About Master’s Program,
Geography is a diverse and innovative field of study that bridges humanities, social sciences and natural sciences. Geographers engage with the most pressing issues of our time, including global environmental change, social inequality and transformations of our economy, politics, ecology and culture in the shifting terrain of the 21st century. Our geographers are trained in cutting-edge approaches to understand and make a difference in our rapidly changing world.
West Virginia University offers master’s and doctoral degrees in geography. Our graduate program has a large faculty with expertise in the sub-disciplines of human geography, environmental geography, sustainability, and geographic information science. Using qualitative and quantitative research methods, our faculty research in South American, Central America, Mexico, and the Caribbean (“Latin America), sub- Saharan Africa, North Africa and Southwest Asia (“the Middle East”), and the U.S., including Appalachia.
Our interdisciplinary learning environment featuring state-of-the-art computing and spatial analysis facilities offers students the chance to develop innovative research projects and learn valuable skills to help solve some of the major challenges facing our world today.
The Graduate Program in Geography has been designated a program of excellence by the West Virginia University Board of Governors since 1998. This award is given to superlative degree programs in recognition of their contribution to higher education in West Virginia and national recognition.
Master’s Program Degree Eligibility with GPA,
Graduate degree-seeking applicants must meet the University standard of possessing a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution, with a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.75 on a 4.0 scale for regular admission .
Some graduate programs have minimum GPA requirements that are higher than the University minimum. Please consult with a program representative from your graduate program of interest to determine the GPA requirement for that graduate program.
Master’s Funding Coverage,
All applicants will be considered for financial support in the form of graduate teaching assistantships (GTAs) and Graduate Research Assistantships (GRAs). Graduate research assistantships are sometimes available through funded faculty member research. Students who qualify for available research assistantships will be contacted by the relevant faculty member with details. Certain application requirements may be waived based on a preliminary review of an application by the program.
Application Requirement,
Transcripts
A GPA higher than the university standard
Standardized test scores
Letters of recommendation
Statement of purpose
Application Deadline,
Jan 15, 2026
Application Fee,
Pay the $60 application fee*