Master of Science in Geography and Environment
ECU’s Master of Science in Geography and Environment combines rigorous research training with applied geospatial analysis. Students explore environmental, human, atmospheric, and geospatial questions alongside faculty, gaining the analytical, technical, and spatial skills needed to tackle complex environmental and social challenges. Graduates advance their careers in applied research, public or private sector roles, or pursue doctoral study.
At a Glance
- Degree: Master of Science in Geography and Environment
- Credit hours: 30–36 s.h.
- Format: On-campus
- Concentrations: Geography; Professional Science Master’s in Geographic Information Science
- Options: Thesis; Non-thesis/internship; PSM internship pathway
Dr. Eric Horsman
Program Director
As a student in Geography and Environment, you’ll work with faculty on environmental, human, atmospheric, and geospatial questions. You can build your program around thesis research, a non-thesis internship path, or the Professional Science Master’s track if you want advanced GIS training connected to professional coursework.
Why Study Geography and Environment at ECU?
Program Overview
The MS in Geography and Environment offers two concentrations: Geography and a Professional Science Master’s in Geographic Information Science (PSM). The Geography concentration offers a thesis option or a non-thesis/internship option. The PSM is a non-thesis/internship pathway built for students who want advanced GIS training paired with professional coursework.
Students in the Geography concentration develop a program of study around their research and career interests. Major areas of study include environmental geography, human geography, atmospheric science, geospatial techniques, and planning. Thesis students complete 30 s.h.; non-thesis/internship students complete 36 s.h.
The PSM in Geographic Information Science combines advanced GIS coursework with professional training in logistics, management information systems, marketing, planning, or public administration. This concentration prepares students to apply geospatial tools in organizational, public-sector, nonprofit, consulting, or private-sector settings.
Courses
The curriculum overview below follows the graduate catalog structure for the MS in Geography and Environment. Course titles link to the ECU Catalog. Students should work with the Program Director and faculty advisor to confirm course availability and build an approved plan of study.
Core — 6 s.h.
- GEOG 6100 — History and Philosophy of Geography (3 s.h.)
- GEOG 6110 — Research Design in Geography (3 s.h.)
Research Skills — 3 s.h., choose one
- ANTH 5015 — Advanced Ethnographic Methods and Theory
- GEOG 6150 — Quantitative Methods in Geography
- GEOG 6160 — Field Geography
- HIST 5960 — Introduction to Oral History
- MPH 6027 — Mixed-Methods Research
- OMGT 6123 — Quantitative Methods
- PLAN 6150 — Quantitative Methods in Planning
- SOCI 6500 — Qualitative Methods
Another research skills or methods course may be selected in consultation with the student’s advisor.
Geography Concentration and Selected Graduate GEOG Electives
Students in the Geography concentration select major-area coursework and electives with advisor approval. Thesis students complete at least 6 s.h. in a major area of study; non-thesis/internship students complete at least 12 s.h.
Professional Science Master’s in Geographic Information Science
Students in the PSM concentration complete 15 s.h. in the concentration: GEOG 6401 and 12 s.h. chosen from the advanced GIS courses below. They also complete 9 s.h. in one approved professional area.
Required GIS course — 3 s.h.
Advanced GIS courses — choose 12 s.h.
- GEOG 6400 — Seminar in Geographic Information and Analysis
- GEOG 6405 — Remote Sensing of the Environment
- GEOG 6410 — Advanced Cartography
- GEOG 6420 — Advanced Remote Sensing
- GEOG 6430 — Advanced Geographic Information Systems
- GEOG 6440 — Spatial Analysis of Coastal Environments
- GEOG 6450 — Python for Geographic Data Analysis
- GEOG 6460 — Advanced Digital Terrain Analysis
- GEOG 6470 — Seminar in GIS for Conservation
- GEOG 6480 — Drone Technology and Geospatial Applications
Professional area — choose 9 s.h. from one area
- Logistics
- Management information systems
- Marketing
- Planning
- Public administration
Thesis or Internship
Thesis option
- GEOG 7000 — Thesis (3–6 s.h.)
Non-thesis/internship option
Geography non-thesis/internship students complete 3–6 s.h. of internship credit. PSM students complete 3 s.h. Both pathways require a professional report and defense.
For full curriculum details, concentration rules, comprehensive assessment requirements, and graduation requirements, see the Geography and Environment, MS entry in the ECU Catalog.
Career Relevance
Graduate study in geography supports careers that require spatial thinking, environmental analysis, research design, field methods, geospatial technology, and the ability to connect data with real-world decisions. Students may prepare for applied roles in environmental work, GIS and mapping, public agencies, consulting, nonprofit organizations, research support, or further doctoral study.
The occupations below are examples of career areas connected to the MS in Geography and Environment. They are not a complete list of outcomes. Job titles, salaries, advancement, and hiring requirements vary by employer, location, degree level, experience, and additional credentials.
| Example O*NET Occupation | Why It Fits Geography | Median Annual Salary | Projected Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health | Environmental assessment, field and analytical methods, water and land resources, sustainability, policy, and applied research | $80,060 | Average (3% to 4%) |
| Cartographers and Photogrammetrists | Cartographic design, photogrammetry, remote sensing, spatial data visualization, and map production | $78,380 | Faster than average (5% to 6%) |
| Geographic Information Systems Technologists and Technicians | Most relevant to the PSM concentration: GIS analysis, spatial databases, geospatial applications, and spatial data management | $108,970 | Much faster than average (7% or higher) |
| Geographers | Advanced-degree path for research, analysis, teaching, and specialized geographic work; some roles may require doctoral training | $97,200 | Decline (-3%) |
Occupation data obtained from O*NET OnLine, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Wage data reflect 2024 national median wages, and projected growth reflects 2024–2034 national employment projections.
How to Apply
Applicants to the Master of Science in Geography and Environment apply through the ECU Graduate School. Select Geography and Environment, MS as the intended program and review Graduate School deadlines, application materials, and admission requirements before submitting your application.
Prospective Students
Apply online through the ECU Graduate School and choose the Geography and Environment, MS program. If you are deciding between thesis, non-thesis/internship, or PSM pathways, contact the Program Director before or during the application process.
Current ECU Students
Current ECU students interested in the MS in Geography and Environment should contact Dr. Horsman to discuss fit, faculty advising, course planning, and the application process.
Questions?
For questions about the Master of Science in Geography and Environment, contact Program Director Dr. Eric Horsman at horsmane@ecu.edu or 252-328-5265. The program office is in 101 Graham Building.