Best Master’s in Geography Programs

Geography might appeal to people interested in the relationship between people and landscapes. Learn more about an online master’s in geography.
Juliann Scholl, Ph.D.
By
Edited by
Updated December 18, 2024
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Geography involves the study of the Earth and the distribution of people, political structures, communities, geological features, and land formations. Most geography careers require at least a bachelor’s degree. But many individuals go to graduate school to get a master’s so they can pursue leadership and other higher-level positions.

A master’s in geography program cost an average of $20,000 per year in tuition and fees, in 2019-2020. Tuition for online programs often is about the same. However, distance learners might not pay for housing, transportation, or some on-campus student services. Many students save money on college costs by enrolling in online programs, attending public schools, and applying for financial aid.

Most programs offering a master’s in geography take about two years to complete. Online students typically take about the same time. But if they enroll in accelerated online classes, distance learners may graduate sooner.

The U.S. economy continues to demand geography professionals. However, the job growth rate might lag behind or remain on par with other careers. For example, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that positions for urban and regional planners will grow 7% from 2020-2030, compared to 8% total for all occupations.

Some online master’s in geography graduates can obtain relatively higher-paying jobs. According to the BLS, urban and regional planners earn a median annual salary of $78,500, as of May 2021. Cartographers and photogrammetrists earn a median annual wage of $68,900. These figures exceed the total median salary of $45,760 for all occupations.

badge-check Our Top Pick

University of California, Los Angeles

Why It’s #1: The geography program at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) boasts a 92% graduation rate, one of the features that put this school at the top of the list. The average net price of $15,720 makes this program economically competitive, with others in the top 10. Applicants must hold a minimum GPA of 3.3, which reflects the school’s strong academic rigor. Also, the master’s program provides a fast track for students wanting to pursue a doctorate.

Best Accredited Master’s in Geography Programs

Rankings compiled by the BestColleges Ranking Team

#1

University of California-Los Angeles

Los Angeles, CA4 yearCampus + Online

$11,442

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$26,544

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

12%

Acceptance Rate

5%

Online Enrollment
Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$11,442

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$41,196

Retention Rate

97%

Students Enrolled

44,371

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$11,442

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$26,544

Los Angeles, CA4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$11,442

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$26,544

Acceptance Rate

12%

Online Enrollment

5%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$11,442

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$41,196

Retention Rate

97%

Students Enrolled

44,371

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

#2

The University of Texas at Austin

Austin, TX4 yearCampus + Online

$11,998

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$22,966

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

32%

Acceptance Rate

25%

Online Enrollment
Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$10,824

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$38,326

Retention Rate

96%

Students Enrolled

51,090

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$11,998

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$22,966

Austin, TX4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$11,998

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$22,966

Acceptance Rate

32%

Online Enrollment

25%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$10,824

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$38,326

Retention Rate

96%

Students Enrolled

51,090

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

#3

University of Georgia

Athens, GA4 yearCampus + Online

$8,878

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$25,186

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

45%

Acceptance Rate

14%

Online Enrollment
Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$9,790

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$28,830

Retention Rate

96%

Students Enrolled

38,920

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$8,878

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$25,186

Athens, GA4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$8,878

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$25,186

Acceptance Rate

45%

Online Enrollment

14%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$9,790

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$28,830

Retention Rate

96%

Students Enrolled

38,920

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

#4

Florida State University

Tallahassee, FL4 yearCampus + Online

$9,684

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$24,116

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

36%

Acceptance Rate

47%

Online Enrollment
Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$4,640

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$19,084

Retention Rate

93%

Students Enrolled

42,450

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$9,684

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$24,116

Tallahassee, FL4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$9,684

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$24,116

Acceptance Rate

36%

Online Enrollment

47%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$4,640

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$19,084

Retention Rate

93%

Students Enrolled

42,450

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

#5

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Madison, WI4 yearCampus + Online

$10,728

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$24,054

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

54%

Acceptance Rate

18%

Online Enrollment
Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$9,273

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$36,333

Retention Rate

95%

Students Enrolled

44,257

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$10,728

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$24,054

Madison, WI4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$10,728

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$24,054

Acceptance Rate

54%

Online Enrollment

18%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$9,273

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$36,333

Retention Rate

95%

Students Enrolled

44,257

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

#6

University of Miami

Coral Gables, FL4 yearCampus + Online

$37,800

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$37,800

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

27%

Acceptance Rate

22%

Online Enrollment
Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$50,400

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$50,400

Retention Rate

93%

Students Enrolled

17,811

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$37,800

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$37,800

Coral Gables, FL4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$37,800

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$37,800

Acceptance Rate

27%

Online Enrollment

22%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$50,400

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$50,400

Retention Rate

93%

Students Enrolled

17,811

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

#7

University of Maryland-College Park

College Park, MD4 yearCampus + Online

$13,158

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$29,250

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

44%

Acceptance Rate

19%

Online Enrollment
Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$8,824

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$34,936

Retention Rate

95%

Students Enrolled

40,743

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$13,158

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$29,250

College Park, MD4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$13,158

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$29,250

Acceptance Rate

44%

Online Enrollment

19%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$8,824

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$34,936

Retention Rate

95%

Students Enrolled

40,743

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

#8

CUNY Hunter College

New York, NY4 yearCampus

$11,090

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$20,520

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

35%

Acceptance Rate

7%

Online Enrollment
Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$6,930

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$14,880

Retention Rate

81%

Students Enrolled

23,193

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$11,090

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$20,520

New York, NY4 yearCampus

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$11,090

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$20,520

Acceptance Rate

35%

Online Enrollment

7%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$6,930

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$14,880

Retention Rate

81%

Students Enrolled

23,193

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

#9

University of South Florida-Main Campus

Tampa, FL4 yearCampus + Online

$8,350

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$19,048

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

48%

Acceptance Rate

55%

Online Enrollment
Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$4,559

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$15,473

Retention Rate

91%

Students Enrolled

44,246

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$8,350

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$19,048

Tampa, FL4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$8,350

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$19,048

Acceptance Rate

48%

Online Enrollment

55%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$4,559

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$15,473

Retention Rate

91%

Students Enrolled

44,246

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

#10

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Champaign, IL4 yearCampus + Online

$14,997

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$28,404

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

59%

Acceptance Rate

39%

Online Enrollment
Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$14,188

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$33,127

Retention Rate

93%

Students Enrolled

51,605

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$14,997

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$28,404

Champaign, IL4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$14,997

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$28,404

Acceptance Rate

59%

Online Enrollment

39%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$14,188

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$33,127

Retention Rate

93%

Students Enrolled

51,605

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Popular Online Geography Programs

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

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BestColleges’ Ranking Factors

Frequently Asked Questions About Geography Programs

Is a master’s in geography worth it?

People passionate about protecting the Earth or learning about the interconnectedness of people and physical landscapes might find geography attractive. Some careers in this field prove lucrative, in demand, and meaningful for many graduates.

Private companies, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations focused on environmental issues tend to value professionals with geographic information science (GIS) backgrounds and skills in geotechnologies.

While geography professionals might not see as much job demand as other career paths, some positions can lead to expansion in other areas like market research or environmental science.

What can I do with a master’s in geography?

Individuals interested in conservation and environmental issues might benefit from an online master’s in geography. Graduates can use their skills and knowledge in public policy, mapping and imaging, addressing environmental issues and problems, and urban planning.

Some professionals work as cartographers, urban and regional planners, environmental scientists and specialists, landscape architects, and surveyors. Geography’s interdisciplinary nature can provide access to career paths in nonprofit organizations, government, private business, research, emergency and crisis management, and education.

While many graduates can get entry-level positions with a bachelor’s, a master’s can qualify some people for management and other higher-level jobs.

What continuing education is available for geography graduates?

Graduates with a master’s in geography can continue their education in various ways. Professionals wanting to expand their professional prospects might pursue a master’s in urban and regional planning, GIS, or environmental management.

Some individuals get a doctorate in geography or a related field to conduct academic research. Regardless of their educational goals, geography professionals typically attend conferences, stay updated on research in the discipline, and enroll in continuing education classes and workshops to broaden their knowledge.

Some online master’s in geography programs offer certificates in GIS, education, environmental science, and other topics.

How much money can I make with a master’s in geography?

With a master’s in geography, graduates can pursue jobs offering higher pay than the average median salary in the U.S.

For example, the BLS reports that cartographers and photogrammetrists earned a median annual salary of $68,900, as of May 2021, compared to the average median salary of $45,760 for all U.S. occupations. Also, urban and regional planners made a median annual salary of $78,500.

Salaries for geographers and other professionals in this field vary depending on occupation, experience, location, and education.

What are the highest-paying jobs with a master’s in geography?

A master’s in geography can open up opportunities in leadership and other high-level jobs, which tend to offer higher salaries.

According to the BLS, the top 10% of earners among environmental scientists and cartographers and photogrammetrists made median salaries of more than $129,070 and $103,450, respectively, as of May 2021.

Government work can also prove relatively lucrative. For example, the BLS reported that geographers in government positions, not including the postal service, earned a median of $93,640 in the same year.

Feature Image: Cavan Images / Cavan / Getty Images

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