Graduate Program in Geography
| Research requirements | Completed theses |
| Creating new knowledge through research - it's what sets graduate work apart from undergraduate studies, and is central to the MU geography program. The focus is on acquiring the skills and practice of solving a research problem, which are gained both in coursework and through carrying out a complete research project. |  |
There are two options to satisfy the requirement for completing a research project: a thesis or a publishable-quality research paper. The first semester courses are designed to help begin the process of designing and implementing a research project, which is then conducted in consultation with a faculty advisor and committee. Specific program requirements differ for each option: Geography M.A. with thesis. In addition to the minimum of 24 hours of course work - including core courses specified by the Department, at least six semester hours of thesis credit (Geography 8090) are required, and an oral exam conducted by the candidate's faculty committee (to include at least one faculty member from outside the Department of Geography). In all, course work and research credits must total at least 32 semester hours.
Geography M.A. non-thesis. A minimum of 26 hours of course work are required (including core courses specified by the Department), plus no more than 6 semester hours of independent readings or research credit (Geography 8080) leading to the completion of a publishable-quality research paper, and an oral exam conducted by the candidate's faculty committee. In all, course work and research credits must total at least 32 semester hours. |
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