For more information about our graduate programs, please send an email to gradadvisor@ceoas.oregonstate.edu or contact Lori Hartline, Graduate Program Assistant at 541-737-5188.

Most of the pressing questions and problems of communities, nations and the planet can be explored using the tools and approaches of geography. Geography, the study of human and Earth system processes in space and time, incorporates principles of mathematics, social science, and natural science to analyze and interpret change in the environment using a range of cutting-edge geospatial imaging and modeling tools. Geographers study globalization and cultural diversity, evaluate climate change and environmental hazards, and manage natural resources. Picture yourself in a master's or Ph.D. program in Geography working with some of the most creative and renowned faculty in the country.

Typically, the program has over 25 students enrolled with more than half pursing a Ph.D.

Explore the degree

Geography at OSU has three areas of excellence:

  • Geospatial technologies and analysis
    Many careers in geography apply geospatial technologies and analytical tools in the realms of research, teaching, government and industry. In Oregon State’s Geography program, you will obtain integrated training in GIS, cartography, remote sensing, geovisualization, geospatial intelligence, spatial statistics and modeling, and web mapping. Students may select geographic information science as a graduate area of concentration as part of the M.S. or Ph.D. in Geography. Graduate students also can obtain a GIScience certificate.

     

  • Water, climate, and society
    Access to water resources is essential for human health and societies, yet these resources are unevenly distributed in space and time, while climate variability and change may intensify conflicts over water. The Geography program at Oregon State provides integrated training in surface processes, climatology, biogeography, water policy and water management. Students may select physical geography or resource geography as a graduate area of concentration as part of the M.S. or Ph.D. in Geography. Graduate students can also obtain an online certificate in water conflict.

     

  • Resources, planning, and hazards
    Natural resources, planning, and hazards are ideal topics for geographic study because they link physical processes governing natural hazards with factors such as social vulnerability, planning, and resource management. Many aspects of these issues have a strong regional focus. Geography at Oregon State provides integrated training in the geography of resources, land use, and rural and regional resource evaluation. Students may select physical geography or resource geography as a graduate area of concentration as part of the M.S. or Ph.D. in Geography.

     

How to Apply - Details

Plan your degree.

Learning Outcomes

Geography program flyer

OSU Catalog

 

Meet the faculty

Meet Distinguished Professor and the Geography Program Head, Julia Jones.

Our geography faculty study everything from water resources to human refugee dynamics to fisheries. Learn more about our geography and geospatial science faculty.

Learn about careers

At CEOAS, we are dedicated to helping you find a fulfilling job to set you on a successful career path. We have staff ready to help by connecting you to alumni mentors, helping you find internships, and investing in your professional development. As a result, most graduates are employed by six months post-degree.

Why geography? Learn more about What Can You Can Do with a Geography Degree (PDF on Box) and explore career resources from the American Association of Geographers.

Our geography alumni are doing amazing things! See where some recent graduates are now employed.