Geography & Environment
The Graduate Program
The Department of Geography & Environment offers a strong basic training that emphasizes traditional geographic theory, quantitative techniques, and environmental and policy studies. Analytical rigor combined with training in decision and policy analysis provides graduates with flexibility for choosing careers in government; environmental, economic, and resource-analysis areas; in remote sensing; and with research institutes, consulting firms, and international organizations. Special emphasis of graduate study in the department lies in three subfields within the discipline: (1) energy-environmental systems and policy; (2) remote sensing and geographic information systems; and (3) physical geography (biogeography, climatology, and hydrology). Opportunities exist in the department for graduate student participation in various applied research projects. Faculty are engaged in research sponsored by such agencies as the National Science Foundation, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the National Park Service, U.S. Department of Energy, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Geological Survey, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, U.S. Department of Commerce, U.S. Department of Transportation, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the World Bank, and the United Nations.
Interdisciplinary opportunities are available at Boston University through department faculty participation in the Center for Energy & Environmental Studies, the African Studies Center, and the Center for Remote Sensing.
For further information, contact the Director of Graduate Studies, Department of Geography & Environment, 675 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, MA 02215; 617-353-2525.
Admission All applicants for admission are required to submit an official report of their test scores from the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). No exceptions will be made. Completed applications for admission and financial aid should reach the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences Office no later than January 15 for admission for fall semester and no later than November 15 for spring semester admission. (Applications for fall semester are accepted through July 1 but chances for financial aid are greatly diminished after January 15.)
Skills Assessment At the beginning of the incoming student’s first term, the student will meet with the Director of Graduate Studies and/or other department faculty members to assess the student’s quantitative skills in math, statistics, and econometrics. If skills do not match the needs of coursework in the student’s field of interest, a study plan will be developed to remedy any deficiencies. This may involve independent study or coursework taken for credit or audit.
