MA in Environmental and Urban Geography

Admission Requirements

Applicants are considered on an individual basis. In addition to the Graduate College minimum requirements, applicants must meet the following program requirements:

  • Baccalaureate Field No restrictions.
  • Grade Point Average At least 3.00/4.00 for the final 60 semester hours (90 quarter hours) of undergraduate study.

  • English Proficiency Additional information on the English proficiency test requirement for international students can be found on the UIC Admissions website. Minimum test scores for this program are:

    • Exam Score Reading Listening Speaking Writing
      TOEFL iBT (exams taken on or after January 21, 2026) 4.5 4 4 4.5 4.5
      TOEFL iBT (exams taken prior to January 21, 2026) 80 19 17 20 21
      IELTS Academic 6.5 6.0 6.0 6.0 6.0
      PTE Academic 54 51 47 53 56
  • Letters of Recommendation Three required.
  • Personal Statement Required.

Degree Requirements

In addition to the Graduate College minimum requirements, students must meet the following program requirements:

  • Minimum Semester Hours Required 32.
  • Coursework At least 9 hours must be in 500-level geography courses (excluding GEOG 592 and GEOG 595). For students with an undergraduate geography major, at least 6 hours must be in cognate courses recognized by the student’s faculty advisor as supporting the student’s program of study.
    • Required Courses: GEOG 595. Non-thesis students must take 8 semester hours in geographic information systems or cartography and remote sensing.
    • Electives: Non-thesis students must take five courses, including at least two 500-level seminars, to define a program major in either environmental or urban geography, and one geography course outside their major area. No more than 8 hours may be taken in other disciplines by nonthesis students; outside courses must support the student’s major.
  • Comprehensive Examination Required only for students who do not complete a thesis; written.
  • Thesis, Project, or Coursework-Only Options Thesis or coursework only. No other options available.
    • Thesis: Thesis students must earn at least 9 hours in GEOG 596 and GEOG 598, of which at least 6 hours must be in GEOG 598; no more than 9 hours of GEOG 598 can be applied to the degree.