Environmental and Urban Geography

Admission Requirements Degree Requirements

Mailing Address:
Department of Anthropology (MC 027)
1007 West Harrison Street
Chicago, IL 60607-7138

Campus Location: 2102 BSB
Program Code: 20FS1238MA
Telephone: (312) 413-3570
E-mail: mforge1@uic.edu
Web Site: http://www.uic.edu/depts/anth/anthro.htm
Chair of the Department: John Monaghan
Director of Graduate Studies: John Monaghan

The Department of Anthropology offers work leading to the Master of Arts in Environmental and Urban Geography. The program has two major areas of study: (1) environmental analysis and monitoring, environmental behavior, and environmental management; and (2) urban geography, including the environmental impact of urbanization, industrial and commercial development, transportation, residential area analysis, and urban and regional structures. The department also offers work leading to master’s and doctoral degrees in Anthropology; consult the appropriate section of the catalog for more information.

Admission Requirements

Applicants are considered on an individual basis. In addition to the Graduate College minimum requirements, applicants must meet the following program requirements:

Master of Arts

  • Baccalaureate Field No restrictions.
  • Grade Point Average At least 3.00/4.00 for the final 60 semester hours (90 quarter hours) of undergraduate study.
  • Tests Required GRE General.
  • Minimum English Competency Test Score
    • TOEFL 550 (paper-based); 213 (computer-based); 80, with subscores of Reading 19, Listening 17, Speaking 20, and Writing 21 (iBT Internet-based), OR,
    • IELTS 6.5, with subscores of 6.0 for all four subscores.
  • Letters of Recommendation Three required.
  • Personal Statement Required.

Degree Requirements

In addition to the Graduate College minimum requirements, students must meet the following program requirements:

Master of Arts

  • Minimum Semester Hours Required 32.
  • Course Work At least 9 hours must be in 500-level geography courses (excluding GEOG 592 and 595). For students with an undergraduate geography major, at least 6 hours must be in cognate courses recognized by the student’s faculty advisor as supporting the student’s program of study.
  • Required Courses: GEOG 595. Nonthesis students must take 8 semester hours in geographic information systems or cartography and remote sensing.
  • Electives: Nonthesis students must take 5 courses, including at least two 500-level seminars, to define a program major in either environmental or urban geography, and 1 geography course outside their major area. No more than 8 hours may be taken in other disciplines by nonthesis students; outside courses must support the student’s major.
  • Comprehensive Examination Required only for students who do not complete a thesis; written.
  • Thesis, Project, or Course-Work-Only Options Thesis or course work only. No other options available.
  • Thesis: Thesis students must earn at least 9 hours in GEOG 596 and 598, of which at least 6 hours must be in GEOG 598; no more than 9 hours of GEOG 598 can be applied to the degree.