SEEK Out a Program That Will Work for You
Our approach to graduate studies in geography can be expressed in the acronym SEEK. An MS in Geography from IUP provides you with the Skills, Engagement, Experience, and Knowledge for your career.
MS in Geography
- Acquire the Skills: The MS degree program is organized into three tracks. The Geographic Information System/Cartography Track prepares you for geographic data management, map production, and geospatial analysis. The Regional Planning and Environmental Planning tracks prepare you with the theoretical, practical, and policy knowledge necessary for meaningful careers in these fields.
- Engage the Practice: You'll work with others to design, plan, and create better communities through project-based learning and direct engagement with local communities, regional organizations, and state agencies.
- Obtain the Experience: Through detailed course work and active engagement, you'll acquire the technical skills, relational abilities, and practical experience needed to operate successfully in a professional working environment. You can also use this opportunity to work in real-world situations through our internship program while you're still in school and receive credit for the experience.
- Apply Your Knowledge: With an MS in Geography, you'll find employment opportunities in private firms, public agencies, and nonprofit associations engaged in community improvement, environmental compliance, energy development, and transportation planning. Our programs have also served well in preparing graduates for further academic study.
- Combine all of this with the value of a state-funded university: You get the benefit of being instructed by nationally recognized educators at a fraction of the cost of a private institution.
Geographic Information Science and Geospatial Techniques, Certificate of Recognition in Geography
Open up new options in your career. To earn this certificate, you will be required to complete a total of 18 credits of coursework, of which nine hours (three courses) will be core courses. You will need to choose nine hours (three courses) of electives to complete the program.
Geospatial Intelligence Analysis, Certificate
By completing this comprehensive certificate program in geospatial intelligence, you'll become well qualified for a career as a geospatial analyst or manager for agencies such as the National Geospatial Intelligence Agency (NGA) and the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), along with private-sector contractors.
Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) Science and Applications Graduate Certificate
Drone-based deliverables, such as high-accuracy maps, aerial photography and videography, thermal data, and 3-D renderings, are in demand by employers. Professionals in careers from geography to law enforcement, safety science, and media can benefit. With a graduate certificate in unmanned aerial systems (UAS), you gain the experience and credentials you need to enhance your marketability in a wide range of fields.
The Latest in Geospatial Software and Hardware
- Ruth I. Shirey/James A. Payne Geospatial Laboratory (Room 411). In this lab, you will work with state-of-the-art technology in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), remote sensing, Global Positioning Systems (GPS), and Computer-Aided Drafting/Drawing (CADD) and employ computer cartography techniques in coursework and research.
- Robert B. Begg/Charles E. Weber Planning Studio/Laboratory (Room 409). In this lab/studio facility, students have access to the latest planning design, 3-D rendering, transportation analysis, and geospatial software.
- Institute for Mine Mapping, Archival Procedures, and Safety. This institute at IUP is designed to improve the safety of all future coal mining in Pennsylvania. It accomplishes this by providing information about abandoned or unknown mines, aiding community planning for construction or renovation projects, and contributing to economic development in Pennsylvania by providing useful information for mining and other development projects.