Graduate
Solve real problems with a geographic dimension. Our MS in Applied Geography pairs advanced spatial analysis and research training with close faculty mentorship.
Explore your future
Two ways in: the MS in Applied Geography, with thesis and non-thesis tracks, or the accelerated BS/MS through the Soaring Scholars program, which counts up to nine senior-year credit hours toward both degrees. Either way, you’ll build the analytical skill set that professional, research and doctoral paths demand.
Why our Graduate Program
Graduate study here is built around applied problems – questions with real geographic dimensions and real stakeholders. The MS in Applied Geography gives you a nucleated core of coursework in quantitative, qualitative and spatial data analysis, sharpened by the department’s emphasis on critical reasoning, effective writing and communication. You’ll graduate capable of stepping into a broad range of professional and research fields – or continuing to the doctorate.
Faculty mentorship
You’ll work beside faculty whose research spans climate variability, severe weather, dendrochronology, urban and crime analytics, political geography and human-environment modeling – and whose collaborations reach across the Center for Geographic Information Sciences, the J.B. Speed School of Engineering and partners from Louisville Metro Government to communities in the Peruvian Andes.
The culminating experience
Choose the thesis track to drive an original research project from question to defense, or the non-thesis track to go deeper into applied coursework. Every spring, the Graduate Student Regional Research Conference gives you a free on-campus venue to present your work – and our students regularly take it further, to the Kentucky Academy of Science, SEDAAG and Applied Geography conferences.
Academic experience & support
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Connect with our director of graduate studies to learn more about the program, discuss your research interests or schedule a campus visit.