Application Process
How to apply

 

Program of Study

At ISU, the disciplines of Geography, Geology and Anthropology are integrated to provide graduate students with a unique opportunity to study the dynamic relationship between the physical environment and culture on the earth’s surface. The Department offers a Master of Arts degree and a Doctor of Philosophy degree in geography, and a Master of Science degree in geology

Six distinct research clusters offer graduate students excellent opportunities to develop the professional skills they desire. The clusters are economic-urban, remote sensing-GIS-cartography, physical geography, geology, and geohistorical archaeology. Remote sensing, GIS, cartography, and quantitative techniques link the clusters together into a cohesive graduate program. Each specialty area and all programs clearly define the curricula to be followed to complete requirements for the various degrees. Students interested in the departmental offerings should contact Graduate Committee chairperson or other faculty members in the Department.

A student must have earned a baccalaureate degree with the equivalent of a minor in geography or geology before being admitted to the Master of Arts (Geography) or the Master of Science (Geology) programs. All candidates are required to complete a thesis or two non-thesis research reports for the fulfillment of the degree. A program of study established in the first semester of residence with a graduate advisor will be followed. A minor outside of the department of not more than ten hours may be counted toward the degree. Students should expect to take two years to complete the Masters in geography or geology unless they enter the program with advanced standing.

The Department offers work leading to the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in two areas, economic geography and physical geography. The completion of the degree prepares the individual for university teaching or for work in one of the many research and applied fields in geography. Under the direction of the graduate advisor and the advisory committee, doctoral students design an individualized program of coursework and independent study in preparation for their comprehensive examinations. The candidate is expected to complete 65 to 70 semester hours of course work beyond the baccalaureate degree. In addition, the candidate must write and successfully defend an acceptable dissertation.

Tuition & Assistantships/Scholarships

2002-2003 tuition fees for instate residents on a full course load (9 hours) is $1,602 per semester.  Nonresident fees for students on a full course load (9hours) is $3,645. Students should note that there are miscellaneous fees that are not included in the tuition cost.

The department offers assistantships and scholarships to qualified graduate students. Assistantships & scholarships are available for teaching & research assistants on a competitive level.  The assistantships pay, for MA & MS, $4,012.50 per semester.  PHD assistantships pay $5,350 per semester.  The awarded scholarship acts as a fee waiver and pays for most tuition fees.

Cost of Living

ISU, in its family housing complex, offers students three types of apartments. Apartments are available in furnished, unfurnished and with or without air conditioning.  Floor plans and rent vary by size and unit.  University Apartments floor plan & rates.

For apartments and rental homes in the city, visit http://www.tribstar.com/ classified ads.