Online Master of Science in Geography

Total credit hours per program: 31 credit hours

Cost per credit hour: $725

Total cost with fees: $22,475

The online MS in Geography requires 31 credit hours to earn your degree, including 4 hours of core courses, 6 hours of thesis research, and 21 hours of additional elective coursework.

Students choose at least ONE of two Graduate Certificates to fulfill elective hours + remaining elective hours. 

Your personal credit requirements could be less depending on transferable credits and credit earned from prior learning assessments. 

The entry-level education is a B.A. or B.S. in Geography or similar field. No work experience is required but writing samples are useful during the application process. 

Admission into the LSU Graduate Program is required before enrolling in the online M.S. in Geography program. Additional information about LSU Graduate admission requirements is located below and here.

Required Application Materials

Statement of Purpose:

• We highly encourage applicants to reach out to a faculty member they are interested in working with. Details about faculty members with contact information can be found here. Please list the faculty member(s) in your statement of purpose.
• It is not expected that you will have a specific research idea in mind; however, we encourage you to explain the reasons why you wish to attend LSU, along with your general research interests. Specific research ideas are also welcome.
• All Transcripts - unofficial transcripts can be submitted at time of application but official transcripts are required upon acceptance to program.
• 3 letters of recommendation
• Up-to-date Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• English Proficiency test score (if applicable) - An applicant whose native language is not English and/or who has been educated outside of the U.S. in a country or province where English is not the only official language must demonstrate proof of English proficiency by submitting either a TOEFL iBT, an IELTS, PTE, Michigan Test, or a Duolingo English score before the application is evaluated for admission. More information about English proficiency requirements and exemptions can be found here. 

The Department of Geography and Anthropology does not require the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) as part of your application package (as of January 2023).

We believe in letting every applicant showcase their academic and research success in whatever form that may take, such as research projects, competitions, exams, awards, experiences, etc.

If an applicant feels the GRE provides key information not evident from other aspects of their application, they are welcome to submit official scores. We do not use GRE cutoffs or other quantitative rankings. We consider any submitted test scores as one aspect of academic achievement, and we take a holistic approach to evaluating any application received.

• GIS analyst
• GIS consultant
• Environmental consultant
• Urban/regional planner
• Remote sensing scientist
• Natural resource manager
• Cartographer
• Geospatial data scientist
• Climate change analyst
• Hydrologist
• Environmental scientist 

Louisiana State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). 

The LSU online Master of Science in Geography aims to develop skills in students such as advanced GIS and remote sensing analysis, spatial data management and geospatial modeling, environmental impact assessment and resource management, quantitative and qualitative research methods, and technical report writing and science communication.

Student Learning Outcomes:

1. Advanced knowledge of subject matter in one of the specialized research areas of geography identified at the MS level.
2. Demonstrate the ability to conceptualize and design a research plan with a reasonable theoretical framework, formulate an appropriate method for a research study, and develop original ideas for independent research that “spin off” from the results of the thesis project.  
3. Analyze and synthesize the literature in a specialized research focus.
4. Communicate effectively in verbal, written, visual, and/or technological forms, as required by the thesis research.

The online Master of Science in Geography at LSU is designed for students with strong analytical and critical thinking skills, the program prepares graduates to understand and address the complex relationships between people, places, and the environment. 
 
As part of a highly respected institution, this program provides access to world-class faculty, cutting-edge research, and valuable industry connections incorporated into a fully online, flexible format. Graduates enter the workforce with advanced analytical skills, a strong academic foundation, and the credibility to pursue leadership roles across diverse industries. 
 
An online M.S. in Geography from a state flagship university directly addresses Louisiana's growing need for professionals skilled in geospatial analysis, environmental planning, and natural resource management. This program equips graduates with advanced GIS and analytical skills, preparing them for roles like GIS Analyst or Environmental Scientist which are in high demand both within Louisiana and nationally.

LSU’s online M.S. in Geography enables students to:

• Develop advanced expertise in GIS, remote sensing, and spatial analysis while engaging with broader theoretical and humanistic perspectives.
• Design and execute original research by building sound theoretical frameworks, formulating effective methodologies, and carrying out independent studies that extend beyond the thesis project.
• Strengthen their ability to analyze and synthesize scholarly literature within a chosen area of specialization.
• Earn graduate certificates in Geographic Information Systems and/or Crime Mapping and Geospatial Analytics, alongside the master’s degree, adding credentials that strengthen their academic and professional profile.