Why study Geography?

Applicants to the PhD program should hold an MS or MA degree in geography or a related field. PhD students must specialize in one of the research areas where the department has in-depth competence. These include GIScience, urban/economic, cultural, and physical and environmental geography. Doctoral students complete required coursework within the department, including a mastery of at least one computer-based geographic technique (e.g. GIS, remote sensing, or computer cartography), quantitative methods, and a series of graduate seminars. PhD students also complete coursework for a minor outside of geography. Students demonstrate proficiency in a foreign language other than English or an approved computer science technique. Students pass written comprehensive examinations demonstrating a broad mastery of the field and in their area of specialization, and pass an oral defense of their dissertation proposal. Student then complete a dissertation embodying original research.

Admission Requirements

To apply for our graduate programs, you must complete an Online Application through the UC Graduate School’s website.

The application requires the following documents:

  1. Unofficial transcripts are required during the application submission process. Official transcripts of the student’s academic record of all undergraduate and graduate studies are submitted directly to the department, to the attention of the Geography Graduate Program Director. Applicants must have a minimum grade-point average (GPA) of 3.00 or foreign equivalent.
  2. Three letters of recommendation, commenting upon the student’s aptitude and potential for graduate studies and research.
  3. Curriculum Vitae (CV)/Resume.

Alumni from our department have gone on to pursue successful careers in academia, government and industry.

Contact
Dr. Changjoo Kim, Director of Graduate Studies
Department of Geography and GIS
University of Cincinnati
400B Braunstein Hall
Cincinnati, OH 45221-0131
513-556-3424
changjoo.kim@uc.edu

Either TOEFL or IELTS scores, which are required for international applicants who do not hold an undergraduate or graduate degree from a university in an English-speaking country. International students whose native language is other than English must provide official copies of TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) scores. Department of Geography requires minimum score of 88 for internet-based TOEFL test (230 for computer-based test, 570 for paper-based test) for admission. International applicants can find more information here.

Explore unique opportunities, faculty, and resources available in Geography

Application Deadlines

To be fully considered for financial support, applications should be submitted by January 15. The application deadline for admission is April 15.

The University of Cincinnati and all regional campuses are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Contact Information

Angela Ianniello, Program Manager
Braunstein 481
Cincinnati, OH 45221
(513) 556-2772
iannieah@ucmail.uc.edu

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Program Code: 15DOC-GEOG-PHD