Academic Programs
> 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 consists of 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 - or appropriate substitute- is a prerequisite)
ONE Statistics and Quantitative Methods Elective from the following list:
GEO 593 Computational Geography
GEO 597 Geostatistics
GEO 605 Spatial Statistics
OR An approved graduate level biostatistics (STA) or econometrics (ECO) or Computer Programming Course from the Geography (GEO) or Computer Science & Engineering Dept.
ONE Approved Graduate level Computer Programming Course from the Geography or
Computer Science and Engineering Department.
TWO GIS courses from the following list:
(Note: GEO 506 is a prerequisite for some of these courses)
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 595 Database Design for Geographic Information Systems
OR ONE graduate level GIS course approved by the M.S. Program Committee
Thesis Conference Geo701 (3 cr.)
Graduate Research Problems (GEO 534), Thesis Conference (GEO 701), Internship (GEO 742), or approved elective (0-2 cr.)
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
TRACK ELECTIVES:
Three or More Elective Courses (from your Track) With Significant Quantitative, Computational, or
Mathematical Modeling Content. 1 (9-12 cr.)
Geographic Information Systems and Science Track
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 515 Conservation Biogeography (3 cr.)
GEO 547 Advanced Earth System Science (3 cr.)
GEO 549 Fluvial Geomorphology (3 cr.)
GEO 559 GIS and Environmental Modeling (3 + 1 cr.)
GEO 561 Ecohydrology (3 cr.)
GEO 575 Landscape Modeling with GIS (3 cr.)
GEO 610 Field/Laboratory Problems (3 cr.)
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 (3 cr.)
GEO 520 Transportation and Spatial Information (3 + 1 cr.)
GEO 530 Urban Geography (3 cr.)
GEO 554 Network and Location Analysis (3 + 1 cr.)
GEO 564 Mobility and Flows (3 + 1 cr.)
GEO 574 Urban Transportation and Land Use Modeling (3 + 1 cr.)
GEO 630 Urban Geography Models (3 cr.)
GEO 720 Seminar in Transportation Geography (3 cr.)
ONE approved graduate level elective
1 Courses applied toward M.S. Program core requirements cannot be counted toward the Track electives.