Designed to prepare geographers to use their skills and background knowledge to solvereal-world problems with geographic dimensions.
4 Programs to choose
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
| 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 |
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
Policies and Procedures
Thesis & Dissertation Information
This is a one-stop-shop for your thesis and dissertation success. Have specific questions? Contact us at gcdegspcl@txstate.edu.
Graduate Program Contacts
We are here to help guide you to a successful post college career
Dr. Injeong Jo
Graduate Program Coordinator
geograduate@txstate.edu
Allison Glass-Smith
Graduate Staff Advisor geograduate@txstate.edu