University of Massachusetts Amherst

What you'll study

The programme combines core geographic theory with technical training in cartography, geographic information science (GIScience), remote sensing and spatial statistics. Students typically follow a mix of coursework and independent research, selecting modules that build practical skills in spatial data acquisition, processing, analysis and design as well as grounding in human–environment or urban geographic topics.

• Core topics: advanced GIS, cartographic design and visualisation, spatial analysis and modelling, remote sensing and image interpretation, and research methods in geography.
• Technical skills: GIS programming (Python or R for spatial data), database design for spatial data (PostGIS), web mapping, interactive visualisation, and geospatial data management.
• Electives and specialisms: thematic cartography, participatory mapping, environmental applications, urban and regional analysis, landscape change detection, and spatial machine learning.
• Project and research: options typically include a substantial thesis or a supervised professional project/portfolio demonstrating applied cartographic and GIS outputs; field methods and laboratory components are common.
• Facilities and resources: access to departmental GIS and cartography labs, remote sensing software and high-performance computing for large spatial datasets; opportunities to use university collections, field instrumentation and applied research centres.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a bachelor’s degree in geography or a closely related field (environmental science, urban planning, computer science, earth science or similar) with evidence of quantitative and/or spatial coursework. Successful applicants typically demonstrate experience with GIS, quantitative methods or programming, though applicants with strong motivation and a plan to build technical skills are considered.

• Academic transcripts: undergraduate degree documents showing a solid academic record.
• Supporting materials: a personal statement outlining research or professional goals, a current CV, and two or three academic or professional references.
• Technical background: prior coursework or experience in statistics, GIS, cartography, remote sensing, or programming is preferred; applicants without this background may be asked to take preparatory courses.
• English language: proof of English proficiency if your first language is not English (accepted tests include TOEFL or IELTS) in line with university requirements.
• Other tests: GRE scores are not universally required—check the department’s application guidance for current policy and any optional submission advice.

Career prospects

Graduates leave prepared for roles that require strong spatial thinking and technical mapping skills. Typical career paths include positions in government agencies, private consultancy, non‑profit organisations and the tech sector, as well as further academic study.

• GIS analyst or specialist in local, regional or national government;
• Cartographer and geovisualisation designer for mapping companies, media or research institutions;
• Spatial data scientist or analyst in environmental consulting, public health, transportation and urban planning;
• Remote sensing specialist for natural resource management, agriculture or climate monitoring;
• Web mapping and location-based services developer for private technology firms;
• Continued research and PhD study in geography, GIScience or related disciplines.

Why study at University of Massachusetts Amherst

UMass Amherst offers a department with strong expertise across human and physical geography alongside technical strengths in GIScience and cartography. Students benefit from well-equipped labs, access to university computing resources for large spatial datasets and faculty engaged in applied and theoretical research.

• Interdisciplinary opportunities to collaborate with computer science, environmental conservation, public policy and landscape architecture units.
• Hands-on training with industry-standard software and open-source spatial tools, plus opportunities for fieldwork and applied projects with external partners.
• Support for professional development through seminars, workshops and connections to regional employers and research networks, enabling internships and project collaborations.