The graduate curriculum emphasizes broad geographic training while encouraging in-depth commitment to specific topics. Students also are encouraged to take course work outside the department that complements their degree programs. Credit-hour requirements below are considered minimums for degree programs. Programs are tailored by the student and advisor to conform to the student’s interests and needs, as well as to fulfill the general degree requirements.

Admission to Graduate Studies

Admission Requirements

• All applicants must meet the requirements outlined in the Admission to Graduate Study policy. 

• Bachelor’s degree: A copy of official transcripts showing proof of a bachelor's degree (and any post-bachelor’s coursework or degrees) from a regionally accredited institution, or a foreign university with equivalent bachelor's degree requirements is required.  

• English proficiency: Proof of English proficiency for non-native or non-native-like English speakers is required. There are two bands of English proficiency, including Admission and Full proficiency. For applicants to online programs, Full proficiency is required. 

Graduate Admission

Entering students are expected to have a B.S. degree in geography or in related physical science, earth science, mathematics, or engineering disciplines.

Applicants without prior training in geography are welcome but are required to improve their basic knowledge of the broad divisions of geography: systematic, methodological, and regional. Courses taken to remedy deficiencies may not count toward graduate degrees. 

The following items must be received to complete the application file:

1. A completed Graduate Application Form found on the Graduate Admissions website.
2. A current resume/CV.
3. A Statement of Interest and Goals. This is included in the on-line application form. The Graduate Studies Committee places considerable importance on the thoughtfulness of your remarks – in particular, we are interested in learning about (1) your specific interests within geography and why they are important and interesting to you, (2) what you envision as your educational and career objectives and how a degree from KU helps to meet those objectives, and (3) which of our faculty members you think would be an appropriate graduate advisor and mentor.
4. A scanned copy of an official transcript can be uploaded at the time of application. Official, degree conferred transcripts will be required prior to the second semester of study. NOTE: Documents uploaded with your application are not considered official. KU does not consider transcripts that come from applicants or that have been in the applicant's possession as official.
5. Three confidential letters of recommendation sent by referees who are familiar with your academic and/or professional activities and who can address your likelihood of success in graduate school. If possible, we prefer letters from professors, but applicants returning to school after a lengthy absence may substitute letters from supervisors. Note that it is the responsibility of the applicant to request and to confirm that the required letters have been sent by the deadline. When using the on-line reference form to list references, you must include valid e-mail addresses. Once you have completed and submitted your application, your references will be contacted directly via email with directions for submitting their letters of recommendation.

**Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores are not required for the application. Applicants may choose to submit GRE scores if they feel it will help inform the department of their academic abilities. However, choosing not to submit scores will not affect your chances of admission.**

NON-DEGREE SEEKING STUDENTS

Non-degree seeking students (NDS) are admitted on a rolling basis and must submit an application. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Applicants must include the materials below in their application. 

1. Copy of official transcripts including proof of a bachelor's degree.
2. Proof of English proficiency, if it is a second language.
3. Statement of purpose and interests. 

Submit your graduate application online. For questions, contact:

The program continues the general training of the undergraduate degree and provides preparation either for employment or further study.

Proposal Defense:

At the completion of this program, students will be able to: 

• Demonstrate knowledge of both general research themes and trends within geography and also specific themes and trends within their subfield of geography. Students are able to articulate the definitions of, connections between, and differences among fundamental concepts, models, and theories in geography.
• Apply research methodologies appropriate to their subfield of geography (e.g., geographic information science tools, qualitative methods, foreign language fluency, or others).
• Demonstrate sub-disciplinary depth of training and comprehension and advanced competency in the design and implementation of original research that reflects theories and methods within their subfield.
• Communicate effectively orally, graphically, and in writing for diverse audiences.