College of Arts and Sciences
Department of Geography
www.kent.edu/geography

About This Program

The Master of Science degree in Geography prepares graduate students for careers in both the academic field and non-academic jobs in various private and governmental agencies, such as urban/economic geography, social geography, physical/environmental geography and geographic information technology. Students learn geographic thought, research techniques and topical specialties while preparing to conduct original research.

Contact Information

• David H. Kaplan | dkaplan@kent.edu |
  330-672-3221

• Connect with an Admissions Counselor: U.S. Student | International Student

Program Delivery

• Delivery:
  • In person
• Location:
  • Kent Campus

Examples of Possible Careers and Salaries*

^{* Source of occupation titles and labor data comes from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook. Data comprises projected percent change in employment over the next 10 years; nation-wide employment numbers; and the yearly median wage at which half of the workers in the occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less.}

For more information about graduate admissions, visit the graduate admission website. For more information on international admissions, visit the international admission website.

Admission Requirements

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university
• Minimum 2.750 undergraduate GPA on a 4.000-point scale
• Official transcript(s)
• GRE scores (starting with the fall 2025 admission term, the GRE will no longer be required)
• Résumé
• Goal statement
• Three letters of recommendation
• English language proficiency - all international students must provide proof of English language proficiency (unless they meet specific exceptions to waive) by earning one of the following:¹
  • Minimum 79 TOEFL iBT score
  • Minimum 6.5 IELTS score
  • Minimum 58 PTE score
  • Minimum 110 DET score

¹

International applicants who do not meet the above test scores will not be considered for admission.

Application Deadlines

• Fall Semester
  • Priority deadline: February 1

Applications submitted by this deadline will receive the strongest consideration for admission.

Program Requirements

Major Requirements

¹

Students who earned their bachelor's degree at Kent State University and have completed the undergraduate equivalents of any technique courses required in the master's degree can count them toward the technique courses requirement. Courses taken at the undergraduate level will not count toward the minimum total credit hour requirement for the master's degree; however, the additional technique courses will not be required.

²

Maximum 3 credit hours of research (GEOG 60996 or GEOG 60998) may count toward the M.S. degree requirements.

³

Students may elect to write a thesis or two research papers.

Graduation Requirements

• No more than one-half of a graduate student’s coursework may be taken in 50000-level courses.
• Grades below C are not counted toward completion of requirements for the degree.

Roadmap

This roadmap is a recommended semester-by-semester plan of study for this major. However, courses designated as critical (!) must be completed in the semester listed to ensure a timely graduation.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

1. Acquire advanced knowledge of the concepts, theories and technology in geography.
2. Synthesize and present concepts and theories in geography
3. Demonstrate the ability to formulate research problems and carry out independent research projects.