Graduate Bulletin
Geography, M.A.
Concentration: Internship
COLLEGE OF LIBERAL ARTS
Admission Requirements and Deadlines
Application Deadline:
Fall: January 15
Spring: October 15
The review process is semi-rolling in that applications may be reviewed prior to the deadlines. Although students are admitted for the Spring semester, the Department encourages applicants to apply for the Fall semester since the program sequence is designed to begin at that time.
Letters of Reference:
Number Required: 2
From Whom: Letters of recommendation should come from college/university faculty members familiar with the student's academic competence.
Coursework Required for Admission Consideration:
No specific coursework is required as applicants are drawn from a variety of disciplines.
Bachelor's Degree in Discipline/Related Discipline:
A baccalaureate degree in any of the social sciences is appropriate. Other disciplines may also be considered.
Statement of Goals:
The Statement of Goals should be approximately 500-1,000 words and should include the following elements: why you are interested in Temple's Geography program; your research and academic goals; your future career goals; your academic and research achievements; and any other information that you feel will be helpful to the Admissions Committee in evaluating your application. The Graduate Admissions Committee is particularly interested in students' interests and goals and whether they fit with our program offerings and faculty interests.
Standardized Test Scores:
The GRE is required. Minimum scores are 500 Verbal and 500 Quantitative.
Minimum TOEFL score needed to be accepted:
550 paper-based, 213 computer-based, and 79 internet-based.
Resume:
A resume is required.
Writing Sample:
The Graduate Admissions Committee may request a writing sample at its discretion.
Transfer Credit:
A total of 6 graduate credits from an accredited institution
may be transferred into the Geography and Urban Studies
program. The credits must be equivalent to coursework
offered at Temple. In addition, at least half of the
grades to be transferred must be "A" in order to transfer and a grade
below "B" is not acceptable. The maximum number of
credits a student may transfer is 6.
Program Requirements
General Program Requirements:
Number of Didactic Credits Required Beyond the Baccalaureate: 36
Required Courses:
GUS 8006: Geographic Thought
GUS 8097: Research Methods
Two Practical Skills courses in Geography taken from the following: GUS 5062, 5065, 9067, or other Skills course approved by Graduate Chair
5 elective courses
Basic Statistics course (if Statistics has not been taken as an undergraduate)
GUS 9085: GUS Internship (6 s.h.)
GUS 9086: Internship Paper (3 s.h.)
Internship: An internship is required.
Language Examination: No language examination is required.
Culminating Events:
Comprehensive Examination:
The purpose of the comprehensive examination is to demonstrate a breadth and depth of knowledge in the concepts of Geography. The examination evaluates the student's ability to utilize, integrate, and apply geographic principles. It is generally administered at the end of the first semester of the second year. The student is given a specific time to take the examination home, usually on a Friday for submission the following Monday.
The examination may be composed of two parts: written and oral. The written examination is normally tailored to the coursework and research of the individual student. It requires answers to three questions selected from a choice of six, one from each pair of questions.
The Graduate Secretary makes copies of the written answers available to the committee members who grade them Pass or Fail. Within one week, the committee chair polls committee members and passes the results on to the Graduate Secretary and the student. The oral exam is generally a follow-up to the written answers. Not all students are required to sit for an oral exam.
The examination members look for an understanding of core concepts, the application of principles, and an ability to write a coherent and well-constructed essay.
A student must satisfy all three examiners to pass the M.A. exam requirement.
Thesis:
A thesis is not required for the internship option.
Contacts
Program Contact Information:
www.temple.edu/gus
Department Information:
Dept. of Geography and Urban Studies
309 Gladfelter Hall (025-27)
1115 West Berks Street
Philadelphia, PA 19122
geogus@temple.edu
215-204-1248
Department Contacts:
Admissions:
Oloma Tillman
geogus@temple.edu
215-204-1248
Graduate Chairperson:
Dr. Jerry Stahler
jstahler@temple.edu
215-204-6939
Chairperson:
Dr. Sanjoy Chakravorty
sanjoy@temple.edu
215-204-1434
About the Program
The Department of Geography and Urban Studies offers graduate work leading to the Master of Arts degree. The program prepares students for further study and for careers in planning and public administration, environmental management, economic development, geographic systems management, community organizing and social change efforts, and academic careers. Throughout, emphasis is placed on the development of research techniques and analytical skills applicable to problem solving. Emphasis is also given to experimental and service learning, as well as community-based applied research. The Department's faculty is complemented by faculty drawn from Anthropology, Criminal Justice, Economics, History, Political Science, Sociology, and other departments. Graduates find employment in public sector agencies that deal with environmental planning, land use, and urban problems. They also work for quasi-public social service institutions that address various needs of urban residents, as well as for private sector firms whose business requires an understanding of urban and spatial dynamics.
Time Limit for Degree Completion: 3 years
Campus Location:
Main
Full-Time/Part-Time Status:
Students are able to complete the degree program through classes offered after 4:30 p.m. Students are also able to complete the degree program on a part-time basis (8 credit hours or less per semester).
Department Information:
Dept. of Geography and Urban Studies
309 Gladfelter Hall (025-27)
1115 West Berks Street
Philadelphia, PA 19122
geogus@temple.edu
215-204-1248
Interdisciplinary Study:
In consultation with the Graduate Director, students may select some cognate courses from such other departments as African American Studies, Anthropology, Economics, Education, Political Science, and Sociology.
Affiliation(s):
Faculty from other Temple departments include David Elesh, Associate Professor of Sociology, Ph.D., Columbia University; Barbara Ferman, Professor of Political Science, Ph.D., Brandeis University; Judith Goode, Professor of Anthropology, Ph.D., Cornell University; Kenneth Kusmer, Professor of History, Ph.D., University of Chicago; George Rengert, Professor of Criminal Justice, Ph.D., University of North Carolina; and William Stull, Professor and Chair of Economics, Ph.D., Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Study Abroad:
No.
Ranking:
Not applicable.
Accreditation:
Not applicable.
Areas of Specialization:
The graduate program in Geography emphasizes study and research in the areas of urban and economic geography, environmental issues, social theory, gender, and racism. Areas of applied work include land-use planning and management, environmental analysis, regional and international development, and geographic information systems and cartography. The Department is noted for its cartographic training and production facilities and offers students a chance to be trained in geographic information systems in a research laboratory equipped with the latest technology.
Job Placement:
Graduates from the Department have continued with their education by pursuing doctoral degrees in some of the nation's most prestigious Ph.D. programs. Graduates also find employment in public sector agencies that deal with environmental planning, land use, and urban problems. They also work for quasi-public social service institutions that address various needs of urban residents, as well as for private sector firms whose business requires an understanding of urban and spatial dynamics. Further information on career opportunities can be obtained from the Department website and brochure on career opportunities in Geography.
Licensure:
Not applicable.
Non-Degree Student Policy:
Students are directed to the Dean's Office in the College of Liberal Arts for information on registering as a non-matriculated student. Students may take up to 9 credits on a non-matriculated basis. If accepted to the program, these credits may be applied toward the degree.
Funding Opportunities
The Department offers Teaching Assistantships (TA) and Research Assistantships (RA). The principal duties of a TA include aiding faculty members in the classroom; preparing material for the instructor; conducting tutorials and discussion sections; and grading quizzes, tests, and papers. TAs are expected to spend 20 hours per week on their duties. Teaching Assistantships carry a stipend and full-tuition remission (6-9 credits per semester). Students wishing to be considered for assistantships or other financial support should have their applications submitted by January 15.
September 2007
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