Graduate Programs

Graduate Programs

• Current Graduate Student Directory
• Grad Program Guide (PDF)
• Introduction
• Advising and Expectations
• MA Program
• PhD Program
• Applying
• Financial Aid
• Department Forms
• Graduate Program Alumni
• Graduate Student Orientation Schedule 2008
  • UT Virtual Campus
  • UT ID Link
  • TA / IA Resources
  • Academic Calendar
  • Fall  2008 course Schedule

Overview

Welcome! Whether you are considering applying to our graduate program, are newly admitted, or a veteran of the program, these web pages are meant to serve your needs. You will find summaries of the requirements of our program, a taste of our program’s history and personality, and suggestions on how to maximize your professional benefit from your experience with us. Most of the information on this site is also available for downloading as a PDF file (see links above and to the right).

UT houses the oldest doctoral program in geography in Texas (the second oldest in the Southwest). Graduate students work closely with their supervising professors to develop individualized, original research projects. Most faculty have international research expertise, especially involving Latin America, the Middle East, Africa, and Europe. Faculty perform research in human-environment interactions, environmental history and sustainability, geographical representations, digital landscapes, environmental dynamics, and earth science.

Field work and archival investigation are important parts of student research, and many pursue training in languages and field methods. Computer and laboratory techniques serve the needs of both scientific and humanistic research and teaching; such tools include Geographic Information Science and the laboratory analysis of soils, sediments, and archaeological materials.

The professional development of students involves education in the discipline's heritage and philosophy as well as current issues and theories. Interdisciplinary expertise is developed through course work and involvement in campus-wide as well as Departmental symposia and colloquia. Students are encouraged to attend and present papers at regional and national professional meetings, and to develop skills in leadership, service, and teaching. Departmental retention and graduation rates have been high by national standards.

Most Ph.D. recipients pursue careers in higher education; others obtain advanced professional positions in government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and the private sector. Over one third of Master's recipients pursue further education; the rest are employed in a variety of governmental, nongovernmental organization, and private sector positions, or in secondary education. A listing of graduate alumni is available (see links above and to the right).

Again, we, and our graduate students, appreciate your interest in our program, and are eager to answer any questions you may have.

-- Gregory Knapp, Graduate Adviser

-- James Gunter, Graduate Coordinator

Note: This guide is meant to be a convenience to students and faculty, but official University catalogs supersede any information provided by departments. The responsibility for fulfilling all requirements ultimately rests with the student. The requirements set forth here pertain especially to the 2007-2009 Graduate Catalog, but most also pertain to previous catalogs as well. Students who wish to graduate under the rules in a previous catalog should consult the Department’s Graduate Adviser.