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The Research Master’s is a thesis-based track within the General Geography MS program.

This degree is designed for students seeking to develop strong research skills, gain experience in geographic inquiry, and prepare for independent scholarship or doctoral studies.

Students in this track may pursue interests in any area of geography, including environmental analysis, GIScience, human-environment interactions, spatial modeling, and more.

The Research Master’s track emphasizes:

  • Conducting independent research through a master’s thesis
  • Analytical and methodological skills for geographic research
  • Interdisciplinary approaches to address complex questions in geography

Funding Opportunity
Students in the Research Master’s track are considered for departmental funding through Teaching Assistantships. These positions provide funding while gaining valuable teaching experience. For detailed information on eligibility, responsibilities, and more, see our Teaching Assistantships page

Explore Program Details and Track Options

Course Requirements

For a full list of required and elective courses for the Research Master’s track, visit the UNT Course Catalog – Geography, MS

Admission Requirements

Admission to the Research Master’s track requires meeting the standards of both the UNT Toulouse Graduate School and the Department of Geography and the Environment.

Applicants must:

  1. Meet UNT Graduate School Requirements

2. Secure a Major Professor

  • Before submitting your application, you must identify and receive agreement from a major professor within the Department of Geography and the Environment who will serve as your advisor.
  • You are encouraged to contact potential faculty members early to discuss your academic interests and career goals.

Your application will not be considered complete until both steps are met.

Application Materials & Submission

All application materials for the General Geography MS (Professional or Research track) must be submitted through UNT’s graduate admissions portal.
For the most up-to-date instructions and portal link, visit:
UNT Graduate Admissions – How to Apply →

Required Materials

Applicants must prepare the following:

  • Graduate School Application & Fee: Complete UNT’s online application and pay the associated application fee. UNT cannot process your application until the fee is received.
  • Official Transcripts: From all colleges and universities attended. Transcripts may be submitted electronically, by mail, or in person. See UNT’s instructions for official submissions: UNT Graduate Admissions – Transcripts
  • Major Professor: Applicants must secure a major professor in the Department of Geography and the Environment prior to applying. The major professor serves as your advisor to guide course selection and ensure you stay on track for the Research MS.
  • Letters of Recommendation: Three letters from academic or professional references.
  • Letter of Intent: Please see the detailed guidelines PDF to ensure your letter addresses the topics the admissions committee expects.
  • Current Resume or CV: Detailing work and educational experience (required for both Professional and Research Master’s tracks)
  • Academic Writing Sample: Required for Research Master’s applicants. Preferably a sole-authored paper; if unavailable, a lead-authored paper is acceptable.
International Applicants

International students must meet both academic credentials and English language proficiency (ELP) requirements.

  1. Academic Credentials

Official transcripts or other credentials must meet UNT’s standards. Detailed requirements and submission instructions are available here:
UNT International Academic Credentials →

  1. English Language Proficiency (ELP)

UNT requires proof of English Language Proficiency (ELP) for any applicant whose citizenship is not from one of the university’s approved English-speaking countries, regardless of English fluency or previous education in English.

Accepted methods include:

  • Completing a degree or high school in an approved English-speaking country
  • Submission of standardized test scores (TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, etc.)

For full details, including recognized countries, accepted tests, and minimum scores, see:
UNT English Language Requirements →

Tip: International applicants should begin the application process several months prior to the deadline to allow ample time for visa processing.

Processing Timeline

Once all materials have been received by UNT, allow 4–6 weeks for initial Graduate School processing before your application is forwarded to the Department of Geography for review.

Application Timeline

Applications for the Research Master’s program are accepted for fall admission only:

  • Fall admission deadline: February 15 (applications received by this date are eligible for Teaching Assistantship funding)
  • Late applications: Applications submitted after February 15 and up to April 15 will be considered for admission, but Teaching Assistantship funding is not guaranteed. Applicants submitting after February 15 should contact GEOG-GradAdmissions@unt.edu to arrange submission.

If you miss a deadline due to extenuating circumstances, please contact the department as soon as possible at GEOG-GradAdmissions@unt.edu.

Important Contact Information

Departmental Contacts

University / Graduate School Contacts

Applicants should contact the departmental office for program-specific questions, including course guidance and Research track details. For application portal or general UNT questions, contact the Graduate School.