Appalachian State University
Geography: Master of Arts (MA)
Application Deadlines
Spring Admission
November 1
Summer 1 Admission
April 1
Fall Admission
April 1, priority deadline is February 15
Application Requirements
Entrance exam: Not required
Application requirements vary by program. Learn more
Location
On campus
Completion Time
2 years (full time)
Map out your future.
The Master of Arts in Geography program at App State offers specialized academic and professional training in geography, allowing you to deepen your knowledge of the world and prepare for immediate employment or further specialization. Potential career paths include areas such as planning for climate resilience, environmental analysis and policy development, transportation and urban planning, and satellite image analysis.
You can choose from several program concentrations to customize your coursework, exploring topics such as urban planning, climatology and GIS to develop research projects and solutions to geographical problems.
A 2025 Best
The Princeton Review named App State among the best schools in the U.S. and the Southeast for 2025.
Top 3
U.S. News & World Report has recognized App State as a top 3 university for innovation for 8 consecutive years.
Top School for 2024–25
Forbes magazine ranked App State among “America’s Top Colleges” for 2024–25.
Concentrations and Courses
Careers and Mountaineers
Where can an App State degree take you? Anywhere you want to go!
Careers
- Atmospheric Scientist
- Cartographer
- Climatologist
- Director of Land Protection and Stewardship
- Entrepreneur
- Geospatial Data Analyst
- GIS Director
- Health Geographer
- Land Surveyor
- Park Ranger
- Planner – town, city, regional
- Professor
- Research Scientist
- Snow Scientist
- Sustainable Resource Manager
- Water Resource Specialist
Employers
- Amec Foster Wheeler
- Blue Ridge Conservancy
- Centers for Disease Control
- ESRI
- GBE Fund
- Grand Canyon Trust
- Heifer International
- Highland Mapping Inc.
- Lowes
- National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency
- The Trust for Public Land
- Trails Illustrated Maps
- UNC Asheville’s National Environmental Modeling and Analysis Center (NEMAC)
- Virginia Tech
Career information resource
App State’s Career Development Center
Services provided by the Career Development Center include resume reviews, career coaching, job and internship search assistance, and other tools for you to achieve life and professional success.
More to Explore at App State
International Experience
Work outside your cultural boundaries. Learn more
Professional Development
Invest in yourself with opportunities designed to stimulate career growth. Learn more
Graduate Assistantships
Earn some money while you earn your degree. Learn more
Apply
Are you ready to become a Mountaineer? Take the next step, apply for admission to App State and elevate your future success.
Admissions questions? Contact us.
Connect
Program Contact
Dr. Derek J. Martin
Graduate Program Director
[email protected]
828-262-8905
Visit Campus
Experience the beauty of App State’s Boone campus firsthand. Tour campus, virtually or in person. Explore App State’s Boone home.
Admissions Events
Want to know more about the people and programs of App State’s School of Graduate Studies? Attend an information session.