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Geography MA

Master of Arts in Geography

Develop research techniques and analytical skills to understand and address complex social issues specific to urban areas with the Master of Arts in Geography in Temple University’s College of Liberal Arts. 

Rapid urbanization and environmental problems are defining the 21st century. Students analyze critical problems in communities around the world through a theoretically informed and data-driven, integrative curriculum with multiple interdisciplinary perspectives.

In the 36-credit Geography MA, you will research areas such as 

  • environmental issues, 
  • gender and race, 
  • geographic methods, including geographic information science, remote sensing, and qualitative research,
  • international development, 
  • social and spatial theory, and 
  • urban development. 

All courses take place at Temple’s Main Campus in Philadelphia, allowing you to study at a university that is deeply ingrained in neighboring urban communities.

Temple’s Geography, Environment and Urban Studies Department is an intimate program in which professors lead small classes and guide students throughout their time in the program. The interdisciplinary expertise of the faculty includes black geographies, critical feminist geography, food systems, geographic information science, health geography, political ecology, sustainability science, urban studies and urban analytics. Learn more about Geography MA faculty.

Graduates are prepared to pursue doctoral studies, careers in academia, or positions in community organizing and social change efforts, environmental sustainability, urban and economic development, and social justice.

Graduate Certificate in Geographic Information Systems

Earn a Graduate Certificate in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) with no additional coursework, expanding your career opportunities in the job market. Develop industry-relevant GIS skills through advanced training in geospatial analysis and mapping technology. Harness this powerful analytical tool to deliver the data-driven decision-making that is in demand across most industries and organizations. 

Students working in Temple's Geographic Information Systems (GIS) lab.

Our Community

The College of Liberal Arts at Temple comprises many academic disciplines and research areas. Now more than ever, an interdisciplinary liberal arts education is invaluable for your future pursuits. It offers the opportunity to further push your drive to create real change in the world, here at Temple and beyond. In this graduate program, you’ll work closely with diverse faculty members who are highly esteemed in their field and with a curious, passionate community of peers. Learn more about the College of Liberal Arts. 

Program Format & Curriculum

Students have three years to complete the Geography MA program on a full- or part-time basis with classes offered after 4:30 p.m.

The 30-credit curriculum includes core coursework, two methodology courses, four electives and a Master’s Research Paper course, for which students meet as a class to facilitate the production of a high-quality paper on a topic connected to their work in a specific class.

Core courses include the following.

  • Critical Issues in Globalization, Sustainability and Social Justice
  • Geographic Inquiry
  • History and Theory of Urban Studies
  • Public Policy for Urban Regions

Learn more about Geography MA courses.

Related Graduate Degrees

*Tyler School of Art and Architecture

Related Graduate Certificates

Tuition & Fees

In keeping with Temple’s commitment to access and affordability, this Master of Arts offers a competitive level of tuition with multiple opportunities for financial support.

Tuition rates are set annually by the university and are affected by multiple factors, including program degree level (undergraduate or graduate), course load (full- or part-time), in-state or out-of-state residency, and more. These tuition costs apply to the 2025–2026 academic year.

Pennsylvania resident: $1,148.00 per credit
Out-of-state: $1,577.00 per credit

You can view the full cost of attendance breakdown on the Student Financial Services website.

Program Contact

For questions regarding the Geography MA, contact the following staff member.

Liz Janczewski is the student services coordinator in the College of Liberal Arts. 
Phone: 215-204-3386
Email:

The following staff members lead the Geography, Environment and Urban Studies Department.

Kevin Henry is the chair.
Email: 

Kimberly Thomas is the graduate chair.
Email:

Lee Hachadoorian is the director.
Phone: 215-204-3331
Email:

Student Clubs & Organizations

Supplement your Geography MA coursework and enhance your graduate education experience through student clubs and organizations. You’ll meet and network with other students, become involved with the community, and build invaluable skills to help you realize your personal and professional goals. 

The Association of American Geographers is a nonprofit scientific and educational society that seeks to advance the understanding, study and importance of geography and related fields. It is open to graduate and doctoral students.  

Learn more about Temple’s student clubs and organizations.

Study Away

Temple’s study away programs offer you the opportunity to spend an academic year, semester or summer abroad. Complete graduate coursework, participate in internships or collaborate in research while immersing yourself in the culture, history and people of your host city. 

Learn more about your options for studying away.

Accreditation

Temple University’s departments and programs are accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Additional Program Information