Mar 28, 2024  
2020-2021 Graduate Bulletin 
    
2020-2021 Graduate Bulletin [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Geography, Thesis Option, MA


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Program Code: MA_237A
CIP Code: 45.0701

Program of Study for the Master of Arts in Geography (Thesis Option)


Admission Requirements: Baccalaureate degree* from an accredited college or university; complete application to the Graduate School ; official general GRE exam scores, unless waived; cover letter (not to exceed two pages) stating reasons why applicant wishes to enter the program.

*Students entering the graduate program without a baccalaureate degree in geography are required to make up deficiencies in the areas of physical geography, human geography, and geographic techniques in consultation with the graduate committee.

To be considered for admission, applicants must meet the criteria for admission to the Graduate School . The faculty will give preference to applicants who meet or exceed the following: An undergraduate GPA at or above a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale and at least one score on the GRE (V, Q , or A) at or above the 50th percentile. Meeting these criteria does not guarantee admission.

Standardized Exam Waiver Eligibility: The standardized exam (GRE) requirement may be waived for applicants with five or more years of relevant professional work experience and an undergraduate GPA of 3.7 or higher.

Accelerated Admission Option: This program offers an accelerated admission option for undergraduate students currently enrolled at Appalachian State University.   

Location: On Campus

Additional Information about Standardized Exam Waiver Eligibility


Any standardized exam waiver for a graduate degree program at Appalachian State requires that applicants hold a minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher in their last earned degree (undergraduate or graduate; some programs have established higher GPA requirements). No exam waiver is automatic but will require review and approval by the Graduate School upon submission of a complete application. An approved waiver request does not guarantee acceptance into the program. A denied waiver request does not mean that a candidate is denied admission to the program, only that a standardized exam score is needed to more fully evaluate the application. Standardized test scores may be required for scholarship consideration.

Course Requirements for the Master of Arts in Geography (Thesis Option)


Total Required (Minimum 30 Hours)


Required Courses (12 Hours)


*A maximum of 3 hours of 5998 and 3 hours of 5999 can be included in the minimum 30 hours required.

Electives (18 Hours)


  • 18 hours of approved graduate electives

Other Requirements for the MA in Geography (Thesis Option)


  • Thesis: Required
  • Proficiency: Not required
  • Candidacy: Required; awarded upon approval of thesis committee and prospectus
  • Comprehensive: Required
  • Product of Learning: Not required

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