Study the intersection of people and their environments to improve communities. Learn the tools you need to analyze climate, terrain and urban density through a master's degree in geography.
Why Earn a Master's in Geography?
By earning a master's in geography, you will find a valuable career in a field that combines social and physical sciences. You will study the relationships between people and their natural and man-made environments. You will collect and analyze data from soil samples to wind patterns to tree canopy density. Your findings could improve public lands, building projects and urban areas. With these tools and skills, you will help make our world a more sustainable and healthy place.
Be prepared for a professional career in business, government or other industries that rely on data to make geographical decisions. You'll also be ready for advanced Ph.D. study or community college teaching.
Why Study Geography at CSUN?
Flexible Degree Program
The Department of Geography and Environmental Studies at CSUN is one of the largest in the nation. As a result, we are able to provide you with a high degree of flexibility in your selection of courses. You can focus on:
- Geographic Information Science (GIS)
- Geomorphology
- Climatology
- Plant geography
- Economic geography
- Cultural geography
- Urban geography
- Regional geography
- Cartography
Cutting-edge Labs
You will have access to industry-leading technology in our labs. Our two state-of-the-art geospatial computer labs allow you to become an expert in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software. Our physical geography labs include advanced sedimentary analysis equipment, surveying equipment, and a flume for in-house experiments. We also operate a weather network of 14 climate recording stations that provides data for analysis and interpretation.
Field Studies
In your field studies courses, you'll learn practical skills beyond the campus setting. Hone your skills in diverse environments—from Death Valley to the Channel Islands. With your professor and fellow students, you will collect real data and practice sampling techniques. You will use advanced laser-based surveying equipment, advanced sediment analysis, drone technology and other tools. Through this experience, you will gain skills to jumpstart your career.
What You'll Learn
As a Geography master's degree student, you'll learn to survey, analyze and map natural and man-made features. You'll also study how humans and the environment interact, and propose how we can live more healthy, sustainable lives.
By earning a degree in geography, you'll learn many practical skills including:
- Computer mapping
- Field observation and data collection
- Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping
- Global Positioning Systems (GPS)
- Land use and map analysis
- Sediment analysis
- Topographic surveying and weather station instrumentation
- Presentation graphics and professional report writing
From your core classes, you will be able to focus on the subjects that interest you while receiving a strong background in geography. You will learn about:
- The physical world or weather
- Human geography or world geography
- The study of geography and its resources
- Techniques of field observation, recordings and analysis
In your elective classes, you'll continue to shape your degree.
Careers & Outcomes
This program prepares students for professional careers in business, government and nonprofit organizations. Your skills in mapping and analyzing data will help you address important social and environmental issues. The degree will also prepare you for advanced Ph.D. study or community college teaching.
Common career paths include:
- GIS technician
- GIS analyst
- Urban and city planners
- Environmental consultant
- Conservationist
- Sustainability analyst
Let's check the weather.
Learn to program and maintain the Geography and Environmental Studies Department's Weather Network. You'll help collect atmospheric data from stations all over Southern California. Gain technical and data analysis skills while also knowing if you need to bring an umbrella tomorrow.
Admission Information
To be considered for admission to CSUN as a master’s student, you will need to:
- Meet university requirements.
- Meet department requirements for the Master of Arts in Geography.
- Apply to both the university and the specific graduate program of interest.
Learn more about applying for a master’s program at CSUN.