MSc Geography is a 2-year postgraduate program that can be pursued after completion of a bachelor’s degree in geography. It is the study of the earth and its relation with humans and its effect, which usually includes the distribution of population and resources, economic and political activities.
To apply for this program, the applicant should hold a bachelor’s degree in geography with a minimum of 50% marks from a recognized university.
The subjects that are taught during the course of study are Geographical thoughts, Dynamic geography, Economic geography, Man & Natural environment, Quantitative techniques in geography, Climatology & oceanography, etc. Students learn skills that are quite unique like geographical information systems, cartography etc.
The average fees charged for the course is around INR 3,000 – INR 10,000 per annum in public institutes and around INR 20,000 – INR 50,000 per annum in private institutes.
After completion of the program, the graduates can work in both academic and industrial sectors. Some of the areas of employment for them in India are Pollution Control Boards, Forestry & Environmental Consultancy, Ministry of Environment & Forest, Ministry of Earth Sciences, Geological Survey of India, etc.
The graduates can work as a Lecturer, Research fellow, Geographic Information systems (GIS) analyst, Geographer, Cartographer, Marine Geologists, Oceanographer, Operations Manager, Senior executive assistant, Geoscientist, Urban & Regional Planner, Climate Change Analyst, Environmental consultant, Conservation officer, Landscape architect, etc
| Course level | Postgraduate |
| Full-form | Master of Science in Geography |
| Duration | 2 years |
| Examination Type | University level (if exams are conducted) |
| Eligibility | Bachelors of Science in Geography with minimum 50% marks |
| Admission Process | Merit-based |
| Course Fees | INR 3,000-10,000 per annum in public institutes and around INR 20,000-50,000 per annum in private institutes. |
| Average Salary | INR 3,98,000 per annum |
| Areas of employment | The academic and industrial sector Pollution Control Boards, Forestry & Environmental Consultancy, Indian Bureau of Mines, Ministry of Environment & Forest, Ministry of Earth Sciences, Geological Survey of India, Ground Water Survey & Development Agency, Petroleum Sector, Coal industry, etc. |
| Job Positions | Lecturer, Research fellow, Geographic Information systems (GIS) analyst, Geographer, Cartographer, Marine Geologists, Oceanographer, Operations Manager, Senior executive assistant, etc. |
- It is a postgraduate degree program of 2 years that deals with the study of earth’s atmosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere, and geosphere and its relation with the people.
- The geographers are taught both the physical properties of the earth’s surface and the human societies spread across it.
- The students are taught to analyze the patterns in all the spheres, examine the historic and recent changes in the natural environment, and studies related to the socio-cultural aspects, resource economy, and burning problems like floods, deforestation, and environmental degradation at the regional level.
- The course helps to develop skills in geographic information science, cartography, remote sensing, fluvial geomorphology, and world language.
- The subjects that are taught are Regional Planning, Political Geography, Population Geography, etc.
- The course can help the students to get jobs in both the public and private sectors.
Why MSc Geography?
- Geography is enormously an important subject. Those who chose to study this are creating a huge difference in the world we live in. They bring together the physical dimensions of the world with the human side of things and thus help to minimize the negative human impact on the environment.
- Geographers are required to help find solutions to some of the biggest issues in the world, such as climate change, urban over-development, natural disasters, etc. With the development of human society, global issues are increasing and thus the employment opportunities are also growing exponentially.
- There is a broad range of career options after MSc Geography like Geographic Information systems (GIS) analyst, Geographer, Cartographer, Marine Geologists, Oceanographer, Operations Manager, Senior executive assistant, etc.
- Some of the skills learned during the course are quite unique and can also be marketed on their own, like cartographic (maps), Geographic Information Systems (Google maps), and data presentation skills.
MSc Geography Admission Process
The admissions into most of the colleges are either based on the previous academic records or through the postgraduate entrance examination conducted by the institute. The steps involved in the admission process are given below.
- Fill the online or offline application form.
- Upload all the documents required or send it along with the post.
- Pay the application fees online or a demand draft in the name of the institute.
- Merit-list of the selected students will be released in a few months, based on the marks uploaded by the students.
MSc Geography Eligibility
The candidates who want to pursue MSc Geography should:
- Complete a bachelor’s degree, either BA or BSc, in Geography.
- Score a minimum of at least 50% marks in their bachelor’s program from a recognized university.
- Be physically fit and healthy to be able to work in the fields.
MSc Geography graduates can get jobs in both the public and private sectors.
- They can work in the field of urban and regional planning for the government.
- They can be employed in major consulting firms, to conduct innovative social research.
- They can work as a teacher or assistant professor in schools and colleges.
- They can work as physical geographers, who are involved in environmental management or advising on climate change adaptation.
- They can market their own skills as a GIS analyst, Cartographer, etc.
In government sectors the MSc Geography graduates can get jobs in Pollution Control Boards, Forestry and Environmental consultancy, Ministry of Environment and Forest, Ministry of Earth Sciences, Geological Survey of India, Ground Water Survey and Development Agency, Indian Bureau of Mines, Petroleum Sector, Coal Industry.
Some of the MSc Geography job options and their description are mentioned below:
| Job Profile | Job Description | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| GIS Analyst | They have to deal with a large set of data, processing and analyzing it into user-focused displays like maps, graphs, charts, etc. The job requires a lot of time analyzing data and mapping software. They hold extensive knowledge and experience with GIS techniques, technology, principles, and also strong proficiency with computers that may include HTML, Python, ArcGIS, and Microsoft Office Software. | INR 2,47,250 |
| Cartographer | They usually create maps for businesses like logistics, that require modern and up-to-date geospatial graphical representation for field employees working in the surface, water, or air operations. The job involves working with extremely high tech equipment that creates satellite images. Through these images, they capture a variety of routing maps that can be used by the professions. | INR 3,00,000 |
| Geoscientist | They conduct research on earth’s different facets to explore natural resources, observe & forecast natural hazards in atmosphere & hydrosphere, investigating & modeling of earth systems, etc. They usually spend time working in the field. They plan and conduct studies that involve traveling to a specific location and collecting samples. They also use tools like aerial photographs or drilling records. | INR 19,89,000 |
| Urban and regional planner | They are typically independent contractors hired by developers, private firms, government, and private property owners. Their work is to map out, most effective use of a community’s land and infrastructure, based on a number of factors. They should know and adhere to local legislation and zoning codes, they must have knowledge about the infrastructure of the area they are developing and should consider future issues like traffic, crime, and sustainability. | INR 5,30,476 |
| High School Teacher | They teach the high school students and can also work as an assistant professor in colleges and universities. | INR 3,85,000 |