Graduate Programs

Overview

The University of Toledo offers a broad graduate program in Geography that: 

• Blends geographical science (how humans interact with their environment) and planning and developing communities 
• Fosters theoretical and applied research in geography and planning 
• Promotes multicultural understanding 
• Supports community outreach programs and grassroots organizations 

During the first years of the two-year program, UToledo graduate students take classes and focus on the comprehensive exam. During their second years, they complete their course work and focus on their theses. 

90% of graduates from the Geography and Planning master's program secure professional employment in their field or are accepted into prestigious doctoral programs. Some also go on to earn a Ph.D. in UToledo's Spatially Integrated Social Sciences program. 

Top Reasons to Study geography at UToledo

1. Not your typical master's degree.

   Our graduate program prepares students for professional work with an intensive, multicultural curriculum. UToledo graduate students receive a well-rounded education in geography and planning, but also develop highly marketable technical skills. 
2. Local issues, global impact.

   UToledo students explore topics relevant in Toledo and around the world — climate change, economic development, neighborhood change, resource management, land-use conflict and population growth. 
3. Engaged faculty.

   From orientation to your comprehensive exam and thesis presentation —  geography and planning faculty offer sound advice and counseling. They are active in local water issues, have been invited to White House summits and been awarded Fulbright scholarships and millions of dollars in grants. 
4. Professional student groups.

   Join the American Association of Geographers and American Planning Association. As a graduate student, receive discounted membership rates, access to special student programs at professional meetings, opportunities to give presentations and financial support. 
5. World-class facilities and technologies.

   • The Center for Geographic Information Sciences and Applied Geographics 
   • Lake Erie Center  
   • Computer lab, with 24/7, exclusive access for geography grad students 

 

Research Opportunities

UToledo’s geography and planning faculty has secured more than $15 million in external research funding during the past several years. 

• A $10 million grant from NASA to transform science education 
• A $537,000 grant from the National Science Foundation for advancing geospatial thinking and technologies in grades 9-12 
• Grants for Great Lakes restoration projects 

As a graduate student, you'll have unique opportunities to work alongside faculty on research in:

• Community and urban planning
• Cultural and behavioral geography
• Economic geography
• Environmental geography and planning
• Geographic information science

Highly qualified graduate students are awarded teaching assistantships and research assistantships, which include graduate tuition waivers and stipends. 

Internship Opportunities for Geography Master's Degree

The Department of Geography and Planning directs a community-based, paid internship program. Students work with agencies and businesses in a variety of fields, from geographic information systems and environmental analysis to transportation and urban planning.  

UToledo students also have had success in competing for prestigious national placements with the National Geographic Society, Oak Ridge National Laboratories and NASA. 

Typical Internship Locations 

• City of Toledo
• Lucas County Auditor’s Office
• National Geographic Society
• Owens Corning
• Toledo Area Regional Transit Authority
• Toledo Fair Housing
• Toledo Metropolitan Area Council of Governments
• Toledo Police Department
• U.S. Department of Energy

 

What jobs can I get with a geography degree?

Learn valuable skills that help you rise above the competition in the job market and increase your earning potential. You'll graduate with skills in: 

• Advanced research and writing  
• Geographic information systems 
• Location analysis 
• Remote sensing 

UToledo Geography and Planning graduates have wide-ranging job opportunities, including:

• Census and location analysts
• Economic and community developers
• Educators
• GIS analysts
• Intelligence officers
• International business consultants
• Market researchers
• Peace Corps officers
• Regional and urban planners
• Site developers
• Transportation planners