Geography | MA
Explore Social Change. Understand Human-Environment Relationships.
The Master of Arts (MA) in Geography at the University of Guelph offers advanced training in social science approaches to environmental management and governance, socio-economic spaces and change, and the relationships between people, places and environments. The program is designed for students interested in examining social, political, economic and environmental issues through critical geographic perspectives and applied research. Students work closely with faculty mentors on research that explores topics such as sustainability, environmental governance, food systems, conservation, planning, development and social change. With a focus on human-environment relationships, the MA prepares students to understand complex issues, evaluate policy and practice, and contribute to more equitable and sustainable communities.
- Examine Social and Environmental Change
- Study how people, communities, policies and environments interact across local, national and global contexts.
- Build Applied Research and Analytical Skills
- Work alongside faculty researchers to investigate issues such as environmental governance, food systems, sustainability, conservation, planning and social change.
- Join a Supportive Graduate Community
- Benefit from guaranteed funding, collaborative faculty mentorship, and opportunities for fieldwork and research support.
Program Format and Research Areas for Geography
The MA in Geography is a research-focused graduate program completed over five semesters of full-time study. Students may choose either a thesis option or a coursework-and-major-research-project option, allowing them to align their studies with their academic interests, research goals and professional plans.
Master of Arts (MA) in Geography
- Five-semester full-time master’s degree
- Choice of Thesis or Coursework and Major Research Project streams
- Research Methods training through GEOG_6090 and GEOG_6091
- Faculty supervision and mentorship
- Advanced social science geography coursework
- Opportunities for interdisciplinary research
- Optional International Development Studies designation
Students may pursue research in areas such as:
- Environmental Governance
- Conservation Social Science
- Community Planning and Sustainability
- Political Ecology
- Food Systems, Food Security and Food Waste
- Environmental Justice
- Human-Environment Geography
- Social and Economic Change
- International Development
- Indigenous Environment and Governance
- Technology and the Environment
- Sustainability Transformations
Thesis Option
- Independent research thesis
- Research Methods courses
- Two Geography courses aligned with social science stream requirements
- Faculty-guided original research project
Coursework and Major Research Project Option
- Research Methods courses
- Research Project course
- Four additional graduate courses
- Applied research experience
- Social science-focused Geography curriculum
Where Can Geography Take You?
Apply Geographic Knowledge to Social and Environmental Issues
The MA in Geography equips graduates with advanced research, analytical and communication skills that can be applied across public, private, academic and non-profit sectors. Students learn to evaluate social and environmental issues while developing experience in research design, policy analysis and knowledge mobilization.
Career pathways may include:
- Community Planner
- Environmental Policy Analyst
- Sustainability Coordinator
- Conservation Practitioner
- International Development Professional
- Government Research Analyst
- Non-Profit Program Manager
- Environmental Consultant
- Social Researcher
- Policy Advisor
The MA also provides a strong foundation for doctoral studies in geography, environmental studies, planning, development studies and related disciplines
Who Should Apply?
The MA in Geography is designed for students interested in understanding the social dimensions of environmental and geographic issues. The program is particularly suited to individuals who want to investigate questions related to sustainability, environmental governance, social justice, development, conservation, and community change.
Ideal applicants may include:
- Students interested in environmental governance and sustainability
- Applicants pursuing careers in planning or policy
- Researchers focused on community and social change
- Students interested in food systems and food security
- Applicants interested in conservation and environmental justice
- Individuals pursuing international development research
- Students considering future doctoral studies
- Graduates interested in interdisciplinary social science research
Applicants normally require a four-year honours bachelor's degree (or equivalent) and a minimum 75% average during the final two years of undergraduate study. Prospective students are encouraged to identify and contact potential faculty advisors before applying.
Take the Next Step
Whether your interests lie in environmental governance, sustainability, food systems, conservation, political ecology, planning or international development, the MA in Geography offers the research experience and academic foundation to examine how social and environmental systems shape one another.
Join a graduate community focused on people, places and environments. Through rigorous training, faculty mentorship and interdisciplinary scholarship, you will build the tools to investigate pressing questions, inform policy and practice, and contribute to meaningful social and environmental change.
Get in Touch
Questions about the MA in Geography?
Contact the CSAHS Graduate Program team at csahs.admissions@uoguelph.ca. Prospective students are also encouraged to explore faculty research areas and connect with potential advisors whose expertise aligns with their interests.