Geography University at Buffalo

Overview

The Geography programme at the University at Buffalo offers a comprehensive postgraduate education designed to equip students with advanced analytical and spatial reasoning skills. This Master of Arts degree provides a flexible framework where students can pursue a general track or select a specialised concentration to align with their specific career goals.

Students benefit from a rigorous academic environment that balances theoretical knowledge with practical application. The curriculum is structured to be completed in approximately one to two years of full-time study, though part-time options are available to accommodate working professionals. Throughout the duration of the course, learners work closely with two faculty members who provide dedicated supervision and guidance.

Why Geography at the University at Buffalo?

Choosing this institution provides access to exceptional facilities and a high concentration of expert faculty, particularly within the Geographic Information Science field. The university is home to the National Center for Geographic Information and Analysis (NCGIA), offering students unique research opportunities and access to cutting-edge spatial technologies.

The department is recognised for its supportive community and affordable tuition, making it an attractive choice for domestic and international scholars alike. Students benefit from regular meetings with faculty advisors, ensuring their programme of study is tailored to their interests. The integration of high-impact experiential learning ensures that graduates possess the technical skills currently sought by major employers.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

• International fee: USD 12870 per semester
• National fee: USD 12870 per semester
• Local fee: USD 5655 per semester

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum is designed to provide a solid foundation in geographic methods and statistics. Modules may include:

• Graduate Geography
• Research Design
• Univariate Statistics
• Geography Seminar
• Geographic Information Systems
• Remote Sensing
• GIS for Environmental Modeling
• GIS Data Science Project Management
• Census Data and Their Use
• Scripting ArcGIS with Python
• Research Guidance
• Geography Internship
• Transportation
• Urban Geography
• Cartography and Geographic Visualization
• GIS Algorithms and Data Structures
• GIS Design
• Thematic Cartography
• Mobility and Flows
• Urban Transportation and Land Use Modeling
• Cognitive Geography and Geographical Cognition
• Geographic Information and Society
• Geostatistics
• Spatial Statistics
• Conservation Biogeography
• Stream Restoration
• Fluvial Geomorphology
• Ecohydrology
• Integrated Environmental Management
• Multivariate Statistics in Geography
• Location Theory
• Geography of Health
• Population Geography
• Dynamic Modeling

Careers with Geography

Graduates from this programme are well-prepared for diverse roles across the public and private sectors. The curriculum develops high-demand skills in spatial data analysis, environmental management, and urban planning, which are essential for modern consultancy and governmental positions. Many alumni secure roles as GIS analysts, environmental consultants, urban planners, and researchers.

The department's emphasis on internships and project management ensures that students are ready for the workforce. By completing a competency portfolio or research project, graduates can demonstrate their technical proficiency to potential employers in industries such as transportation, international trade, and resource conservation.