Why a MA Geography, And Where Are The Alumni Now?

Benefits of a graduate education

Gaining a masters degree allows for higher earning potential, the median annual salary with a Master’s degree is $80k compared to $68k without one. Attending UNC Charlotte provides important networking opportunities and unique career connections near a large and every expanding metropolitan area. This master’s program offers a chance for you to work closely with and make connections with faculty and peers. An estimated 80% of jobs are filled because of networking. Those with a masters degree frequently mention higher job satisfaction, in fact 79% of workers with a graduate degree say their job is their career, compared to 56% of those without a graduate degree.

Why a MA in Geography at Charlotte?

Our program emphasizes the application of geographic skills, methods, and theory to challenge and build problem solving skills in students. Students are offered solid foundations in research methods, problem formulation and solution, quantitative methods, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and technology. Our master’s in geography program is the best and most affordable option available in North Carolina.

GIS Specialists/Cartographers and Photogrammetrists

The median annual wage for cartographers and photogrammetrists (many of whom work with GIS) is $78,380 as of May 2025. Top earners can make over $113,540 annually. There are currently 12,900 positions in the United States as of 2023. These positions have a faster than average job outlook, with a 6% projected growth rate between 2023-33 (Bureau of Labor Statistics).

Geographers

The median annual wage for geographers, including those in GIS-related roles, was $97,200 in May 2025, with top earners making more than $120,000. There are currently 1,600 positions in the United states with a projected growth rate between 2023-33 of 3% (Bureau of Labor Statistics).

Urban and Regional Planners

With GIS expertise, urban and regional planners had a median annual wage of $83,720 in May 2025. Top earners had a wage of $92,900. There are currently 45,200 positions in the United states with an above average projected growth rate between 2023-33 of 4% (Bureau of Labor Statistics).

MA Geography Occupations (Bureau of Labor Statistics)

  • Urban Planner/Regional Planner
  • Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Specialist/Analyst
  • Environmental Consultant
  • Cartographer
  • Transportation Planner
  • Climate Change Analyst
  • Location Analyst/Market Research Analyst
  • Remote Sensing Specialist
  • Environmental Manager/Specialist
  • Urban Water Resources Specialist
  • Geopolitical Analyst
  • Sustainability Consultant
  • Disaster and Emergency Management Specialist
  • Tourism Development Officer

Where UNC Charlotte Master’s in Geography Alumni Are Today (LinkedIn)

  • Transportation Analysis for Charlotte Metro
  • Senior Manager of Economic and Land Development
  • Geospatial Analyst
  • Technology Analyst
  • State and Federal Government Positions
  • Academic Professors, Associate Professors, Department Chairs, Associate Vice Chancellor
  • Physical Scientist at NOAA Earth Prediction Innovation Center
  • GIS Technologist
  • GIS Surveyor
  • GIS Specialist
  • Environmental Science Lab Technician
  • Doordash Data Engineer
  • Environmental Specialist
  • US House of Representatives Legislative Assistant
  • Urban Designer, Urban Planner
  • Hydrologist
  • Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Program Officer
  • Consultant
  • International Development Academin and Practitioner