Requirements for the UIC Masters Degree in
Environmental and Urban Geography
Students may choose between the thesis and non-thesis
options, working closely with one or two faculty members to
design and conduct research. The student is expected to
demonstrate competence for critical analysis of a fairly
narrow body of theory and familiarity with controversy and
achievements in the area of specialization. The non-thesis
option has a comprehensive and structured program of course
work including analytical skills such as quantitative
methods and cartography. The seminars (500-level courses
exclusive of Geography 592 and 595) offer research
experience suited to the individual student.
Credit Distribution
A minimum of 32 semester hours of approved graduate work, of
which at least 9 hours must be in 500-level geography
courses (not including 592 and 595). Other courses are
selected in accordance with the student's area of
specialization. For students with an undergraduate geography
major, a minimum of 6 of the 32 hours required for the
degree must be in cognate courses recognized by the
student's faculty adviser as supporting the student's
program of study.
Thesis Option
All students are required to take Geography 595 and 9 hours
of guided research. Candidates must submit an acceptable thesis
based upon original research. Registration for a minimum of 6
semester hours of Geography 598 (Thesis Research) is required;
a further 3 credit hours may count toward the degree. The student's
faculty adviser supervises the preparation of the thesis,
and its final form must be approved by the thesis committee
following a successful defense.
Nonthesis Option
Students in the nonthesis program are
required to take Geography 595. Other courses are selected
according to student interest with respect to the following
program areas:
- Specialization: five courses in either environmental
or urban geography, including two 500-level seminars.
Courses cannot be repeated for credit.
- Minor area: one course in environmental or urban
geography other than the area of specialization.
- Geographical Skills: 8 Semester hours in geographic
information systems or cartography and remote sensing.
- Cognate Course: students may take up 8 semester
hours in other disciplines, including the environmental
health sciences program, that support the area of
specialization.
Candidates in the nonthesis program must pass a written
comprehensive examination on their program of study. The
examination, which may include field study problems, is
administered by a committee of the graduate faculty. A
candidate who fails the examination will be advised on the
preparation necessary for a second examination, which is
given no sooner than the last week of the succeeding term.
A third examination is not allowed.
You may return to the general Graduate Program description.
You may return to other UIC
Geography Program information choices.