This is a two year program aimed at providing an understanding of the physical environment of the world, location of people and interaction between the people and their environment. This course affords an understanding of such area as physical geography climate, geomorphology and climate, urban and rural geography, economic geography and cartography. Students will also be able to perform research relevant to geographical phenomena and analyze spatial data where it is needed.

As a part of the program, students learn the major theoretical concepts and the methods of the geographical analysis which is essential to understanding geography patterns, processes and interconnections. Practical approaches of the curriculum include using cases, research projects, fieldwork, and internships as the foundation for the teaching of geographical analysis.

Students in the Master of Arts in Geography focus on:

• Physical Geography
• Human Geography
• Geomorphology
• Climatology
• Cartography and Remote Sensing
• Urban Geography
• Rural Geography
• Economic Geography
• Environmental Geography
• Regional Planning
• Development Geography
• GIS (Geographical Information Systems)
• Population Geography
• Geography of Resources
• Space and Place: Analytical and Research Approaches
• Geography and Its History

This program is usually provided under the Faculty of social sciences and leads to specialized career in geography, urban planning, environmental studies etc in government; research institutions and other international bodies.

Job Profiles and Salaries  

Here are some common job profiles for MA (Geography) graduates, along with their average salaries:  

• Geography Teacher 

Teaches geography in schools or colleges, including these activities as coming up with lesson plans, conducting lectures and assessing students’ knowledge concerning physical and human geography of the Earth.  

Salary: ₹3 – ₹6 lakhs per annum

• Urban Planner  

Specializes in coming up with the layouts of urban centers and designing their land, transportation systems, infrastructures and making recommendations on how the quality of living in such cities can be enhanced.  

Salary: ₹4 – ₹8 lakhs per annum

• Cartographer  

Concentrates on the generation and analysis of maps based on geographic information and cartography to develop maps of terrains and spatial organizations.  

Salary: ₹4 – ₹7 lakhs per annum

• Geographical Information Systems (GIS) Specialist  

It enables spatial analysis, database management, visualization of geographical information for planning and environmental management and research.  

Salary: ₹4 – ₹8 lakhs per annum

• Environmental Consultant  

It offers consultancy services to organisations for conducting assessments of their impacts on the environment, development, conservation and management of the natural resources and systems.  

Salary: ₹5 – ₹9 lakhs per annum

• Geography Researcher  

Performs geographical studies and investigations and publishes results on physical processes, human geography, or environmental problems for academic or policy purposes.  

Salary: ₹3 – ₹6 lakhs per annum

• Remote Sensing Analyst 

It employed in the assessment of land utilization, alterations in the physical environment, and other geographical phenomena, collaborations with governments or research agencies.  

Salary: ₹4 – ₹7 lakhs per annum

• Climate Change Analyst  

Exploring effects of climate change on various geographical areas and helps in decision making on how to deal with climate change.  

Salary: ₹5 – ₹8 lakhs per annum

• Sustainability Manager  

Exists in companies or organizations to plan and execute ways of achieving efficient use of resources and the protection of the environment, and minimization of impacts on the environment.

Salary: ₹4 – ₹8 lakhs per annum

• Disaster Management Specialist 

It coordinated disaster and readiness and mitigation programs together with incorporating geographical information on a range of calamities.

Salary: ₹5 – ₹8 lakhs per annum

After Completing MA (Geography):

1. Master’s Degree in Related Fields  

• Master of Urban Planning  
• Master of Environmental Management  
• Master of Public Administration  
• Master of Geospatial Science  

2. M.Phil in Geography  

• M.Phil in Geography  
• M.Phil in Environmental Studies  

3. Ph.D. in Related Fields 

• Ph.D. in Geography  
• Ph.D. in Environmental Geography  
• Ph.D. in Urban Planning  

4. PG Diploma in Related Fields  

• PG Diploma in Geographical Information Systems (GIS)  
• PG Diploma in Environmental Management  
• PG Diploma in Remote Sensing  

5. Certificate Courses  

• Certificate in Cartography  
• Certificate in Remote Sensing and GIS  
• Certificate in Urban Planning  
• Certificate in Climate Change Studies  

 Top Hiring Organizations

• National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC)  
• Geological Survey of India (GSI)  
• Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change  
• Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)  
• National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA)  
• Planning Commission of India  
• United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)  
• Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)  
• Environmental NGOs  
• Municipalities and Urban Development Authorities  
• Private Consulting Firms  
• Multinational Corporations (MNCs)  
• Government and Private Research Organizations  

FAQs:

Q: What are the job profiles for MA (Geography) graduates?  

• Geography Teacher  
• Urban Planner  
• Cartographer  
• Geographical Information Systems (GIS) Specialist  
• Environmental Consultant  
• Geography Researcher  
• Remote Sensing Analyst  
• Climate Change Analyst  
• Sustainability Manager  
• Disaster Management Specialist  

Q: Are there any scopes for higher studies after completing MA (Geography)?

A: Yes, students can pursue further studies such as a Ph.D. or M.Phil in Geography or related fields, or they can take specialized courses like PG Diplomas in GIS, Environmental Management, or Remote Sensing.