It's easy to find the right grad school in geography for you, just by following some simple steps.
Difficulty Level: easy Time Required: 60 minutes
Here's How:
- Think about which specialties of geography you're most interested in.
- If you're interested in becoming faculty at a university, consider the Ph.D., otherwise, maybe a masters degree is a good place to start.
- Obtain a copy of the Association of American Geographers' latest Guide to Programs in Geography/AAG Handbook and Directory of Geographers from the AAG, a professor, or your library.
- Use the grid at the end of the program listing in the Guide to find schools that meet your interests and that are in the appropriate regions.
- Write this list down.
- Narrow down the list by reading each university's self-submitted description, their size, and whether they offer the degree you're interested in.
- Once you have a short list, explore those departments' web sites and further refine your list.
- Once you have a manageable number of schools, request program information and applications via mail.
- Visit the schools you'd probably attend, if accepted.
- Apply and wait for your acceptance letters. Good luck!
- It's very important to visit the schools you're interested in, even if they don't require interviews.
- You have a much better chance of being accepted if you have communicated with faculty member at your intended school about your interests. Meeting them is even better.
- The out-of-print book, On Becoming a Professional Geographer, edited by Martin S. Kenzer (1989), is an excellent resource.
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