Master's Degrees

At Texas State University, the Master of Applied Geography (MAG or M.A.Geo.) and the Master of Science (MS) in Geography are both graduate-level programs, but they differ in focus, structure, and career orientation. Below is a breakdown of the key differences and benefits of each.

Key Differences and Benefits of Each Program

Master of Applied Geography (M.A.Geo.)

Focus:

Emphasizes applied skills and professional practice in areas like:
- Environmental management
- Urban and community planning
- Geographic Information Science (GIScience)
- Natural resource management
- Geographic education

Structure:

33 credit hours
Non-thesis option with a research paper
Offers online coursework (some concentrations like Geographic Education can be completed 100% online)

Ideal For:

Students aiming for professional careers in government, private sector, or NGOs
Those seeking flexibility (especially online learners or working professionals)

Benefits:

Practical, career-oriented training
Broader course offerings in applied topics
Online availability for some concentrations

Master of Science (M.S.) in Geography

Focus:

Emphasizes theoretical and research-based training
Prepares students for doctoral studies or research-intensive careers

Structure:

30 credit hours
Requires a thesis
More focused on academic research and publication

Ideal For:

Students planning to pursue a Ph.D.
Those interested in academic or research careers

Benefits:

Strong foundation in geographic theory and methods
Opportunities for publishable research
Closer mentorship with faculty on research projects

Summary Table

Feature	M.A.Geo. (MAG)	M.S. in Geography
Credit Hours	33	30
Thesis Requirement	No (research paper instead)	Yes
Focus	Applied/professional	Theoretical/research
Online Availability	Yes (some concentrations)	No
Career Path	Professional roles	Academic/research roles
Ideal For	Working professionals, applied careers	Aspiring Ph.D. students, researchers