REQUIREMENTS
FOR THE MASTER'S DEGREE IN ENVIRONMENTAL AND URBAN GEOGRAPHY
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Credits
Thesis Option
Non-Thesis
Option
Students may
choose between
the thesis and non-thesis options, working closely with one or two
faculty members to design and conduct research. The student is expected
to demonstrate competence for critical analysis of a fairly narrow body
of theory and familiarity with controversy and achievements in the area
of specialization. The non-thesis option has a comprehensive and
structured program of course work including analytical skills such as
quantitative methods and cartography. The seminars (500-level courses
exclusive of Geography 592 and 595) offer research experience suited to
the individual student.
Credit
Distribution
A minimum of 32 semester hours of approved graduate work, of which at
least 9 hours must be in 500-level geography courses (not including 592
and 595). Other courses are selected in accordance with the student's
area of specialization. For students with an undergraduate geography
major, a minimum of 6 of the 32 hours required for the degree must be
in cognate courses recognized by the student's faculty adviser as
supporting the student's program of study.
Thesis
Option
All students are required to take Geography 595 and 9 hours of guided
research. Candidates must submit an acceptable thesis based upon
original research. Registration for a minimum of 6 semester hours of
Geography 598 (Thesis Research) is required; a further 3 credit hours
may count toward the degree. The student's faculty adviser supervises
the preparation of the thesis, and its final form must be approved by
the thesis committee following a successful defense.
Non-thesis
Option
Students in the non-thesis program are required to take Geography 595.
Other courses are selected according to student interest with respect
to the following program areas
- Specialization: five courses in either
environmental
or urban geography, including two 500-level seminars. Courses cannot be
repeated for credit.
- Minor area: one course in environmental or
urban geography other than the area of specialization.
- Geographical Skills: 8 Semester hours in
geographic information systems or cartography and remote sensing.
- Cognate Course: students may take up 8 semester
hours
in other disciplines, including the environmental health sciences
program, that support the area of specialization.
Candidates in
the non-thesis
program must pass a written comprehensive examination on their program
of study. The examination, which may include field study problems, is
administered by a committee of the graduate faculty. A candidate who
fails the examination will be advised on the preparation necessary for
a second examination, which is given no sooner than the last week of
the succeeding term. A third examination is not allowed.
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