MS in Geography & Environment

The Master of Science in Geography and Environment degree program offers a dynamic blend of theoretical knowledge and practical skills tailored to students interested in geography, environmental studies and geospatial techniques. With a faculty-to-student ratio of 1-to-2, our graduate students have exceptional mentorship and research opportunities.

Courses cover topics ranging from Urban Planning and Development to Climate Change, Social-Ecological Systems and Remote Sensing, giving students the opportunity to gain interdisciplinary expertise for diverse career opportunities. By emphasizing hands-on learning experiences and cutting-edge research, students are equipped with the tools they need to address complex environmental challenges and make meaningful contributions to their communities and the world.

The GW Master of Science in Geography and Environment is a STEM-designated program. For students interested in specializing in geographical information systems, the GIS certificate can be completed in tandem at no extra cost.

Join the Graduate Programs Open House: October 21–November 1

Registration is now open for GW's Columbian College of Arts and Sciences (CCAS) Graduate Programs Open House! The event features program-specific information sessions and opportunities to interact with current graduate students, faculty and our admissions team.

The Geography Department will host a virtual information session for prospective graduate students on Thursday, Oct. 31 at 10 a.m. EDT. Attendees will receive an application fee waiver.

Registration and Details

Geography Info Session: December 2

Join us for an online info session discussing the field of geography and the GW Master of Science in Geography & Environment and Graduate Certificate in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) programs.

Register to Attend

Program Benefits

Thesis and Capstone

To fulfill degree requirements, MS students choose either a thesis option or non-thesis/capstone option. Students taking the non-thesis option must complete either an original research project supervised by a faculty member or a research and analysis assignment completed during an internship for an external client.

Capstone research can be considered for the department’s Campbell Graduate Research Grants, which fund travel and other costs associated with graduate research. See Course Requirements for details.

Funding Opportunities

Campbell Graduate Research Grants

The highly competitive Campbell Graduate Research Grants are awarded to several graduate students each summer. Past awardees have applied their funding toward research projects in the Arctic, Ghana, Panama, Alabama and around Washington, D.C. Recently, two students received Campbell funding for their capstone research project based out of Mixco, Guatemala. Their project used open-source mapping tools to help vulnerable communities reduce disaster risk and adapt to disasters.

Each March, the department puts out a call for Campbell Research Grant proposals to fund summer projects. Students are encouraged to submit research proposals at the end of their first year in the MS program.

Fellowships and Assistantships

The Geography and the Environment Department offers a number of graduate student assistantships as well as student “grader” positions. Applications for assistantships and grading positions are evaluated following admission to the program, and awards are made on the basis of academic qualifications. Awards are granted for one year, with the understanding that if assistantships are available and if the student maintains good academic standing, the award will be renewed for a second year.

Office of Graduate Student Assistantships and Fellowships

Other CCAS Graduate Student Funding

Columbian College offers additional funding options, including research grants, scholarships and military education benefits.

CCAS Graduate Student Funding

Course Requirements

Current Electives