A Master of Arts (M.A.) in Geography is a graduate-level degree program that focuses on the study of the Earth's landscapes, environments, and spatial relationships among various phenomena. You will learn how to analyze spatial relationships, use geographic information systems (GIS) technology, and conduct fieldwork to better understand the world around you.
The coursework in an M.A. in Geography program may vary depending on the specific focus of the program and the interests of the students. Study of natural processes shaping the Earth's surface, including topics such as climatology, geomorphology, and biogeography. Many M.A. in Geography programs require students to complete a thesis or capstone project, where they conduct original research on a topic of interest under the supervision of a faculty member.
M.A Geography Highlights
Course Level |
M.A Geography |
Full-form |
Master of Arts in Geography |
Duration |
2 years |
Eligibility |
Passed 10+2 in Any Stream |
Admission Process |
Direct Admission or on the basis of marks acquired in the Entrance Test. |
Average Salary |
INR 1.2 LPA - INR 10 LPA |
Job Positions |
Cartographer, Demographer, Land-Use Analyst, Coastal Zone Manager, Landscape Manager, etc. |
Top Recruiting Areas |
Government offices, private sectors, NGOs, educational institutes, etc. |
Eligibility Criteria for M.A Geography
1. The student must complete his 10+2+3 examination from a recognized board and score a minimum of 50% marks.
2. The student must have studied all the important subjects of Humanities in his/her 10+2+3 or equivalent examination.
3. The candidate has to pass the entrance test as well as the personal interview to be enrolled in the admission process.
Admission Process
1. M.A Geography admission process begins with the student passing the eligibility criteria of having a minimum aggregate score of 45% to 50% in 10+2, along with passing marks on entrance exams conducted by national bodies, institutes, or a group of institutes.
2. Then, aspirants are called to write a written test, participate in group discussions, and have a personal interview after passing these exams.
3. JNUEE: JNU admits students to the undergraduate program on the basis of the marks scored by them on the entrance test.
4. BHU UET: Conducted by Banaras Hindu University, BHU UET is conducted on a yearly basis.
5. CUCET: This is a test that helps to get admission to the central universities of India.
Career after M.A Geography
Once you've completed your M.A. Geography, the career opportunities are endless. Geographers are in high demand across industries such as urban planning, environmental consulting, market research, and international development. Whether you're interested in creating sustainable cities, analyzing climate change patterns, or conducting market analysis for businesses, your expertise in geography will be invaluable.
M.A. Geography can open up a world of opportunities for you to make a positive impact on the planet. Whether you're passionate about conservation, urban development, or economic growth, this program will give you the tools and knowledge you need to navigate the complexities of our ever-changing world. As a geographer, you could find yourself working for government agencies, non-profit organizations, or private companies to utilize GIS technology and satellite imagery to solve real-world problems.
Overall, an M.A. in Geography provides students with a broad understanding of the interactions between human and natural systems, along with specialized skills in geographic information science and spatial analysis, preparing them for a wide range of careers in government, industry, research, and academia.
Hence, the course geography has good job opportunities, and once you complete the course, the average starting salary can be anywhere between INR 4 LPA to INR 10 LPA per annum depending on the student's course performance, other on-field experience.
Job profile |
Job description |
Cartographer |
A cartographer’s job involves the development of maps that have been designed as per the information taken from various charts, diagrams, conventional maps, and spreadsheets. |
Coastal zone manager |
The coastal zone manager holds the responsibility of managing, protecting as well as conserving the coastal areas and the available resources. They are also the ones that take major management decisions for the coastal areas. |
Land Use Analyst |
A Land Analyst designs and organises the plans that are made for the land use keeping in mind the basic environmental, economic, and population factor in that area. |
Landscape Architect |
The Landscape Architects are the ones that meet the clients and the engineers to build a design with regard to the specification, costs and the construction site situation and circumstances. |
Development Surveyor |
A Development Surveyor is the person that holds the responsibility of supervising the development activities that take place on empty plots to ensure that the plans comply with the legal, financial and social factors. |
Zoning Investigator |
The zoning investigator is the person that has to take the complaints about the zoning and takes required actions to resolve the problems. |
Agriculture Specialist |
Agriculture specialists often specialise in a specific area, for example, animal science. |
Geographer |
A geographer studies the Earth and its land, features and inhabitants. |
Demographer |
Demographer is a social scientist who uses statistical methods to study the size, distribution and structure of human populations. |
Forest Manager |
A Forest Manager is responsible for managing forests and woodlands while overseeing activities such as timber production, conservation and recreation. |
M.A Geography Syllabus