Overview

The Geography programme at Northern Illinois University provides a rigorous academic environment for students pursuing Master of Science or Doctoral degrees. This curriculum is designed to train the next generation of scientists, educators, and managers through a blend of advanced coursework and original research projects.

Students work closely with expert faculty members to design and execute research that contributes to the field of earth and atmospheric sciences. The department emphasises a collaborative approach, ensuring that every candidate receives personalised guidance throughout their academic journey at the institution.

The graduate experience is highly customisable, allowing individuals to align their studies with specific professional goals.

Why Geography at Northern Illinois University?

The department is housed within the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, providing access to specialised laboratories and equipment. Students benefit from a community dedicated to diversity and inclusion, alongside strong links to the Institute for the Study of Fluids and Structures.

Teaching and research assistantships are available on a competitive basis, offering tuition waivers and monthly stipends. These positions allow students to gain practical experience by teaching laboratory sections or contributing to externally funded research grants alongside faculty members.

The programme also offers a graduate certificate in geographic information analysis for those seeking specialised technical skills. This integration of theoretical science and practical application ensures that graduates are well-prepared for the complexities of modern environmental and spatial challenges.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 775 per credit
National fee: USD 388 per credit
Local fee: USD 388 per credit

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

Each student follows a custom-designed plan of study determined by their advisor and committee. Modules may include:

Earth, Atmosphere and Environment
Geographic Information Analysis
Geographic Information Science
Hazardous Waste Operations Training

Careers with Geography

Graduates from this programme are equipped to take on influential roles as professional scientists, educators, and environmental managers. The training provided supports careers in both the public and private sectors, focusing on substantive contributions to society through scientific research.

Common career paths include roles in geographic information systems, environmental consultancy, and academic research. The department hosts dedicated career days to connect students with potential employers and alumni, fostering a strong professional network for post-graduation success.

Programme Structure

Courses included:

Advanced Vegetation Geography
Advanced Spatial Analysis
Advanced Urban Geography
Advanced Economic Geography
Advanced Field Methods

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 24 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-08-26 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-06-01 00:00:00 , National
- Apply before 2026-05-01 00:00:00 , International
Starting 2027-01-13 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-11-01 00:00:00 , National
- Apply before 2026-10-01 00:00:00 , International

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

115

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

30 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

DeKalb, United States

Disciplines

Geography View 175 other Masters in Geography in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

2.7

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

115

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Completed a four-year undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited institution or one with equivalent recognition.

Achieved a 2.75 grade point average on a 4.00 scale, or the equivalent.

If you received a three-year degree awarded through the Bologna process in Europe or a three-year Bachelor of Commerce or Bachelor of Business Administration awarded in India, you are eligible to apply (provided you are seeking admission to the MBA or OMIS program).

Transcripts

Letters of recommendation.

Statement of purpose.

Test scores (if required).

Resume or curriculum vitae (optional)

Additional materials required by your program.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

11925 USD / year

≈ 11925 USD / year
Out-of-State

5955 USD / year

≈ 5955 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

5955 USD / year

≈ 5955 USD / year

Additional Details

National and International: 878.99 per credit Local: 509.75 per credit

Living costs

DeKalb

United States

1100 - 1500 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Financing

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Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

In order for us to give you accurate scholarship information, we ask that you please confirm a few details and create an account with us.

Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Geography.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

On this page

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Additional Details

Living costs

DeKalb

Financing

Funding

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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