Overview

Geographers study and analyze many of today’s pressing issues, which range from climate change, human modification of the Earth’s systems, environmental hazards, resource assessment, and land use to population distributions, urbanization, cultural adaption, political organization of space, and globalization. Geographers’ tools, skill sets, and techniques, which include computer cartography, remote sensing, Global Positioning Systems (GPS), and Geographic Information Systems (GIS), are recognized increasingly as essential for solving many contemporary questions and are not only being adopted by businesses and governmental agencies but also by wider society. More people are recognizing that geography is fundamental to understanding our world and solving many of the problems that confront us.

The Department of Geography and Geospatial Sciences offers graduate students the opportunity to earn a Master of Science Degree. The curriculum, organized through formal courses, seminars, internship experiences, and supervised research, is designed to prepare students for positions in such professional areas as planning, remote sensing, geographic information sciences, government service, research, business, and teaching.

The program in Geography - Geographic Information Sciences at South Dakota State University also is designed to provide students with the education needed to pursue further graduate study. Students seeking this degree are expected to select courses that will provide a sound foundation in geography (philosophical, physical and human, and research techniques) supported, if appropriate, by courses outside the department. Students may also seek out opportunities such as the cooperative program with the EROS Data Center and/or internships, generally available with planning districts, governmental agencies, business, and industry.

Is it for you?

This program will be a good fit if you:

Have a genuine curiosity about the world
Enjoy both the hard sciences and social sciences
Like to learn about different places and cultures
Like working with technology
Are a problem solver and analytical thinker

Career Opportunities

Geographic information consultant
Urban planner
Community planner
Transportation planner
Hazard mitigation analyst
Climate change adaptation specialist
Land and water management
Government agency administrator
Professor/teacher

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Geography

Geology

Geographic Information System

Cartography
Geospatial Science

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 12 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-08-26 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-04-15 00:00:00
Starting 2027-01-13 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-10-15 00:00:00

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

100

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Credits

30 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Brookings, United States

Disciplines

Geography Geology Geographical Information Systems (GIS) View 175 other Masters in Geography in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

100

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TOEFL^® IBT

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IELTS

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98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

The application must include the application fee, all post-secondary transcripts, degree certificate, and other materials as required by specific programs before processing of the application will begin.

Master’s degree applicants must have an approved Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution (except in approved/accelerated programs). Domestic, international or non-degree seeking students may submit an application online.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

20190 USD / year

≈ 20190 USD / year
Out-of-State

20190 USD / year

≈ 20190 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

10500 USD / year

≈ 10500 USD / year

Living costs

Brookings

United States

1085 - 1888 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Financing

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Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Geography - Geographic Information Sciences.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

On this page

About

Overview

Is it for you?

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Brookings

Financing

Funding

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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