Graduate
work in geography at Maxwell combines the development of theory with research
on specific places and spatial processes. The curriculum emphasizes formative
social and natural processes and the geographical context within which they
operate—cities; regions; the world system; tropical, riverine, or arctic
environments; etc.
Geography
offers M.A. and Ph.D. degrees, with specializations in the following areas:
geographical information systems and spatial analysis: cartography, GIS, spatial analysis;
human geography: globalization and urban change, historical geographies, political and economic restructuring, social and cultural theory;
environment and society: environmental ideologies and politics, human dimensions of global change, political and cultural ecology; and
physical geography and environmental science: plant biogeography, geomorphology.
Within
the framework of these clusters, students pursue individually designed
programs. The small number of graduate students ensures close faculty
attention to and interest in each one.
The
geography M.A. requires 30 credits and culminates in either (a) a master’s
thesis with oral examination, or (b) two master’s papers with oral
examination, or (c) a written and oral comprehensive examination. Emphasis is
placed on the acquisition of a range of research skills and methods that can
be applied in a variety of career contexts or used in doctoral programs.
The
Ph.D. requires an additional 42 credits beyond the master’s, an approved
dissertation proposal, satisfactory completion of a combined written and oral
qualifying examination, and successful completion of the doctoral
dissertation.
Founded
in 1926, the geography department, with its distinguished faculty and talented
students, is one of the leading departments in North America. Interaction
between the students and faculty creates a challenging intellectual
environment. Prominent scholars and professionals regularly visit the
geography department for seminars, lectures, and symposia.
In
Eggers Hall, the geography department has a state-of-the-art Geographic
Information and Analysis Lab to which graduate students have 24-hour access.
There are also offices and study carrels available for most students. In
addition, graduate students may find opportunities in Maxwell’s institutes,
such as the Global Affairs Institute, and multidisciplinary research centers,
such as the Center for Environmental Policy and Administration. They may also
pursue other interdisciplinary programs, within and outside Maxwell, including
the joint master’s degree in geography and public administration.
Each
year some 8 to 14 new doctoral and master’s students join the graduate
program, leading to about 35 students in residence annually. The graduate
group is fairly evenly divided by gender.
Faculty
members in the geography department are closely attuned to the job market and
strive to match career opportunities with student interests. About
three-quarters of those with doctoral degrees are teaching in colleges and
universities. Others hold positions in government or the private sector. Those
with M.A. degrees work in a variety of areas: cartography, private companies
that emphasize computer applications and geographic information systems, and
research.
Admission
requirements include a bachelor’s degree in geography or a related field,
strong letters of reference, and a personal statement. Scores from a recent
Graduate Record Examination (GRE) must also be submitted. For admission to the
Ph.D. program, candidates should have demonstrated a high level of
accomplishment in their
Selected student research topics include:
Geography contact:
Anne Mosher, Graduate Director
Department of Geography
144 Eggers Hall
Syracuse University
Syracuse, NY 13244-1090 USA
Telephone 315-443-2605
Fax 315-443-4227
Main departmental website with graphics www.maxwell.syr.edu/geo
A graphic version of this site is also available.