Applied Geography

Opportunities for graduate studies

Applied geography distinguishes itself from other forms of geographic inquiry through the use of the scientific method and the emphasis on spatial and environmental problem solving. Many problems facing society today have a geographical dimension. Finding sites for industries, identifying cost-effective sites for retailing, identifying new sites for public services, identifying pollution plumes and locating acceptable sites for solid waste disposal facilities are examples of applied geographical problems. Understanding and resolving these types of problems are at the core of applied geography.

The Department of Geography at the University of North Texas offers course work that leads to a master of science degree with a major in applied geography and a 15-credit-hour certification program in geographic information systems (GIS). The department also provides opportunities to take graduate-level courses without having to enroll in the M.S. program. Contact the department for information on this option.

The U.S. Department of Labor has identified geotechnology as one of the three most important emerging and evolving fields. Recent alumni have jobs in the private and public sector doing geoprocessing, GIS development, environmental analysis, hydrogeologic analysis, remote sensing analysis, market area analysis and demographic analysis.

Admission requirements

In addition to the following program requirements, you must meet the admission requirements of the Toulouse School of Graduate Studies. For a list of requirements and possible exceptions, access the graduate catalog online at www.unt.edu/catalog.

Your admission to the program is based on a holistic review of:

• self-statement essay
• transcripts from other institutions attended
• previous research teaching or work experience
• GRE scores
• three letters of recommendation
• your potential to enhance the intellectual diversity of the program, the discipline and the university

A deficiency in one criterion will not deny you admission to the program, but the top applicants will demonstrate strong potential in a majority of these criteria. More detailed admission information is available at www.geog.unt.edu/grad.html.

Degree requirements

The M.S. degree has thesis and non-thesis options, both requiring 36 semester credit hours. You will take two core courses (6 hours), which involve training in research design and advanced quantitative methods. In consultation with your adviser/major professor, you will take an additional 24 hours (thesis option) or 30 hours (non-thesis option) from the departmental course offerings.

Course offerings are clustered around major tracks in applied geomorphology, applied GIS, environmental archaeology, urban environmental management and water resources management. You are also required to complete a 6 credit-hour minor as part of each major track. Normally, the 6 hours come from one department and suitable courses are selected in consultation with your adviser.

The geographic information systems certificate program provides the conceptual understanding and technical proficiency necessary to apply GIS in various settings. Fifteen hours of course work are required to complete the certificate. A "B" average is required in all courses. Further information on the GIS certification is available from the graduate adviser.

Degree tracks

Applied geomorphology

The configuration and evolution of landforms that shape the Earth's surface and their societal significance are emphasized. This includes studying hazards such as flooding, expansive soils, landslides and coastal erosion.

Applied GIS

You will acquire the foundation in applied geography that qualifies you to play a vital role in planning, policy and implementation in urban geography, economic/business development, environmental science and medical geography.

Environmental archeology

This track prepares you for entry into research positions or doctoral programs in archaeology. The two principle areas of training are geoarchaeology and zooarcheology.

Urban environments management

Course work focuses on the planning and implementation of compliance and ethical strategies for sustaining the urban environment. City departments, permitting/oversight agencies and contracting environmental engineers need individuals to act as liaisons between them and city managers as the environmental responsibilities of cities grow because of increased environmental legislation.

Water resources management

You will be trained in the scientific, technical and political aspects of water resources management. Possible employment may be with a government research and regulatory agency, municipality, water supply district or environmental consulting firm.

Facilities

The Department of Geography is in the Environmental Education, Science and Technology Building and operates specialized laboratories for study in archaeological science, earth science, physical geology, cartography, hydrology and GIS. The Center for Spatial Analysis and Mapping houses state-of-the-art hardware and software products in support of teaching and research in remote sensing, GIS, visualization, computer cartography and global positioning systems (GPS). Other allied facilities housed within the EESAT building include the Environmental Modeling Laboratory, the Center for Environmental Archaeology and the Center for Remote Sensing.

Financial assistance

Several competitive teaching assistantships are available. Teaching assistants work in earth science, geology, GIS and archaeology laboratory classes. Research assistantships are often available through faculty research grants. In addition, many other job opportunities are available in the Dallas-Fort Worth region, one of the fastest-growing metropolitan regions in the state.