is a popular recreation attraction. The spring-fed waters of the river are at a constant temperature of 72 F (22 C) year-round. Many students use the river for swimming, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, and tubing throughout the year.

• What recreational and cultural activities are available in and near San Marcos?

  Outdoor recreational activities including golf, tennis, swimming, bicycling, camping, hiking, running, tubing, and fishing are available throughout the region and can be undertaken year-round.
  San Marcos has the unique advantage of being located between the two major cultural centers of Texas—Austin and San Antonio. Austin, the state capital, is the “Live Music Capital of the World” and boasts numerous clubs with nationally known and local musicians performing jazz, country, blues, R&B, and many other genres of music. San Antonio, Texas’ oldest city, is the home of the Alamo and the Institute for Texas Cultures.

• Who can I contact for further information?

  Contact the Graduate Program Coordinator, Dr. Ronald Hagelman, at rh46@txstate.edu, and the Staff Graduate Advisor, Allison Glass-Smith, at am13@txstate.edu.