> Graduate > Masters of Science (MS)

The Department of Geography offers a new Master of Science (M.S.) in Geography. The M.S. is intended for students who desire to specialize in applications of analytical techniques in the field of geography. Students are trained in advanced information technologies such as geographic information systems, remote sensing, statistical and mathematical modeling, geocomputational models, network and spatial analysis, and quantifying and modeling environmental processes. The degree is aimed at students who want to pursue a career in research, development, and consulting in private and public organizations or plan to pursue a doctoral degree in analytical Geography or Geographic Information Science.

 

Students admitted to the program are expected to show proficiency in the following areas: calculus, univariate and multivariate statistics, and introductory GIS at the time of admission. Students who do not meet the minimum qualifications are advised to make up deficiencies before entering the M.S. program. M.A. students have the opportunity to be subsequently admitted to the M.S. program.

The M.S. program requires 36 credit hours.

A minimum B grade is required in each course applied toward the program requirements. All students are required to take Introduction to Graduate Geography (GEO 500), Research Design (GEO 501), Multivariate Statistics in Geography (GEO 509), one statistics/quantitative methods course selected from the approved list, one computer programming course, and two GIS courses from the approved list. There are three academic areas of focus in which to specialize: Geographic Information Systems and Science, Transportation Science and Business Geographics, and Environmental and Earth Systems Sciences.

Geographic Information Systems and Science (GISS)

The "Geographic Information Systems and Science" (GISS) track requires a minimum of three courses in core concepts, principles, and techniques of geographic information systems and other geospatial information technologies. A student choosing this area of focus is trained in modern theories, methods, and technologies related to the capture, manipulation, visualization, and processing of spatial information.

Transportation Science and Business Geographics (TS/BG)

The "Transportation Science and Business Geographics" (TS/BG) track requires a minimum of three courses in analytical transportation analysis and business geographics. A student choosing this concentration will be trained in modern theories and methods of transportation systems science, flow and mobility analysis, and their relations to other aspects of social sciences. This track leads to earning an Advanced Certificate in Transportation and Business Geographics already offered by the Department of Geography.

Note - Some Transportation courses are currently not being offered

Environmental and Earth Systems Science (EESS)

The "Environmental and Earth Systems Sciences" (EESS) track requires a minimum of three courses in analytical and quantitative Earth surface processes. A student choosing this area of focus will be trained in modern theories, models, data collection and analysis techniques, and numerical methods in hydrology, geomorphology, biogeography, and soil science. Emphasis will be placed on analytical methods, field and laboratory techniques, and modern technology used to quantify such processes over various temporal and spatial scales, and their relation to other aspects of physical, biogeochemical, and social sciences.

Requirements

To obtain the M.S. degree, all students must complete a thesis. A proposal of the research to be conducted must be submitted to the advisory committee. This proposal must be defended and approved by the committee before the research can be undertaken. After submission of the thesis, an oral defense must be scheduled and attended by the committee.

For further information, please contact

Betsy Abraham
Secretary for Student Services
E-mail: babraham@buffalo.edu
Phone: 645-0471

M.S. Curriculum

Core Courses

GEO 500 Introduction to Graduate Geography

GEO 501 Research Design

GEO 509 Multivariate Statistics in Geography

                 (Note: GEO 505 Univariate Stats is a prerequisite)

ONE  Approved Graduate level Computer Programming Course from the Geography or

            Computer Science and Engineering Department.

ONE  Statistics and Quantitative Methods Elective:     

             GEO 597 Geostatistics   or   GEO 605 Spatial Statistics

                   OR An approved graduate level biostatistics (STA) or econometrics (ECO) course.

 

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TWO GIS courses from the following list        (Note: GEO 506 is a prerequisite

                                                                                      for some of these courses)

GEO 507 Locational Analysis

GEO 520 Transportation and Spatial Information

GEO 550 Introduction to Graduate Cartography

GEO 551 Cartography and Geographic Visualization

GEO 553 Remote Sensing

GEO 555 GIS Algorithms and Data Structures

GEO 556 GIS Design

GEO 593 Dynamic Modeling

GEO 595 Database Design for Geographic Information Systems

OR ONE approved graduate level GIS course

                       

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1-3 Credits - GEO 631 Research Guidance

0-2 Credits - GEO 534 Grad Research Problems, Geo 631 Research Guidance

                      or Geo 742 Internship

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TRACK ELECTIVES:

Three or More Elective Courses (from your Track) With Significant Quantitative, Computational, or

Mathematical Modeling Content.

Geographic Information Systems and Science Track

GEO 507 Locational Analysis

GEO 520 Transportation and Spatial Information

GEO 551 Cartography and Geographic Visualization

GEO 553 Remote Sensing

GEO 554 Networks and Location Analysis

GEO 555 GIS Algorithms and Data Structures

GEO 556 GIS Design

GEO 559 GIS and Environmental Modeling

GEO 575 Landscape Modeling with GIS

GEO 591 Introduction to Geographic Information Science

GEO 595 Database Design for Geographic Information Systems

GEO 650 Advanced Topics in Cartography

GEO 655 Advanced Topics in GIS

ONE elective course in our Department or any department in the Science and Engineering area

 

Environmental and Earth Systems Sciences Track

GEO 503 DSM Regional Hydrdology

GEO 515 Conservation Biogeography

GEO 547 Advanced Earth System Science

GEO 549 Fluvial Geomorphology

GEO 559 GIS and Environmental Modeling

GEO 561 Ecohydrology

GEO 570 Integrated Environmental Management

GEO 575 Landscape Modeling with GIS

GEO 610 Field/Laboratory Problems

ONE elective course in the department of Geography, Geology,

              Civil, Structural and Environmental Engineering, or Computer Science and Engineering

 

Transportation Science / Business Geographics Track

Note - Some classes in this track are currently not being offered

GEO 519 Transportation

GEO 520 Transportation and Spatial Information

GEO 530 Urban Geography

GEO 554 Network and Location Analysis

GEO 564 Mobility and Flows

GEO 574 Urban Transportation and Land Use Modeling

GEO 630 Urban Geography Models

GEO 720 Seminar in Transportation Geography

ONE approved graduate level elective

 

1 Courses applied toward M.S. Program core requirements cannot be counted toward the Track electives.

Department of Geography University at Buffalo