MA in Geography (Master of Arts in Geography)

MA in Geography About

MA Geography is a postgraduate degree course of 2 years. This course involves the study of Earth Sciences including physical, regional and economic aspects through an advanced academic exploration. The course undertakes both theoretical and practical understanding of the earth's surface, landforms, and the environment concerning both regional and universal level.  Around 25,600 students enroll in MA Geography courses in India every year. The amount of intake varies according to colleges and universities. In order to be eligible to apply to this course, students must hold a Bachelor’s degree in Geography with an aggregate of at least 50% marks from a recognized university. Admission to this course will be done either on the basis of the performance of candidates in the entrance exams conducted by the admission authorities or based on the candidate’s performance in the Bachelor's degree exams. The tuition fees for enrolling in MA Geography courses vary as per university. The students of MA Geography can get jobs in profiles such as Geographer, Cartographer, Agricultural Specialist, Demographer, Professor, and Researcher with an average annual salary ranging between INR 3,00,000 and INR 8,00,000. On completion of this course, students can pursue higher studies and advanced academic exploration along with research through M.Phil Geography and PhD Geography courses. This course essentially provides a solid basis for further studies and related prospects.

MA in Geography Course Highlights

MA in Geography Duration

The MA in Geography course duration is two years.

Why Should You Study MA in Geography?

• Through the comprehensive curriculum, this course imparts in the students a thorough understanding of the relationships between human activities and the natural world.
  
• With the help of this course students will be able to learn, collect and analyze information before coming to a reasoned conclusion.
• MA Geography provides a basis for higher studies and opportunities for advanced academic exploration and research through M.Phil, PhD courses. 
• The course is particularly job-oriented. After completion of this course, students have various options to pursue a career in a wide array of fields in both the public and private sectors. 
• MA Geography degree holders will be able to find jobs as Agricultural Specialist, Geographer, Cartographer, Demographer, Forest Manager, Professor etc.  
• The average MA Geography salary in India ranges from INR 3,00,000 to 8,00,000 per annum currently. 

MA in Geography Admission Process

Merit-based admission

In merit-based admission, the universities offering MA Geography grant admission to students based on their marks obtained in the graduation level.

Entrance-Based Admission

• Registration: Students have to register for the entrance test by providing their email address, mobile number and password after which a login id will be created.
  
• Filling up of application form: On creation of login id, candidates are required to enter the required information correctly. 
• Uploading of documents: In this step, candidates have to upload the necessary documents such as photograph, signature, id proof, Class 10 and 12 certificates, Bachelor’s degree etc. 
• Application Fee: On uploading the requisite documents, students have to pay the requisite amount of application fee online. 
• Issuing of Admit Card: Based on the details submitted by the students, the admission authority will issue the admit cards to the eligible students.
• Entrance Examination: After getting the admit card, exam dates will be released by different conducting bodies. Candidates have to sit for the entrance test and qualify the same to get admission. 
• Declaration of Result: In the final stage, admission authorities will release the results of the entrance test they have appeared for.
• Enrollment: Successful candidates will then be allotted seats to the respective institutes.

MA in Geography How to Apply

Students must use the online portal/offline network to get the application form first. It has to be filled. Because of covid, online is the only option available right now. Once done, the aspirant has to upload/attach the required documents per the guidelines and the specifications mentioned. Apply for a loan if necessary and pay the fee if selected.

MA in Geography Eligibility Criteria

• Hold a Bachelor’s degree in Geography or in any discipline with Geography as one of the subjects. 
• Must have secured an aggregate of at least 50% marks in the Bachelor’s degree examination.

MA in Geography Entrance Exam

• TISSNET
• AUAT
• PUCET
• JNUEE
• CUSAT CAT

MA in Geography Application Process

• Visit the institution's website and download the application form or obtain it from the admission office.
• Fill in the details asked in the application form.
• Attach the required documents and pay the application fee.
• Submit the application form online or offline as per the institution's guidelines.

MA in Geography Selection Process

The selection is based on the MA Geography eligibility criteria of the minimum scores in the listed exams. Once that is done, there might be an entrance test in colleges. After passing those with a decent score, the aspirant is selected. Either with/without the loan, the fee has to be paid depending on the ones quoted by the institution.

MA in Geography Syllabus

Semester I

• Geomorphology
• Climatology and Soil Geography
• Nature of Geography
• Economic Geography
• Quantitative Techniques and Digital Data Processing
• Soil Water Analysis, Surveying and Field Report

Semester II

• Geohydrology and Oceanography
• Biogeography
• Historical and Political Geography
• Geographical Thought
• Cartographic Techniques and Map Projection
• Thematic Mapping and Geographical Information System

Semester III

• Social, Cultural and Settlement Geography
• Population and Human Development
• Regions and Regional Entity of India and West Bengal
• Special Paper
• Applied Statistical Techniques in Geography
• Special Paper

Semester IV

• Resource Planning and Development
• Regional Planning and Development
• Land Use Planning and Rural Development
• Special Paper
• Remote Sensing and Geographical Information System
• Term Paper (on special papers)

MA in Geography Top Colleges

• JNU, New Delhi
• BHU, Varanasi
• Jamia Millia Islamia University, New Delhi
• Delhi University, New delhi
• Panjab University, Chandigarh
• Visva Bharati University, Birbhum
• Banasthali Vidyapith, Jaipur
• Mumbai University, Mumbai
• Utkal University, Bhubaneswar
• Presidency University, Kolkata

MA in Geography Job Scope

• Agriculture Specialist
• Cartographer
• Forest Manager
• Demographer
• Geographer