The School of Geographical Sciences and Urban Planning exposes students to a wide range of theories and methods in geography and planning. In addition to innovative coursework, our graduate students also have various opportunities to work with our exceptional faculty on interesting and diverse research projects in areas like computational spatial science, climate science, sustainability, social equity, transportation planning, urban design and more.
Students in our school have the opportunity to learn the skills, theories and build the tools needed to make a positive impact on our built and natural worlds. Through the disciplines of geography, GIS and urban planning, our graduate students work closely with our world-renowned faculty to investigate issues ranging from urban climate to dying coral reefs to food deserts. Have questions? Feel free to connect with us via email at sgsup@asu.edu.
Master of Arts in Geography
The MA in geography program is designed to offer specialized academic and professional training in geography so students may secure a sound graduate background for further specialization or for immediate employment. The program has sufficient flexibility to allow for individual needs and interests, allowing students to create a plan of study that fits their personal and professional goals.
Master of Urban and Environmental Planning (MUEP)
The MUEP program prepares students to help solve complex social, economic and environmental issues and create healthier, safer and more vibrant communities. The master's degree program emphasizes theories of planning, methods of analysis, effective public engagement, planning processes and creative implementation of planning tools, strategies and approaches. Our program is accredited by the Planning Accreditation Board.
Master of Advanced Study in Geographic Information Systems (MAS-GIS)
The MAS in geographic information systems is a compact, one-year degree program fostering advanced study in the management and use of GIS technology in public and corporate environments. The degree program meets important educational needs of working professionals and recent college graduates seeking to improve their career standing. The program provides a comprehensive professional program that balances work in the theoretical and technical aspects of GIS with the applications domain.
Geography, PhD
The specialized academic and professional training students receive in the PhD program in geography is sound graduate background for further specialization or for immediate employment. The program has sufficient flexibility to allow for individual needs and interests, allowing students to create a plan of study that fits their personal and professional goals, as well as the opportunity to work alongside some of the brightest minds in geography, including four members of the National Academy of Sciences and rising talent in the fields of climate science, sustainability and environmental science, urban heat island research, GIS and more.
Geographic Information Science, PhD
The PhD program in geographic information science fosters training of next generation scientists and engineers who will excel at theoretical, computational, analytical and technical knowledge in transdisciplinary geospatial sciences. Students in this doctoral program have the opportunity to conduct research at the Spatial Analysis Research Center alongside world-renowned faculty specializing in remote sensing and earth observation, GIS, geoinformatics, spatial statistics and spatial-temporal analysis.
Urban Planning, PhD
The PhD program in urban planning educates scholars for positions in leading universities; research institutions; nongovernmental organizations; international multilateral institutions; national, state and local governments; and high-level consulting firms. The program provides a strong foundation for undertaking research in planning, urbanism, urban design and urban sustainability.