Geography, PhD

Program Overview

The Geography PhD program gives students qualitative, quantitative, and hands-on research skills to be expert geographers with original research contributions.

We offer a range of courses that allow you to tailor your academic pursuits in whatever way aligns with your interests and aspirations. Students can explore topics such as geographic information science (GIS), climate and environmental change, urban planning, economic geography, and much more.

This program is ideal for students who want to become masters in geographic research, whether that’s in academia or in industry and beyond.

Why Study Geography?

Obtaining a doctorate in geography at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville means you will be exposed to faculty with global research experience in countries like Latin America, the Caribbean, Europe, Africa, and more, as well as those with joint appointments in the Oak Ridge National Laboratory, giving you access to a world of knowledge.

Through one-on-one mentorship and opportunities to work in some of the Department of Geography and Sustainability’s leading research facilities—the GIS Outreach and Engagement Lab, the Geographic Information (GIS) Lab, and the Laboratory for Paleoenvironmental Research—you will develop expert research skills ranging from geospatial mapping to remote sensing and even climate and environmental research.

What Can You Do with a PhD in Geography After Graduation?

Studying Geography at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville means developing an expansive knowledge of global geography, while also getting a more specialized education in your concentration. Through coursework in GIS, physical geography, and human geography, students learn about human-environment interactions, sustainability, and more to prepare them with the skills needed for a career in research and professional roles.

Alumni of the geography program have gone on to work in physical geography as geomorphologists, oceanographists, hydrologists, or conservation scientists. Others go into environmental management, emergency management, outdoor recreation, or public health/epidemiology. On the other hand, many graduates go into planning, such as housing development, transportation planning, or regional planning. In technology, many geography majors become GIS analysts, remote sensing analysts, or cartographers. In business, you could even be a demographer or location analyst. You could also go into cultural and human geography, as a cultural resource specialist, cultural site manager, sustainability manager, or population analyst. Whether you decide to go into more environment-related, technological, or urban fields, this program gives students a solid foundation to pursue geographical careers or further education. 

Featured Courses  

Complementary Minors and Certificates

Looking to enhance your degree? Consider these programs as a complement to your primary major.

• Interdisciplinary Graduate Minor in Computational Science (IGMCS)
• Environmental Policy Minor

Looking For More Options?

The College of Arts and Sciences offers students the broadest range of academic programs and opportunities for research and creative activities at the University of Tennessee, powered by faculty expertise across every discipline. 

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