Geography

Overview

The Geography program of University at Albany prepares you for careers in which you measure and study diverse phenomena related to human civilization, the earth’s surface, and subterranean resources. You can specialize in physical geography or human geography and globalization.

The curriculum covers topics such as environmental degradation, climate change, population density, and urban development. You also gain practical experience in geographic statistical analysis, digital mapping technologies, geographic information systems (GIS), and remote sensing devices.

Program of Study

The master’s in geography offers a two-year thesis track or one-year, non-thesis track. Choose the thesis track if you intend to pursue further academic study or the non-thesis track if you are obtaining a master’s degree to advance your career in the field.

UAlbany is exceptionally strong in:

• Climate and environmental systems

• Geographic information systems (GIS)

• Remote sensing

• Cartography

• Computer applications and spatial analysis

• Urban, social, cultural, and economic geography

Areas of interest include Europe, Latin America, North America, Africa, and East Asia. 

Career Outcomes

After completing the program, 98% of our graduates work in geography-related fields in education, business, government, and nonprofit organizations, and earn an average salary of $75,000 per year.

Sample job titles:

• Cartographer

• Environmental consultant

• Market researcher

• Post-secondary instructor

• Town planner

• Transport planner