Geography
Preparing and qualifying highly specialized graduates in applied, physical and human geography to enable them compete for jobs in the fields of environment, planning, development, water, agriculture and education. The program also aims at developing and enhancing the students’ capacities and skills in employing and using the latest technologies such as, geographical information systems, remote sensing, and quantitative analysis in addition to the various fields of studies and scientific research in geography to contribute to enhancing scientific knowledge and employing it to serve the society. This goal can be achieved through proper understanding of fully integrated management and comprehensive planning which are considered the basics for sustainable development.
- Enhancing and deepening vocational experiences of students specialized in geography and its branches.
- Preparing distinguished qualified cadre, equipped with knowledge and modern technology and able to contribute in developing the practices in sustainable development.
- Activating and encouraging conducting research in geography and its branches among graduates.
- Contributing in raising the level of research and scientific studies in the branches of geography and the related fields of development.
- Contributing in producing highly qualified cadre in teaching geography and its branches in schools, colleges and universities.
- Gradates able to participate effectively in the process of sustainable development and able to compete in the labor market.
- Advanced and thorough scientific research and studies in geography.
Planning, environment, education, works, housing, water, energy, security, transport, tourism, archeology public, natural resources, forests, departments and institutions of research and studies, foreign affairs, natural resources.
Program Requirements
- Students are required to complete any required remedial course before the end of the third semester after admission.
- Passing the Comprehensive Written Exam for track B students.
- Students are required to complete no less than 36 credit hours distributed as follows:
1. Compulsory Courses: (21 credit hours)
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Geographic Research Methods |
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Advanced Cartography |
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Quantitative and Spatial Analysis in Geography |
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Geographic Information Systems |
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Remote Sensing |
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Advanced Studies in Human Geography |
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Advanced Studies in Physical Geography |
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Note: All students are required to complete GEOG 630 within the first 15 hours of their registration in the program.
2. Elective Courses:(9 credit hours)
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Credit Hours |
Course No |
Course Title |
Prerequisite(s) |
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3 credit hours from each of the following groups: |
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Group One |
Planning and Sustainable Development |
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Management of Natural Resources |
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Applied Environmental Geography |
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Group Two |
Applications in Urban and Rural Geography |
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Applications in Population Geography and Modeling of Population Policies |
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Geographical Modeling |
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Group Three |
Applied Geomorphology |
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Detailed Studies in Climate Geography |
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Applied Water Studies |
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Students may take GEOG 739 in place of one course from each of the three groups above after completing no less than 12 credit hours, including GEOG 630 and GEOG 632.
3. Track “A” or Track “B”: 6 Credit Hours; Thesis or two Seminars
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Track |
Track Title |
Track Number |
Prerequisite(s) |
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Track A |
Thesis |
Complete no less than 12 credit hours from the program, including GEOG630 and GEOG632 |
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Track B |
Seminars |
- Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree in Geography or one of the following fields: earth sciences, environmental sciences, natural or engineering sciences, or regional and urban planning from a university recognized by Birzeit University, with a minimum assessment of “Good”. Applicants with a bachelor’s degree in other fields may also be admitted in this program upon the recommendation of the Program Council.
- Students admitted to this program who have a bachelor’s degree in another field are required to complete the remedial courses determined by the program, from the following courses: 335 Introduction to Remote Sensing, 336 Geography of the Environment, 436 Geographic Information Systems (GIS). These courses will not count toward the credit hours required for the master’s program and will not be included in the cumulative average of the Master’s Program in Geography.
