MS Geography at University of North Dakota

Programme overview

Acquire a broad foundation in geography and geospatial techniques and be prepared to solve some of today’s most pressing problems in environmental management. The field of physical geography is at the forefront of environmental action. In UND's Geography master's program, you’ll prepare for a dynamic career in education, government, or the private sector.

Department: Department of Geography & Geographic Information Science | Duration: 2 years (30 credit hours) | Study mode: full-time | Intake: Fall (May 1), Spring (Oct. 1) | Location: Grand Forks, ND, United States

What you will study

Students seeking the Master of Science in Geography degree (on-campus, thesis or non-thesis option) at the University of North Dakota must satisfy all general requirements set forth by the School of Graduate Studies as well as particular requirements set forth by the Department of Geography and Geographic Information Science. Required courses include GEOG 500 Graduate Studies in Geography (Repeatable with different topics); GEOG 576 Field Methods and Analysis in Geography; GEOG 578 Geographic Research and Writing; GEOG 574 Advanced Techniques in Geographic Information Systems; GEOG 597 Graduate Internship (*repeatable to 6 credits); GEOG 475 Digital Image Processing.

Career pathways

Roles include AE2S, City of Bismarck, City of Grand Forks.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

The applicant must meet the School of Graduate Studies’ current minimum general admission requirements as published in the graduate catalog. A four-year bachelor’s degree from a recognized college or university. A GPA of at least 3.00 in all undergraduate work. A minimum of 9 semester credits of undergraduate coursework in geography or a closely related field. Satisfy the School of Graduate Studies’ English Language Proficiency requirements as published in the graduate catalog. International applicants who have received their bachelor’s or master’s degree in the United States or English speaking Canada are not required to submit the TOEFL or IELTS. Meet all School of Graduate Studies requirements for admission. Outstanding applicants are evaluated on an individual basis and those with limited background in geography but a distinguished record in another discipline may be accepted in a qualified or provisional status.

Domestic applicants: USD 13,441 a year (2026-27). North Dakota resident rate. On-campus tuition for 2026/2027 as shown in the programme's tuition table (fall and spring semesters, rate band 'Arts & Science'); excludes mandatory student fees, housing and books. The same table lists Minnesota residents $17 Source

International applicants: USD 26,882 a year (2026-27). International student rate. On-campus tuition for 2026/2027 as shown in the programme's tuition table (fall and spring semesters, rate band 'Arts & Science'); excludes mandatory student fees, housing and books. Source

Terms run Fall (August-December), Spring (January-May) and Summer (May-August).

Graduate applications go through the UND admissions application with a $35 non-refundable fee (no waivers); each graduate program sets its own deadline, listed in the Program Finder. Three academic or professional references and a statement of goals are required.

International graduate applicants: Fall May 1, Spring Sept. 1, Summer Feb. 1, unless the program sets a specific deadline. Application fee $35.

Apply through the official page: https://und.edu/admissions/graduate/apply.html

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