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Top 50 Geography Research Topics [Revised]

Geography Research Topics

Geography isn’t just about maps and memorizing capital cities; it’s a dynamic field that delves into everything from understanding our planet’s physical features to unraveling the complexities of human societies. In this blog, we’ll embark on a journey through fascinating geography research topics, ranging from climate change and urbanization to cultural dynamics and emerging trends. Whether you’re a curious student or simply someone intrigued by the world around you, join us as we explore the diverse realms of geography research.

What Are The Three Main Topics Of Geography?

Table of Contents

  • Physical Geography
  • Study of Earth’s physical features, processes, and phenomena.
  • Example: Investigating the formation of mountains, erosion patterns in river systems, or the impact of climate change on ecosystems.
  • Human Geography
  • Examination of the interactions between human societies and their environments.
  • Example: Analyzing urbanization trends, migration patterns, cultural landscapes, or economic activities within specific regions.
  • Environmental Geography
  • Focus on the relationship between humans and their natural surroundings, including the impact of human activities on the environment.
  • Example: Researching pollution levels in urban areas, deforestation rates in tropical rainforests, or the conservation of endangered species and habitats.

50 Geography Research Topics: Category Wise

Physical geography research topics.

  • Impact of climate change on polar ice caps.
  • Patterns of desertification in arid regions.
  • Formation and evolution of volcanic islands.
  • Study of river meandering and channel migration.
  • Factors influencing the distribution of biomes worldwide.

Human Geography Research Topics

  • Urbanization dynamics in developing countries.
  • Social and economic impacts of gentrification in urban neighborhoods.
  • Migration patterns and trends in Europe.
  • Cultural landscapes and identity politics in contested territories.
  • Gender disparities in access to resources and opportunities in rural areas.

Environmental Geography Research Topics

  • Analysis of air quality in megacities.
  • Impacts of deforestation on local biodiversity in the Amazon rainforest.
  • Water scarcity and management strategies in arid regions.
  • Ecotourism and its role in sustainable development.
  • Effects of marine pollution on coral reef ecosystems.

Geographical Techniques and Tools Research Topics

  • Applications of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in disaster management.
  • Remote sensing techniques for monitoring agricultural productivity.
  • Cartographic visualization of population density and distribution.
  • Spatial analysis of crime patterns in urban areas.
  • Geographical modeling of disease spread and containment strategies.

Regional Geography Research Topics

  • Socioeconomic disparities between urban and rural regions in India.
  • Geopolitical tensions in the South China Sea.
  • Cultural diversity and integration in multicultural cities like London or New York.
  • Environmental challenges facing the African Sahel region.
  • Regional impacts of globalization on indigenous communities in South America.

Cultural Geography Research Topics

  • Influence of religion on cultural landscapes in the Middle East.
  • Cultural diffusion and globalization in the digital age.
  • Preservation of intangible cultural heritage in UNESCO World Heritage sites.
  • Impact of colonialism on indigenous cultures in Australia.
  • Gender roles and cultural practices in traditional societies.

Economic Geography Research Topics

  • Spatial distribution of industries in emerging economies.
  • Trade patterns and economic integration in the European Union.
  • Impact of globalization on labor markets in Southeast Asia.
  • Role of transportation infrastructure in regional economic development.
  • Economic consequences of natural disasters on local communities.

Political Geography Research Topics

  • Border disputes and territorial conflicts in the Middle East.
  • Secessionist movements and autonomy struggles in Europe.
  • Role of international organizations in conflict resolution and peacebuilding.
  • Geopolitical implications of Arctic resource extraction.
  • Influence of soft power and cultural diplomacy in international relations.

Social Geography Research Topics

  • Spatial patterns of poverty and social exclusion in urban areas.
  • Dynamics of neighborhood segregation and integration in diverse cities.
  • Impact of social media on community engagement and activism.
  • Gender-based violence and spatial justice in urban environments.
  • Cultural dimensions of health disparities in rural communities.

Historical Geography Research Topics

  • Legacy of colonialism in shaping urban landscapes in former colonies.
  • Evolution of trade routes and their impact on cultural diffusion.
  • Archaeological landscape studies of ancient civilizations.
  • Historical geography of migration and diaspora communities.
  • Environmental history of industrialization and its long-term impacts on ecosystems.

How To Write A Geography Research Paper?

Writing a geography research paper involves several key steps to ensure a well-structured, coherent, and informative document. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to write a geography research paper:

  • Choose a Topic: Select a specific and focused research topic within the field of geography that interests you. Consider the scope of your paper, available resources, and the significance of the topic in the field.
  • Conduct Research: Gather relevant sources of information such as scholarly articles, books, journals, government publications, and online databases. Use both primary and secondary sources to support your research and develop a comprehensive understanding of the topic.
  • Develop a clear and short thesis statement that explains what your research paper is about. This statement should show the main idea or point you’re going to talk about in your paper.
  • Organize your paper by making a plan or outline. Split it into different parts like the introduction, where you start talking about your topic and explain why it’s important. Then, include a literature review where you talk about what others have already studied about your topic. If you did any special methods in your research, talk about them in the methodology section. Then, show your findings or results, discuss them, and finally, conclude your paper. Make sure you outline all the important things you want to talk about in each section.
  • Start your paper with an interesting introduction. Tell the reader some background information about your topic and why it’s important. Also, introduce your thesis statement here. Explain what you’ll be talking about in your research paper to help guide the reader through your paper.
  • Conduct a Literature Review: Review existing literature and research related to your topic to contextualize your study and identify gaps or areas for further investigation. Summarize key findings, methodologies, and theories from previous studies to support your own research.
  • Describe Your Methodology (If Applicable): If your research involves empirical data collection or analysis, describe the methodology and research design used in your study. Explain the research methods, data sources, sampling techniques, and analytical tools employed to gather and analyze data.
  • Present Your Findings: Present the results of your research in a clear and systematic manner. Use tables, graphs, maps, and other visual aids to illustrate your findings and enhance comprehension. Provide descriptive and analytical interpretations of the data to support your arguments.
  • Discuss Your Results: Analyze and interpret the significance of your research findings in relation to your thesis statement and research objectives. Discuss any patterns, trends, or relationships observed in the data and explore their implications for the broader field of geography.
  • Draw Conclusions: Summarize the main findings of your research and reiterate the significance of your study. Discuss any limitations or constraints encountered during the research process and propose areas for future research or further investigation.
  • Cite Your Sources: Ensure that you properly cite all sources of information used in your research paper according to the citation style specified by your instructor or academic institution. Use in-text citations and include a comprehensive bibliography or reference list at the end of your paper.
  • Proofread and Revise: Review your research paper carefully for grammatical errors, typos, and inconsistencies. Revise and refine your writing to improve clarity, coherence, and overall quality. Consider seeking feedback from peers, mentors, or academic advisors to further enhance your paper.

Emerging Topics in Geography Research

As our world continues to evolve, new frontiers of geography research are constantly emerging. From the quest for sustainable development to the rise of smart cities and the challenges of climate resilience, researchers are grappling with complex issues that defy easy solutions.

One promising avenue of research is the integration of indigenous knowledge and perspectives into geographic studies. By recognizing the wisdom of traditional cultures and their deep connection to the land, researchers can develop more holistic approaches to environmental management and conservation.

In conclusion, geography research offers a rich tapestry of topics that span the natural and social sciences. Whether it’s unraveling the mysteries of climate change, exploring the dynamics of urbanization, or celebrating the diversity of cultural landscapes, there’s something for everyone in the world of geography research.

So, whether you’re a student embarking on geography research topics or simply a curious explorer seeking to understand the world around you, take heart in knowing that the adventure has only just begun. Happy exploring!

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146 Impressive Geography Research Topics Every Student Will Like

geography research topics

Are you a student seeking inspiration for your next geography research project? Look no further! In this article, we present you with a treasure trove of 146 original and top-quality geography research topics, completely free of charge. Whether you’re pursuing a degree in geography or simply passionate about exploring the world around you, these topics cover a wide range of fascinating subjects.

From human geography and cultural landscapes to physical geography and environmental sustainability, we’ve got you covered. Each topic is carefully crafted to ignite your curiosity and help you delve deeper into the field. Get ready to embark on an exciting journey of exploration and discovery as you uncover unique research ideas that will captivate both you and your readers.

Areas Of Geography

Geography is a field of study that explores the Earth’s physical features, human activities and their interactions. It examines the spatial patterns, processes, and relationships between the environment and society. Geographers investigate the Earth’s surface, analyzing its landscapes, climate, ecosystems and resources, as well as the distribution of populations, cultures, economies, and political systems. There are several types of geography, each focusing on specific aspects of the Earth’s physical and human dimensions:

Physical geography examines natural phenomena like landforms, weather and ecosystems. Human geography studies human activities, such as population distribution, urbanization and cultural landscapes. Economic geography explores the spatial patterns of economic activities, trade and resource distribution. Political geography analyzes the political systems, boundaries and geopolitical relationships between regions. Environmental geography investigates the interactions between humans and the environment, including environmental issues and sustainability. Geographical information systems (GIS) and remote sensing employ technology to analyze spatial data and maps.

These subfields together provide a comprehensive understanding of the Earth’s complexities and its relationship with human society.

Easy Geography Research Paper Topics

Want to write your paper in just a couple of hours? Explore a curated list of accessible and easy geography research paper topics that will make your geography research paper writing a breeze:

  • The impact of climate change on coastal regions
  • Exploring the relationship between geography and tourism
  • Analyzing urbanization trends in developing countries
  • Investigating the effects of deforestation on biodiversity
  • Examining the role of geography in natural disaster management
  • Studying the cultural landscape of a specific region
  • Analyzing the geography of food production and distribution
  • Exploring the impact of transportation on urban development
  • Investigating the geography of renewable energy sources
  • Analyzing the spatial patterns of population growth
  • Studying the impact of globalization on local economies
  • Examining the geography of water resources and management

Human Geography Research Topics

Improve your chances of getting a top grade! Delve into the complex interplay between humans and their environment with this comprehensive list of human geography research topics:

  • Exploring the social implications of gentrification in urban areas
  • Analyzing the influence of gender on migration patterns
  • Investigating the impact of globalization on cultural identity
  • Examining the geography of poverty and social inequality
  • Studying the relationship between health and geographical location
  • Analyzing the spatial distribution of ethnic communities in cities
  • Investigating the geography of political power and governance
  • Exploring the role of geography in shaping human behavior
  • Analyzing the impacts of urban sprawl on communities
  • Studying the geography of education access and quality
  • Examining the spatial patterns of crime and its socio-economic factors
  • Investigating the geography of healthcare provision and disparities

Cultural Geography Research Topics

Interested in cultural geography? Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of cultures and their geographical influences with this captivating list of cultural geography research topics:

  • Analyzing the cultural landscapes of indigenous communities
  • Exploring the impact of globalization on cultural diversity
  • Investigating the geography of language and its preservation
  • Examining the influence of religion on cultural landscapes
  • Studying the role of cultural heritage in tourism development
  • Analyzing the geography of cultural festivals and events
  • Investigating the spatial patterns of cultural diffusion
  • Exploring the impact of migration on cultural identities
  • Analyzing the geography of music and its regional variations
  • Investigating the role of food culture in shaping identities
  • Examining the spatial distribution of cultural institutions
  • Studying the geography of art and its impact on communities

Physical Geography Research Topics

Do you want to write about physical geography? Investigate the natural processes and phenomena shaping our planet through this collection of compelling physical geography research topics:

  • Analyzing the processes of coastal erosion and their impacts
  • Investigating the formation and characteristics of river systems
  • Examining the effects of climate change on glacial landscapes
  • Analyzing the spatial patterns of soil erosion and conservation
  • Investigating the biogeography of specific ecosystems
  • Exploring the impacts of climate on vegetation patterns
  • Analyzing the geography of water resources and hydrology
  • Investigating the formation and classification of landforms
  • Examining the spatial distribution of biodiversity hotspots
  • Studying the interactions between humans and the natural environment
  • Exploring the impacts of urbanization on natural landscapes

Geography Thesis Topics

Are you busy planning your thesis? Engage in an in-depth exploration of geographic concepts and theories with this thought-provoking list of geography thesis topics:

  • Investigating the geographical aspects of sustainable development
  • Analyzing the impacts of climate change on vulnerable communities
  • Exploring the role of geography in disaster risk reduction
  • Studying the geography of migration and refugee movements
  • Examining the relationship between urban planning and social equity
  • Analyzing the spatial patterns of energy consumption and renewable solutions
  • Exploring the geographical dimensions of political conflicts and peacebuilding
  • Investigating the role of geography in land use planning and conservation
  • Examining the impacts of globalization on local economies

Urban Geography Thesis Topics

Are you interested in writing about urban geography? Analyze the complexities of urban landscapes and urbanization processes with this curated selection of urban geography thesis topics:

  • Analyzing the effects of gentrification on urban neighborhoods
  • Investigating the role of urban design in creating sustainable cities
  • Examining the spatial patterns of urban sprawl and its consequences
  • Studying the geography of social segregation in urban areas
  • Analyzing the impacts of transportation systems on urban mobility
  • Investigating the relationship between urbanization and public health
  • Exploring the geography of informal settlements and slums
  • Analyzing the impacts of urban green spaces on quality of life
  • Investigating the geography of urban food systems and food security
  • Examining the role of technology in shaping smart cities
  • Studying the spatial distribution of cultural and recreational amenities in cities

PhD Research Topics In Geography

Expand the boundaries of geographical knowledge and contribute to the field with this diverse and stimulating list of PhD research topics in geography:

  • Analyzing the geography of environmental justice in urban areas
  • Investigating the impacts of climate change on indigenous communities
  • Examining the role of geography in disaster risk governance
  • Studying the spatial patterns of land use change in rapidly urbanizing regions
  • Analyzing the impacts of transportation infrastructure on accessibility and equity
  • Investigating the geographical dimensions of health inequalities
  • Exploring the relationship between globalization and urbanization processes
  • Analyzing the geography of political conflicts and territorial disputes
  • Investigating the impacts of natural resource extraction on local communities
  • Studying the spatial dynamics of international migration and its consequences
  • Exploring the geography of innovation and knowledge economies in cities

Captivating Research Topics In Geography

Looking for some captivating research topics in geography? Ignite curiosity and scholarly interest with this awesome collection of research topics that delve into various aspects of geography:

  • Investigating the geography of mega-cities and their challenges
  • Analyzing the impacts of climate change on vulnerable coastal regions
  • Exploring the spatial patterns of cultural landscapes and heritage sites
  • Studying the geography of borderlands and transnational interactions
  • Examining the impacts of tourism on local communities and environments
  • The role of geography in understanding human-environment interactions
  • Analyzing the spatial distribution of environmental pollution and its impacts
  • Exploring the geography of global food systems and agricultural practices
  • Investigating the impacts of natural disasters on urban resilience
  • Examining the role of geography in understanding urban inequalities
  • Studying the geography of geopolitical conflicts and their implications
  • Exploring the impacts of technological advancements on landscapes

Interesting Geography Research Topics

Discover a wide range of interesting geography research topics that will pique your professor’s curiosity and offer new insights into the world of geography:

  • Analyzing the impacts of climate change on glacier retreat and water resources
  • Investigating the geography of renewable energy transition and its challenges
  • Examining the spatial patterns of urban heat islands and their mitigation strategies
  • Studying the impacts of land use change on biodiversity conservation
  • Investigating the role of geography in understanding cultural diversity
  • Exploring the geography of disease outbreaks and their spatial spread
  • Investigating the impacts of natural hazards on human vulnerability and resilience
  • Examining the spatial distribution of ecological corridors
  • Studying the geography of regional economic disparities and development strategies
  • Exploring the impacts of transportation infrastructure on urban accessibility
  • The role of geography in understanding weather patterns

Good Geography Research Topics For 2023

Looking for some current topics to write about? Choose from a list of good geography research topics for 2023 that showcase the relevance and significance of geography in today’s world:

  • Impacts of population growth on urban infrastructure and services in geography
  • Geography of water scarcity and its implications for communities
  • Spatial patterns of environmental conservation and protected areas in geography
  • Impacts of land degradation on agricultural productivity and food security
  • Geography of natural resource management and sustainable practices
  • Relationship between climate change and human migration patterns in geography
  • Spatial distribution of environmental justice and marginalized communities
  • Impacts of urbanization on water pollution and ecosystem degradation
  • Geography of renewable energy sources and their integration into the grid
  • Role of geography in understanding regional conflicts over natural resources
  • Impacts of deforestation on biodiversity loss and ecosystem services

Geography Topics For Research For College

Need some great geography topics for research for college? Explore a comprehensive list of geography research topics tailored for college-level studies, offering opportunities for critical analysis and exploration:

  • Impacts of transportation infrastructure on urban air quality in geography
  • Geography of urban gentrification and displacement
  • Spatial patterns of urban food waste and its environmental consequences
  • Impacts of tourism development on fragile ecosystems in geography
  • Geography of environmental migration and its social implications
  • Role of geography in understanding climate adaptation strategies
  • Spatial distribution of environmental inequalities and environmental racism
  • Impacts of land use change on water quality in agricultural regions
  • Geography of geopolitical conflicts and territorial disputes
  • Impacts of industrial pollution on urban health and well-being
  • Role of geography in understanding disaster preparedness

Interesting Geography Topics For High School

Get the most interesting geography topics for high school. Foster geographical curiosity and critical thinking skills with this intriguing list of essay topics designed specifically by our best dissertation service writers for high school students:

  • Analyzing the impacts of climate change on the polar regions
  • Investigating the geography of natural hazards
  • Examining the spatial distribution of endangered species
  • Studying the impacts of urbanization on wildlife habitat fragmentation
  • Exploring the geography of cultural diversity and multiculturalism in cities
  • Investigating the role of geography in understanding climate variability
  • Analyzing the spatial patterns of population distribution and density
  • Investigating the geography of international migration and refugee flows
  • Examining the impacts of tourism on local communities and cultures
  • Studying the geography of natural resources
  • Exploring the role of geography in understanding global inequality

Engaging Geographical Research Topics

Embark on a captivating journey of geographical exploration with this diverse collection of engaging geographical research topics, connecting people, places and the environment through insightful investigations:

  • Urban sprawl impacts on land use and ecosystem services in geography
  • Geography of renewable energy transition and its challenges
  • Spatial patterns of urban heat islands and impacts on residents
  • Impacts of climate change on coastal erosion and shoreline management
  • Geography of water scarcity and implications for human populations
  • Role of geography in understanding geopolitical conflicts and peacebuilding
  • Spatial distribution of environmental pollutants and health effects
  • Impacts of globalization on local economies and cultural landscapes
  • Geography of gender inequalities and spatial dimensions
  • Impacts of natural disasters on vulnerable communities and recovery
  • Role of geography in understanding migration dynamics and urbanization
  • Geography of political borders and their social and economic implications

Affordable Thesis Help You Can Rely On

When it comes to working on a geography research paper or a thesis for Master’s degree , our company is your trusted source for comprehensive writing help. Our team of expert writers consists of experienced professionals who specialize in geography, ensuring that you receive top marks for your school or class. We pride ourselves on delivering high quality and impressive custom written theses tailored to your specific requirements.

With our secure and fast online service, you can access thesis help that is not only affordable but available 24/7. Rest assured that your work will be handled by native English-speaking experts (ENL writers), guaranteeing exceptional quality and adherence to academic standards. Trust us for all your thesis needs and achieve academic success with ease.

Make sure to check our posts with other topics before you leave:

  • 122 Best Ecology Topics To Sparkle Your Writing
  • 195 Top Anthropology Topics For Great Thesis
  • 170 Fantastic Astronomy Topics For High Scoring Tests

Why is choosing a great topic important when writing a geography essay?

Choosing a great topic ensures that your essay is engaging, relevant, and allows you to demonstrate your understanding of key geographical concepts while capturing the reader’s interest.

How can I choose a great topic for my geography essay?

To choose a great topic, consider current geographical issues, areas of personal interest and the availability of reliable sources. Additionally, ensure that the topic aligns with your essay’s objectives and requirements.

What are some strategies for narrowing down a geography essay topic?

To narrow down your topic, focus on specific geographical regions, phenomena, or concepts. Consider exploring the intersections between different aspects of geography, such as human and physical geography, to create a unique and well-rounded essay topic.

Can I get assistance in choosing a great topic for my geography essay?

Yes, you can seek guidance from your instructor, consult reputable academic resources or utilize online platforms that provide topic suggestions. Engaging in discussions with peers or experts in the field can also help generate ideas and refine your topic choice.

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phd research topics in geography

Research Topics & Ideas: Environment

phd research topics in geography

F inding and choosing a strong research topic is the critical first step when it comes to crafting a high-quality dissertation, thesis or research project. Here, we’ll explore a variety research ideas and topic thought-starters related to various environmental science disciplines, including ecology, oceanography, hydrology, geology, soil science, environmental chemistry, environmental economics, and environmental ethics.

NB – This is just the start…

The topic ideation and evaluation process has multiple steps . In this post, we’ll kickstart the process by sharing some research topic ideas within the environmental sciences. This is the starting point though. To develop a well-defined research topic, you’ll need to identify a clear and convincing research gap , along with a well-justified plan of action to fill that gap.

If you’re new to the oftentimes perplexing world of research, or if this is your first time undertaking a formal academic research project, be sure to check out our free dissertation mini-course. Also be sure to also sign up for our free webinar that explores how to develop a high-quality research topic from scratch.

Overview: Environmental Topics

  • Ecology /ecological science
  • Atmospheric science
  • Oceanography
  • Soil science
  • Environmental chemistry
  • Environmental economics
  • Environmental ethics
  • Examples  of dissertations and theses

Topics & Ideas: Ecological Science

  • The impact of land-use change on species diversity and ecosystem functioning in agricultural landscapes
  • The role of disturbances such as fire and drought in shaping arid ecosystems
  • The impact of climate change on the distribution of migratory marine species
  • Investigating the role of mutualistic plant-insect relationships in maintaining ecosystem stability
  • The effects of invasive plant species on ecosystem structure and function
  • The impact of habitat fragmentation caused by road construction on species diversity and population dynamics in the tropics
  • The role of ecosystem services in urban areas and their economic value to a developing nation
  • The effectiveness of different grassland restoration techniques in degraded ecosystems
  • The impact of land-use change through agriculture and urbanisation on soil microbial communities in a temperate environment
  • The role of microbial diversity in ecosystem health and nutrient cycling in an African savannah

Topics & Ideas: Atmospheric Science

  • The impact of climate change on atmospheric circulation patterns above tropical rainforests
  • The role of atmospheric aerosols in cloud formation and precipitation above cities with high pollution levels
  • The impact of agricultural land-use change on global atmospheric composition
  • Investigating the role of atmospheric convection in severe weather events in the tropics
  • The impact of urbanisation on regional and global atmospheric ozone levels
  • The impact of sea surface temperature on atmospheric circulation and tropical cyclones
  • The impact of solar flares on the Earth’s atmospheric composition
  • The impact of climate change on atmospheric turbulence and air transportation safety
  • The impact of stratospheric ozone depletion on atmospheric circulation and climate change
  • The role of atmospheric rivers in global water supply and sea-ice formation

Research topic evaluator

Topics & Ideas: Oceanography

  • The impact of ocean acidification on kelp forests and biogeochemical cycles
  • The role of ocean currents in distributing heat and regulating desert rain
  • The impact of carbon monoxide pollution on ocean chemistry and biogeochemical cycles
  • Investigating the role of ocean mixing in regulating coastal climates
  • The impact of sea level rise on the resource availability of low-income coastal communities
  • The impact of ocean warming on the distribution and migration patterns of marine mammals
  • The impact of ocean deoxygenation on biogeochemical cycles in the arctic
  • The role of ocean-atmosphere interactions in regulating rainfall in arid regions
  • The impact of ocean eddies on global ocean circulation and plankton distribution
  • The role of ocean-ice interactions in regulating the Earth’s climate and sea level

Research topic idea mega list

Tops & Ideas: Hydrology

  • The impact of agricultural land-use change on water resources and hydrologic cycles in temperate regions
  • The impact of agricultural groundwater availability on irrigation practices in the global south
  • The impact of rising sea-surface temperatures on global precipitation patterns and water availability
  • Investigating the role of wetlands in regulating water resources for riparian forests
  • The impact of tropical ranches on river and stream ecosystems and water quality
  • The impact of urbanisation on regional and local hydrologic cycles and water resources for agriculture
  • The role of snow cover and mountain hydrology in regulating regional agricultural water resources
  • The impact of drought on food security in arid and semi-arid regions
  • The role of groundwater recharge in sustaining water resources in arid and semi-arid environments
  • The impact of sea level rise on coastal hydrology and the quality of water resources

Topics & Ideas: Geology

  • The impact of tectonic activity on the East African rift valley
  • The role of mineral deposits in shaping ancient human societies
  • The impact of sea-level rise on coastal geomorphology and shoreline evolution
  • Investigating the role of erosion in shaping the landscape and impacting desertification
  • The impact of mining on soil stability and landslide potential
  • The impact of volcanic activity on incoming solar radiation and climate
  • The role of geothermal energy in decarbonising the energy mix of megacities
  • The impact of Earth’s magnetic field on geological processes and solar wind
  • The impact of plate tectonics on the evolution of mammals
  • The role of the distribution of mineral resources in shaping human societies and economies, with emphasis on sustainability

Topics & Ideas: Soil Science

  • The impact of dam building on soil quality and fertility
  • The role of soil organic matter in regulating nutrient cycles in agricultural land
  • The impact of climate change on soil erosion and soil organic carbon storage in peatlands
  • Investigating the role of above-below-ground interactions in nutrient cycling and soil health
  • The impact of deforestation on soil degradation and soil fertility
  • The role of soil texture and structure in regulating water and nutrient availability in boreal forests
  • The impact of sustainable land management practices on soil health and soil organic matter
  • The impact of wetland modification on soil structure and function
  • The role of soil-atmosphere exchange and carbon sequestration in regulating regional and global climate
  • The impact of salinization on soil health and crop productivity in coastal communities

Topics & Ideas: Environmental Chemistry

  • The impact of cobalt mining on water quality and the fate of contaminants in the environment
  • The role of atmospheric chemistry in shaping air quality and climate change
  • The impact of soil chemistry on nutrient availability and plant growth in wheat monoculture
  • Investigating the fate and transport of heavy metal contaminants in the environment
  • The impact of climate change on biochemical cycling in tropical rainforests
  • The impact of various types of land-use change on biochemical cycling
  • The role of soil microbes in mediating contaminant degradation in the environment
  • The impact of chemical and oil spills on freshwater and soil chemistry
  • The role of atmospheric nitrogen deposition in shaping water and soil chemistry
  • The impact of over-irrigation on the cycling and fate of persistent organic pollutants in the environment

Topics & Ideas: Environmental Economics

  • The impact of climate change on the economies of developing nations
  • The role of market-based mechanisms in promoting sustainable use of forest resources
  • The impact of environmental regulations on economic growth and competitiveness
  • Investigating the economic benefits and costs of ecosystem services for African countries
  • The impact of renewable energy policies on regional and global energy markets
  • The role of water markets in promoting sustainable water use in southern Africa
  • The impact of land-use change in rural areas on regional and global economies
  • The impact of environmental disasters on local and national economies
  • The role of green technologies and innovation in shaping the zero-carbon transition and the knock-on effects for local economies
  • The impact of environmental and natural resource policies on income distribution and poverty of rural communities

Need a helping hand?

phd research topics in geography

Topics & Ideas: Environmental Ethics

  • The ethical foundations of environmentalism and the environmental movement regarding renewable energy
  • The role of values and ethics in shaping environmental policy and decision-making in the mining industry
  • The impact of cultural and religious beliefs on environmental attitudes and behaviours in first world countries
  • Investigating the ethics of biodiversity conservation and the protection of endangered species in palm oil plantations
  • The ethical implications of sea-level rise for future generations and vulnerable coastal populations
  • The role of ethical considerations in shaping sustainable use of natural forest resources
  • The impact of environmental justice on marginalized communities and environmental policies in Asia
  • The ethical implications of environmental risks and decision-making under uncertainty
  • The role of ethics in shaping the transition to a low-carbon, sustainable future for the construction industry
  • The impact of environmental values on consumer behaviour and the marketplace: a case study of the ‘bring your own shopping bag’ policy

Examples: Real Dissertation & Thesis Topics

While the ideas we’ve presented above are a decent starting point for finding a research topic, they are fairly generic and non-specific. So, it helps to look at actual dissertations and theses to see how this all comes together.

Below, we’ve included a selection of research projects from various environmental science-related degree programs to help refine your thinking. These are actual dissertations and theses, written as part of Master’s and PhD-level programs, so they can provide some useful insight as to what a research topic looks like in practice.

  • The physiology of microorganisms in enhanced biological phosphorous removal (Saunders, 2014)
  • The influence of the coastal front on heavy rainfall events along the east coast (Henson, 2019)
  • Forage production and diversification for climate-smart tropical and temperate silvopastures (Dibala, 2019)
  • Advancing spectral induced polarization for near surface geophysical characterization (Wang, 2021)
  • Assessment of Chromophoric Dissolved Organic Matter and Thamnocephalus platyurus as Tools to Monitor Cyanobacterial Bloom Development and Toxicity (Hipsher, 2019)
  • Evaluating the Removal of Microcystin Variants with Powdered Activated Carbon (Juang, 2020)
  • The effect of hydrological restoration on nutrient concentrations, macroinvertebrate communities, and amphibian populations in Lake Erie coastal wetlands (Berg, 2019)
  • Utilizing hydrologic soil grouping to estimate corn nitrogen rate recommendations (Bean, 2019)
  • Fungal Function in House Dust and Dust from the International Space Station (Bope, 2021)
  • Assessing Vulnerability and the Potential for Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA) in Sudan’s Blue Nile Basin (Mohamed, 2022)
  • A Microbial Water Quality Analysis of the Recreational Zones in the Los Angeles River of Elysian Valley, CA (Nguyen, 2019)
  • Dry Season Water Quality Study on Three Recreational Sites in the San Gabriel Mountains (Vallejo, 2019)
  • Wastewater Treatment Plan for Unix Packaging Adjustment of the Potential Hydrogen (PH) Evaluation of Enzymatic Activity After the Addition of Cycle Disgestase Enzyme (Miessi, 2020)
  • Laying the Genetic Foundation for the Conservation of Longhorn Fairy Shrimp (Kyle, 2021).

Looking at these titles, you can probably pick up that the research topics here are quite specific and narrowly-focused , compared to the generic ones presented earlier. To create a top-notch research topic, you will need to be precise and target a specific context with specific variables of interest . In other words, you’ll need to identify a clear, well-justified research gap.

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12 Comments

wafula

research topics on climate change and environment

Chioma

Researched PhD topics on environmental chemistry involving dust and water

Masango Dieudonne

I wish to learn things in a more advanced but simple way and with the hopes that I am in the right place.

Olusegunbukola Olubukola janet

Thank so much for the research topics. It really helped

saheed

the guides were really helpful

Nandir Elaine shelbut

Research topics on environmental geology

Blessing

Thanks for the research topics….I need a research topic on Geography

EDDIE NOBUHLE THABETHE

hi I need research questions ideas

Yinkfu Randy

Implications of climate variability on wildlife conservation on the west coast of Cameroon

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I want the research on environmental planning and management

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I want a topic on environmental sustainability

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Geography, PHD

On this page:, at a glance: program details.

  • Location: Tempe campus
  • Second Language Requirement: No

Program Description

Degree Awarded: PHD Geography

The specialized academic and professional training students receive in the PhD program in geography is sound graduate background for further specialization or for immediate employment. The program has sufficient flexibility to allow for individual needs and interests, allowing students to create a plan of study that fits their personal and professional goals.

In addition to innovative coursework, the state-of-the-art Spatial Analysis Research Center and Urban Climate Research Center offer students the opportunity to work with exceptional faculty on diverse research projects. Students have the opportunity to work alongside some of the brightest minds in geography, including four members of the National Academy of Sciences and rising talent in the fields of climate science, sustainability and environmental science, urban heat island research, GIS and more.

Students in the program have the ability to build a path of knowledge that reflects their personal interests within the realms of geography. Students benefit from a wide variety of coursework and research opportunities in four broad interdisciplinary themes that span the expertise of the faculty within the School of Geographical Sciences and Urban Planning:

  • computational spatial science
  • earth systems and climate science
  • place, identities and culture
  • sustainability science and studies

Additional Details

Frequently Asked Questions

Degree Requirements

Curriculum plan options.

  • 84 credit hours, a written comprehensive exam, an oral comprehensive exam, a prospectus and a dissertation

Required Core (3 credit hours) GCU 585 Geographic Research Design and Proposal Writing (3)

Electives or Research (43 credit hours)

Methods or Statistics Electives (6 credit hours)

Skills Electives (6 credit hours)

Specialization Electives (9 credit hours)

Other Requirement (5 credit hours) GCU 529 Contemporary Geographic Thought (3) GCU 591 or GPH 591 Seminar: Geography Colloquium (1) GCU 591 or GPH 591 Seminar: Geography Colloquium (1)

Culminating Experience (12 credit hours) GCU or GPH 799 Dissertation (12)

Additional Curriculum Information Doctoral students entering with a bachelor's degree must complete 84 credit hours. These hours include 72 credit hours of coursework and research at ASU and 12 dissertation credit hours.

Doctoral students entering with a master's degree must complete 54 credit hours. These include 42 credit hours of combined coursework and research hours at ASU and 12 dissertation credit hours.

Coursework and research hours are selected by the student in consultation with an advisory committee. The program recognizes that other graduate-level courses are offered at ASU. Advanced courses are often taught in omnibus courses, courses that have rotating content and whose content is not reflected in their titles. Students may include these courses in their curriculum with approval of the program directors.

The other requirement course, Seminar: Geography Colloquium, is taken twice, once in each of the first two semesters of the program, for one credit hour each. Other courses may be used with approval of academic unit.

Up to six credit hours of 400-level coursework may be applied toward the plan of study.

Admission Requirements

Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree, in any field, from a regionally accredited institution.

Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program, or applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.

All applicants must submit:

  • graduate admission application and application fee
  • official transcripts
  • personal statement
  • three letters of recommendation
  • proof of English proficiency

Additional Application Information An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency.

Incoming students must demonstrate or attain competence in cartography and quantitative methods and complete other basic coursework that will enable them to pursue graduate studies in their area of specialization.

The personal statement must address four items:

  • What specialty in geography does the applicant wish to pursue, and why?
  • What aspects of the applicant's education (a description is needed) will enable the student to pursue this specialty?
  • What additional training does the applicant believe can be obtained at Arizona State University to realize the applicant's educational and career goals?
  • Applicants should provide any other information they feel should be considered in their application for admission, e.g., research experience or information which might be drawn from the applicant's resume.

Letters of recommendation must be from three faculty members who can attest to the applicant's academic achievements.

Next Steps to attend ASU

Learn about our programs, apply to a program, visit our campus, application deadlines, career opportunities.

Professionals with expertise in geographical sciences research, theory and practice are in high demand across sectors and industries, including institutions of higher education, consulting firms, government agencies, research facilities and community organizations. Skills in geographical data analysis, mapping and climate science are valuable to businesses and institutions relying on research-based approaches to solve complex real-world problems.

Career examples include:

  • atmospheric, earth, marine or space sciences professor or instructor
  • environmental scientist or specialist
  • geographic information systems technician
  • geophysical data technician
  • geoscientist
  • geospatial information scientist or technologist

Program Contact Information

If you have questions related to admission, please click here to request information and an admission specialist will reach out to you directly. For questions regarding faculty or courses, please use the contact information below.

Go to Charlotte.edu

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PhD in Geography

Phd in geography, university of north carolina at charlotte.

Now accepting applications for Fall 2025

GRE requirement optional for 2025 Admissions

The priority deadline for funding consideration is February 15th, 2025

Recent and soon-to-be graduates, Fall 2018

The PhD in Geography is our department’s core doctoral program reflecting the multi-disciplinary research and teaching expertise of our exceptional and award-winning faculty. Graduate students engage in coursework from within and across three areas of focus: Urban and Regional Analysis, Earth and Environmental Systems, and Geographic Information Science. A broad range of elective courses build upon shared training in the theoretical and methodological foundations of Geography, advanced research approaches (quantitative and/or qualitative) and spatial technologies and analysis. Independent research follows yielding a dissertation that advances knowledge in Geography and its related disciplines.

Doctoral students in Geography at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte are members of a student-centered, well-resourced and collegial department comprised of social, physical and applied scientists. As many as half of our PhD students are supported through competitive Graduate Assistantships or Fellowships and our students are frequent recipients of the university’s most prestigious scholarships and national awards. Currently, the program’s Graduate Assistantships include a 9-month stipend of $22,500 plus tuition and health care support through a Graduate School GASP Award.

Our commitment to professional development translates into student involvement in faculty-led research and outreach teams; summer field work grants; financial support to present at national and international conferences; and preparation for teaching and research excellence both pre and post-graduation. Doctoral students in the program have established a tradition of engagement and leadership in the department, across campus, and within national and international professional associations such as the American Association of Geographers and its regional and specialty groups.

The program is structured to be completed within 4 years and our graduates find professional success across the occupational spectrum – as tenure-track professors, international researchers, community planners, analysts with local to national scale governments, post-doctoral fellows, applied scientists, spatial entrepreneurs, private sector consultants and more.

We are now accepting applications for Fall 2024 Admission. Applications received before February 15, 2024 will be given priority consideration for available assistantship and fellowship funding.

Please note that our program will continue to waive the GRE requirement for applicants seeking admission for Spring and Fall 2024. If applicants wish to submit GRE scores they may still do so and those will be considered in the review process.

Admission and requirements? Please refer to UNC Charlotte Graduate Catalog

Ready to apply? Please refer to UNC Charlotte Graduate School Admissions

Questions? Please contact program director Dr. Colleen Hammelman [email protected]

Resources for PhD in Geography Program

  • PhD GEOG Course Listing
  • PhD GEOG Proposed Plan of Study Form
  • PhD GEOG Milestone Checklist
  • PhD GEOG and GURA Dissertations
  • Typical Timeline for UNC Charlotte Doctoral Programs
  • Fellowships, Awards and Competitions

phd research topics in geography

Alumni Dr. Paul McDaniel and students Tonderai Mushipe and Jaeho Ko connect at Race, Ethnicity and Place (REP) conference in Austin, TX, Fall 2018.

Publications by our PhD Geography Students and Recent Alumni (and their faculty co-authors)

  • J. Claire Schuch & Tonderai Mushipe . 2021. “Light Rail and Neighborhood Change: Comparative Perspectives of Residents, Local Media, and Other Stakeholders” Housing Policy Debate , https://doi.org/10.1080/10511482.2021.1949371
  • Elizabeth Delmelle, Isabelle Nilsson & Providence Adu . 2021. “Poverty Suburbanization, Job Accessibility, and Employment Outcomes” Social Inclusion , DOI: 10.17645/si.v9i2.3735
  • Brisa U. de Hernandez, J. Claire Schuch , Janni Sorensen & Heather A. Smith. 2021. “Sustaining CBPR Projects: Lessons Learned Developing Latina Community Groups.” Collaborations: A Journal of Community-based Research and Practice , DOI: http://doi.org/10.33596/coll.69
  • Paul H. Jung & Jun Song. 2021. “Multivariate Neighborhood Trajectory Analysis: An Exploration of the Functional Data Analysis Approach” Geographical Analysis , https://doi.org/10.1111/gean.12298
  • Yu Lan , Michael R. Desjardins , Alexander Hohl & Eric Delmell e. 2021. “Geovisualization of COVID-19: State of the Art and Opportunities” Cartographica: The International Journal for Geographic Information and Geovisualization , DOI: 10.3138/cart-2020-0027
  • Maryam Khabazi & Isabelle Nilsson. 2021. “Connecting people with jobs: Light rail’s impact on Commuting patterns” Travel Behaviour and Society , https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tbs.2021.03.003
  • Claudio Owusu , G ary S.Silverman , David S.Vinson, Rajib Paul , Kathleen M. Baker & Eric M. Delmelle. 2021. “Predicting coliform presence in private wells as a function of well characteristics, parcel size and leachfield soil rating” Science of the Total Environment , https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.143701
  • Daidai Shen , Jean-Claude Thill & Jiuwen Sun. 2021. “The determinants of city population in China” Asia-Pacific Journal of Regional Science . https://doi.org/10.1007/s41685-020-00170-8
  • Minrui Zheng , Wenwu Tang, Akinwumi Ogundiran & Jianxin Yang. 2020. “Spatial Simulation Modeling of Settlement Distribution Driven by Random Forest: Consideration of Landscape Visibility” Sustainability , https://doi.org/10.3390/su12114748

School of Geography and Planning

Research areas and topics.

Supervision is by leading academics across the discipline and is supported by a rigorous programme of training. Here are some of the PhD topics we are keen to explore with you.

Two academics sat down having a conversation

We welcome research proposals addressing topics from across the broad range of urban studies and planning and related disciplines such as geography, sociology, international development and politics.

We are interested in innovative social research methods, and can offer supervision across a wide range of methodological and theoretical approaches. We welcome students wanting to use both qualitative and quantitative methods in their studies.

We are particularly keen to supervise PhD topics which align with our research priorities - details of potential projects are provided below. We encourage you to treat these projects as starting points for a conversation with us.  

If you find one or more project which excites you then we invite you to contact us – either direct to the proposed supervisor or through the Director of Postgraduate Research, Ryan Powell .

PhD research areas and suggested projects

  • Environment, infrastructure and sustainability
  • Housing and real estate
  • Planning, people and place
  • Urban inequalities and social justice

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Geography Dissertation Topics For Free

Published by Carmen Troy at January 6th, 2023 , Revised On June 10, 2024

Geography is the study of the physical features of the earth and its atmosphere the distribution of populations and resources, and political and economic activities.

Geography is related to the climate changes and ecological value of a region , which helps determine the environmental situation of that region. Therefore, it is important to explore the different geographical ideas and theories. Geography is an interesting field and there is a range of issues that you could choose from for your dissertation.

This article lists several geography dissertation topics and research ideas so you can base your dissertation on a manageable and intriguing issue.

Also, read Ecology dissertation topics and sustainability dissertation topics .

Let our experts help you get started with your dissertation.

Geography Research Topics To Impress Your Supervisor

Topic 1: impact of natural catastrophes on economic growth and human development- a case of 2011 fukushima crisis in japan.

Research Aim: This research aims to analyse the impact of natural catastrophes on economic growth and human development. It will assess the socioeconomic effects of the 2011 Fukushima Crisis in Japan. It will show how it affected Japan’s economic growth by affecting the population, production levels, employment, investments, etc. Moreover, how did it affect the Human Development Index (HDI)? Lastly, it will show how Japan managed to recover from this catastrophe. And what lessons can other countries learn from Japan to mitigate the socioeconomic effects of natural disasters?

Topic 2: How Do Natural Disasters Affect the Geosphere? Calculating the Effects of Earthquakes, Floods, and Volcanic Eruptions on the Geosphere in Asia

Research Aim: This study intends to calculate the effects of earthquakes, floods, and volcanic eruptions on the geosphere in Asia. It will find whether there is an empirical relationship between geosphere disturbance and natural disasters. Or do changes in the geosphere cause natural disasters in Asia? It will primarily test a causal relationship between natural disasters and geosphere disruption. Moreover, it will show whether there are ways to protect the geosphere or not?

Topic 3: Geography a Natural Friend or Enemy? The Role of Geography in Promoting/Demoting Climate Change Disasters in Sub-Saharan Africa

Research Aim: This research assesses the role of geography in promoting/demoting climate change disasters in Sub-Saharan Africa. It will find ways through which geography saves or further exacerbates the climate change situation. It will analyse various natural disasters in Sub-Saharan Africa and see what geography’s role is in protecting or further hurting the population. Lastly, it will see the government’s efforts, such as investment in eco-friendly projects, cutting down 〖CO〗_2, and increasing the number of trees to maintain their natural geography.

Topic 4: Geo-Mapping and Land Reforms: A Study to Find the Role of Geo-Mapping, Sensor Data, and Big Data Analytics in Bringing Land Reforms to Developing Countries

Research Aim: This study analyses the role of geo-mapping, sensor data, and big data analytics in bringing land reforms to developing countries. It will review geo-mapping concepts and how sensor data gathered through geo-mapping can be used in big data analytics. Further, it will show how developing countries use geo-mapping and big data analytics to reform their rotten real estate sector. Moreover, comparing their efforts with advanced countries will recommend improving their geo-mapping and land reforms.

Topic 5: Predictive Analytics and Natural Disaster: A Study to Find the Role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Predicting Natural Disasters and Epidemics

Research Aim: This research finds the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in predicting natural disasters and epidemics. It will assess various machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL) models and big data tools to show how they are used to predict natural catastrophes such as earthquakes, floods, storms, etc. It will test the reliability and efficacy of these models to recommend the best models to predict further catastrophes in the future.

Geography Dissertation Research Topics

Topic 1: studying the fertility of soil after the volcanic eruption..

Research Aim: The research paper aims to study soil fertility caused by volcanic eruptions . The consequences of volcanic eruptions affect the soil, which makes the soil difficult to cultivate.

Topic 2: Understanding Global Warming Through Geography

Research Aim: The research paper has the purpose of understanding global warming through Geography. Global warming has severe impacts on the climates and people’s health because it is caused due to harmful UV rays.

Topic 3: Geography: Determining the Effects Caused by Natural Calamities on a Region

Research Aim: The research paper aims to determine the effects that are caused due to natural calamities on a region. Natural calamities impact the region because of the destruction that occurs to life and property. Therefore, the study will understand the adverse effects of natural disasters on an area.

Topic 4: Evaluating the Ecological Value of the Forests

Research Aim: The research paper aims to evaluate the ecological value of the forests. Forests help build the region’s environmental conditions and provide a home to a massive amount of wildlife. So, the paper understands the value of ecology in forests.

Topic 5: Comprehending the Security of Nutrition and Food in Geography

Research Aim: The research paper aims to investigate the security of nutrition and food in geography. There is a big challenge related to the sustainability of the atmosphere growing food and the arrangements of the society so that the poor people can have an adequate amount of food and nutrition.

Topic 6: Geography Empathises with Environmental Protection.

Research Aim: The research paper aims to understand the emphasis that geography puts on environmental protection. I maintain the ecological balance and provide people with a safe and healthy environment, and it is essential to protect the environment. Therefore, the research paper will discuss the importance of environmental protection through geography.

Topic 7: Importance of Water Conservation

Research Aim: The research paper aims to understand the significance of water conservation. Water preservation is essential because it will help the farmers cultivate when fresh water is scarce. Therefore, the paper will discuss the importance of water conservation.

Topic 8: The impact of drought on farmers: Geography

Research Aim: The research paper will discuss the impact of drought on farmers. Drought is the main reason why farmers suffer from severe economic pressure, which also affects the region’s food supply. Hence, the paper studies the critical aspects of drought and its impact on farmers.

Topic 9: Effect of Ocean Currents on the Weather of an Area

Research Aim: The research paper excavates the effect of ocean currents on the weather of an area. The ocean currents are the conveyer belt that transports warm water along with precipitation. Therefore, ocean currents do regulate global climatic changes.

Topic 10: Geography: To Understand the Transforming Thermal Regime of the Polythermal Glaciers

Research Aim: The research paper aims to comprehend the transforming thermal regime of the polythermal glaciers. The thermal regime of any glacier has significant ramifications depending on how it moves; it can be both temperate and polar depending on the temperature.

Topic 11: Analysing the usage of Greenfield in an Area

Research Aim: The research paper aims to analyse the usage of greenfields in an area. Companies’ greenfield analysis is done to understand the optimal location and number of all the distribution centres, and geography helps to understand this vastly.

Topic 12: Geography: An in-depth study about the Destinations of the Sources of Rivers

Research Aim: The research paper states the in-depth study about the destinations of rivers’ sources in geography. From the perspective of geography, the river sources’ destination will be studied where the flow and destination of rivers tend to change because of the absorption of sediments in their sizes and shapes.

Topic 13: Aspects Contributing to the Creation of a Sustainable Environment

Research Aim: The research paper aims to study the aspects contributing to creating a sustainable environment. To evaluate the sustainable environment, it is imperative to excavate the factors contributing to its formation.

Topic 14: Evaluating the Impacts of Acid Rain

Research Aim: The research paper aims to evaluate the impacts of acid rain. In geography, acid rain is taken as an adverse effect that leads to a big downfall both for the environment and in harming the crops. Hence, the paper states the adverse impacts caused to the life and cultivation of people due to acid rain.

Topic 15: Geography: Construction of Buildings Affecting the Soil

Research Aim: The research paper aims to view geography’s perspective in evaluating the effects caused to soil due to the construction of buildings. The soil fertility is almost lost because of building construction, and therefore the paper will be evaluating all the effects that building construction causes on the soil.

List Of Trending Geography Topics For Dissertation 

  • How increasing sea levels affect coastal towns.
  • Investigating how expanding cities impact temperature and weather patterns.
  • Exploring methods of agriculture that preserve water in arid places.
  • Researching how deforestation affects plants and animals.
  • How can solar and wind energy benefit rural areas?
  • Looking at ways to provide clean water in areas with limited resources.
  • Why are specific areas more susceptible to earthquakes, floods, and hurricanes?
  • Investigating the past lives and land use of indigenous populations.
  • How city parks and gardens improve air quality and decrease heat.
  • How climate change affects human migration.

Free Dissertation Topic

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Academic Level Select Academic Level Undergraduate Graduate PHD

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Frequently Asked Questions

How to find geography dissertation topics.

To find geography dissertation topics:

  • Explore geographic interests.
  • Study recent research.
  • Identify gaps or challenges.
  • Analyse local/global issues.
  • Consider fieldwork opportunities.
  • Select a topic aligning with passion and academic relevance.

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Home > SGIS > Geography > Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Department of Geography: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Opportunities for Urban Resilience to Climate Change: Understanding Local Climate Perceptions, Motivations, and Barriers to Green Infrastructure Use , Emmilene Berski

Women’s Communities and Landscapes in Deadwood, South Dakota in the 1870s–1880s , Jessica Kaye Long

The Spatial Organization of Pre-Colonial African Kingdoms: The Empires of Ethiopia & Mali , Victoria O. Alapo

Commemorating the Past: Nebraska Museum Practices in Interpreting, Memorializing, and Mythologizing History , Carissa Dowden

Film and the Making of a Modern Nebraska (1895-1920): A Historical Geography , William Helmer

Reexamining the Desert: A Study of Place-Based Food Insecurity , Morgan Ryan

Votes and Voters in Time and Space: The Changing Landscape of Political Party Support in Kentucky, 1974-2020 , Glenn Humphress

Federal Land-Use Policy and Resettlement in the Great Plains: An Experiment in Community Development During the New Deal Years, 1933-1941 , Theresa Glanz

Population Sustainability in Rural Nebraska Towns , Andrew Husa

Timing and Formation of Linear Dunes South of the Niobrara River Valley, North-Central Nebraska Sand Hills , Ashley K. Larsen

ASSESSING LANDSLIDE SUSCEPTIBILITY WITH GIS USING QUALITATIVE & QUANTITATIVE METHODS IN KNOX COUNTY, NEBRASKA , Christian J. Cruz

A Historical Geography of Six and Eight-Man Football in Nebraska , Andrew Husa

Utilizing a Consumer-Grade Camera System to Quantify Surface Reflectance , Joseph J. Lehnert

Modeling Gross Primary Production of Midwest Maize and Soybean Croplands with Satellite and Gridded Weather Data , Gunnar Malek-Madani

Spatial Analysis of Ethnic and Racial Segregation in the Chicago Metropolitan Area, 2000 - 2014 , Roy Yao

Dating Late Quaternary Alluvial Fills in the Platte River Valley using Optically Stimulated Luminescence Dating , Jacob C. Bruihler

A Research Framework for the Geographic Study of Exotic Pet Mammals in the USA , Gabrielle C. Tegeder

Using GIS to Assess Firearm Thefts, Recoveries and Crimes in Lincoln, Nebraska , David A. Grosso

A STUDY OF SOCIAL CAPITAL AND ITS RELATIONSHIP WITH DWELLING STRUCTURE AND ENVIRONMENT BASED ON AN EMPIRICAL ANALYSIS OF LINCOLN, NEBRASKA , Jeehoon Kim

Geographic Variation of Health Care Spending on Heart Failure in Metropolitan Areas , Kevin McMillan

"We Shall Meet Beyond the River": An Analysis of the Deathscape of Brownville, Nebraska , Ashley J. Barnett

Building a GIS Model to Assess Agritourism Potential , Brian G. Baskerville

Exploring the Nature of Space for Human Behavior in Ordinary Structured Environments , Molly Boeka Cannon

A Historical Geography of Sand Island 1870 - 1944 , Lucas P. Johnson

Proximal Sensing as a Means of Characterizing Phragmites australis , Travis Yeik

Multi-Temporal Analysis of Crop Biomass Using Selected Environmental Variables and Remote Sensing Derived Indices , Nwakaku M. Ajaere

Evaluating Vegetation Response to Water Stress Using Close-Range and Satellite Remote Sensing , Sharmistha Swain

ASSESSING SEASONAL FEATURES OF TROPICAL FORESTS USING REMOTE SENSING , Roberto Bonifaz-Alfonzo

USING A GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEM TO DEFINE REGIONS OF GRAPE-CULTIVAR SUITABILITY IN NEBRASKA , Ting Chen

Spatio-Temporal Analysis of Malaria in Paraguay , Nicole M. Wayant

Levels of Response In Experiential Conceptualizations of Neighborhood: The Potential For Multiple Versions of This Place Construct , Cynthia M. Williams

PRESERVATION ETHICS IN THE CASE OF NEBRASKA’S NATIONALLY REGISTERED HISTORIC PROPERTIES , Darren Michael Adams

Intersections of Place, Time, and Entertainment in Rural Nebraska in the Late 19th and Early 20th Centuries , Rebecca A. Buller

The Changing Landscape of a Rural Region: The effect of the Harry S. Truman Dam and Reservoir in the Osage River Basin of Missouri , Melvin Arthur Johnson

Detection and Measurement of Water Stress in Vegetation Using Visible Spectrum Reflectance , Arthur Zygielbaum

Patterns and Consequences of Segregation: An Analysis of Ethnic Residential Patterns at Two Geographic Scales , Kenneth N. French

Geographies of Indigenous-based Team Name and Mascot Use in American Secondary Schools , Ezra J. Zeitler

A WATERSHED-BASED CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM FOR LAKES IN AGRICULTURALLY-DOMINATED ECOSYSTEMS: A CASE STUDY OF NEBRASKA RESERVOIRS , Henry N. N. Bulley

MODELING BIGHORN SHEEP HABITAT IN NORTHWEST NEBRASKA , Kyle M. Forbes

CLOSE-RANGE AND SATELLITE REMOTE SENSING OF ALGAL BIOMASS IN THE IOWA GREAT LAKES , Eric A. Wilson

EFFECTS OF SPATIAL RESOLUTION AND LANDSCAPE STRUCTURE ON LAND COVER CHARACTERIZATION , Wenli Yang

Spatial Structure and Decision-Making Aspects of Pedestrian Route Selection through an Urban Environment , Michael R. Hill

VACANCY CHAINS AND INTRA-URBAN MIGRATION , Donald Rundquist

Water Power Development on the Lower Loup River: A Study in Economic Geography , Ralph Eugene Olson

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Home » Prospective Students » PhD in Geography

PhD in Geography

PhD in Geography is an internationally-respected program designed to provide students with the methodological skills and theoretical perspectives necessary for undertaking independent, analytical research. Faculty and students collaborate to investigate critical issues dealing with society, geospatial inquiry, and the physical environment.

Admissions Deadlines

IMPORTANT NOTICE: FSU now requires a course-by-course credential evaluation for Fall 2024 applicants and beyond that have degrees from a non-U.S. institution. International and domestic applicants with degrees earned from international institutions must submit their official transcripts through a NACES approved evaluator for transcripts from a non-U.S. institution. SpanTran has created a custom application for FSU that will make sure you select the right kind of evaluation at a discounted rate.

See the “ Transcript Requirement” section on The Graduate School website, https://gradschool.fsu.edu/admissions/graduate-admissions , for detailed information on University transcript requirements. Fall 2024 – Opens August 1. For priority consideration submit your application by  January 19.   Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the deadline of  March 1 . Spring 2025 – Deadline to apply is  October 1 .

*International applicants are strongly encouraged to submit their applications earlier due to the extended time for visa processing

Deadline to Submit a GRE Waiver

Fall 2024: December 11 – for students applying prior to the January 19 priority deadline. February 12 – for students applying prior to the March 1 deadline. 

Spring 2025: September 8

Program Requirements

Please click  here for program requirements. 

International Admissions

We welcome students from all over the world to join our program!  Please check out the  International Admissions page  to learn more about applying to FSU as an International student.  

Connecting with Faculty

Students are strongly encouraged to identify and make contact with 3-4 prospective faculty members that would serve as supervisors for the duration of their graduate program. A good research fit between advisor and advisee is the cornerstone of a successful graduate experience, so communications between prospective students and advisors should be initiated before the application deadline. Ph.D. students are unlikely to be admitted if a faculty member does not agree to serve as their advisor. Faculty members are approached by many prospective students and as such must be selective about whom they can admit.  – For an overview of Faculty expertise  click here . – For research interest and contact information please  click here .     *Click on each Faculty member’s name for more information.

Full financial support is available for qualified students. Funding is approximately $21,000 per year (fall and spring) plus a 9 hours tuition waiver (with a possibility of summer teaching for an additional $2,500). Funding for students with a master’s degree is for 4 years, and 5 years for students without a master’s degree. Funding is conditional on good scholastic standing and available Departmental resources. students are liable for FSU fees not covered by the scholarship below.

Qualified students with a Graduate Assistantship/Appointment will receive up to $250 in scholarship funding per semester. To qualify for the scholarship, graduate assistants must be enrolled full-time, as determined by the Graduate School, in a degree seeking program and must be employed from at least the first day of classes through the last day of finals. Graduate Assistants working 20 hrs.+ (.50 FTE) shall be awarded $250. Graduate Assistants working 10-19 hrs. (0.25 FTE – 0.49 FTE), shall be awarded $125 per semester .

Additional funding and awards offered by the University can be found here: Funding & Awards

Transcripts

Unofficial Transcripts:

  • Unofficial Transcripts are required for your application to be reviewed. Please submit ALL unofficial transcripts from each College and/or University attended. Unofficial Transcripts must be translated into English for review. *Applications will show as incomplete until official transcripts have been submitted. Applications with incomplete status due to missing official transcripts will still be reviewed. 

Official Transcripts :

  • Official Transcripts are required for Admitted students and must be submitted prior to beginning classes. See the “ Transcript Requirement” section on The Graduate School website, https://gradschool.fsu.edu/admissions/graduate-admissions , for detailed information on University transcript requirements.

International Transcript Requirements : 

FSU now requires a course-by-course credential evaluation for Fall 2024 applicants and beyond that have degrees from a non-U.S. institution. International and domestic applicants with degrees earned from international institutions must submit their official transcripts through a NACES approved evaluator for transcripts from a non-U.S. institution. SpanTran has created a custom application for FSU that will make sure you select the right kind of evaluation at a discounted rate. https://gradschool.fsu.edu/admissions/international-admissions

  • All transcripts/academic records that are not in English must be accompanied by certified English translations. 
  • To be considered “certified,” documents should be true copies that are signed and dated by an educational official familiar with academic records. Any translated record should be literal and not an interpretive translation. Documents signed by a notary or other public official with no educational affiliation will not be accepted. 
  • If the transcript/academic record does not indicate the degree earned and date the degree was awarded, separate proof of degree is required.

GPA & GRE Scores

It is recommended to have an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher and GRE scores of at least 144 (Quant) and 153 (Verbal).  Applications from students with lower GPA and GRE scores may also be accepted to the program. GRE Waivers are available for students meeting the criteria (See section below). 

GRE Waivers

Applicants can submit a GRE waiver if they meet at least one of the academic preparation criteria and at least one of the research aptitude criteria.  I.  Academic Preparation

  • Upper-division undergraduate GPA of 3.2 (on a 4.0 scale) from a nationally or internationally accredited college or university.
  • Graduate GPA of 3.2 (on a 4.0 scale) from a nationally or internationally accredited college or university.

II .  Research Aptitude

  • Undergraduate research-based thesis or independent research project conducted for at least one semester (e.g., FSU UROP program).
  • Completed research-based graduate degree (i.e., resulting in a thesis or dissertation).
  • Extensive (at least 4 months) relevant professional research experience related to the applicant’s graduate training goals.
  • Co-authored research paper published in a peer-reviewed ISI journal.

Documentation: GPAs and Degrees must be documented by students providing unofficial transcripts. To document professional experience, students must provide a resume or CV and the name of at least one professional reference. Theses and publications can be documented with a copy of the manuscript or article. If an applicant does not meet these criteria but has extenuating circumstances limiting their ability to take the GRE test (e.g., test not readily accessible where they live; medical issues or disability), particularly related to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, they should contact the Geography Graduate Program Director ( [email protected] ).  All applicants have the option to submit their GRE scores even if they meet these criteria. GRE Waiver Request Form

Writing Sample

Please upload  one  sample of academic writing. Appropriate writing samples include:

  • a chapter from a master’s thesis or undergraduate honor’s thesis,
  • a first-author journal article (published, in review, or submitted),
  • or a course paper, ideally from a relevant subject area.

Statement of Purpose

Format: 1-2 pages, single-spaced

Please describe the following: 1.) What research topic(s) would you be interested in exploring through graduate studies? What motivates your interest in exploring this topic and doing a graduate degree in Geography at FSU? Why is this topic important and deserving of scholarly attention? How does this program of study advance your career interests? 2.) What previous experiences have prepared you to succeed as a graduate student and conduct research in this area? You may reference relevant academic, professional, and personal experiences. If relevant, feel free to discuss obstacles or hardships that you had to overcome in order to succeed, and how you surmounted these obstacles. 3) How would the Geography graduate program at FSU support you to conduct this research? Which faculty members could supervise your research? What other faculty in the department have complementary expertise that could support the development of your thinking?

Letters of Recommendation

Three letters of recommendation. The letters should be from faculty and/or employers familiar with your academic, research, or professional experience.  This may include but is not limited to education, work, volunteer, and/or internship experiences.

English Language Proficiency

Official English Language Proficiency results are required of all international applicants whose native language is not English. Minimum scores required for admission and additional information can be found  here .     Applications are unable to be reviewed and will be canceled if the minimum requirements are not met .

  • Exemptions : This requirement can be waived for students who have completed a Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree from a U.S. Institution or other Institution where English is the required language of Instruction. Exempt students who receive a teaching assistantship will still be required to take the Speak Exam, unless the citizenship is to a Native English Speaking country. 
  • SPEAK EXAM : The Geography Department requires ALL International students receiving appointments as Teaching Assistants to pass the SPEAK Exam. The Speak Exam  evaluates the English-speaking ability of non-native speakers of English and is administered free of charge (First time) at Florida State University. 

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Top 100 geography topics for research.

April 13, 2021

geography topics

Your geography paper or essay can also cover multiple fields. You can also opt to write on scientific or empirical geographic models. Alternatively, you can write about how humans relate to the environment. If your educator has asked you to write a research paper or essay, here are some of the best geographical topics to consider for your project.

Unique Geography Topics

Maybe you like researching and writing about unique ideas. And this is very important because uniqueness is one of the factors that educators consider when grading academic papers and essays. Here is a list of unique geography topics for research that you should consider.

  • Environmental and social-economic effects of gas and oil exploration in your town
  • Demographic and land-use changes in your area
  • Cartography history
  • The emerging grassland agriculture trends
  • Badland areas geomorphological changes
  • How human activities contribute to climate change
  • What causes soil erosion – How to mitigate it
  • How weather variables like wind, temperature, and snow contribute to the vegetation in native grassland
  • Effects of wet summer on agricultural production
  • Effects of modern farming techniques on agricultural production
  • Science historical geographies
  • How to control galley erosion in your area
  • How volcanic action affects land fertility
  • Mapping for landslide hazard and potential solutions
  • How acidification of ocean weather affects the marine life
  • How weather patents relate and possible mitigation in various countries
  • Effects of high urban areas’ population
  • How global warming affects the planet
  • How to manage the aging infrastructure
  • How to deal with urbanization and expansion in big cities

These are some of the best world geography project ideas to explore when writing an essay or a paper. Nevertheless, take your time to research your topic extensively and analyze data to come up with a solid paper.

Cultural Geography Topics

Cultural geography is among the major science branches, alongside social, political, and economic geography. It entails the study of ethnic geography. And this covers religion, art, and languages. Maybe you love researching and writing about cultural geography. In that case, consider these cultural geography essay topics.

  • The educational systems in western and eastern cultures
  • Geographical aspects of the world religions’ study
  • The role women play in the Chinese society
  • Heritage monuments in the geo-cultural space
  • The Native culture’s influence on human psychology
  • How globalization benefits developed and developing countries
  • How cultural superiority affects how humans behave
  • How globalization has affected the Chinese economy
  • The role of cultural geography in promoting tourism
  • The most represented food in my country

These are brilliant cultural geography research paper topics. Pick any of these ideas and then develop them to suit your project.

Human Geography Topics

Human geography entails the study of the network and distribution of people and different cultures across the world. It’s also about the study of how humans relate to their physical environment. Here are some of the best human geography research topics to consider for your papers.

  • India and China – The universal effects of the increasing economic powers of these countries
  • Ethnic Dressing evolution through different centuries
  • Human culture – How it has changed over time
  • The untoward impacts of overgrazing on the Mongolian Steppe’s agricultural production
  • World Power – The evolution of China into a powerful country
  • The development of military geography
  • The expansion of large cities – how does it affect the environment?
  • Settlement movements of the Scythians
  • How the Indian population growth impacts the environment
  • The spread of the South African diseases

These are interesting human geography essay topics. But, you should research your ideas carefully and extensively to come up with a solid paper regardless of your chosen topic.

Physical Geography Research Topics

Physical geography is arguably a major field in this subject. It entails the study of the natural environment. This includes the patterns and processes like the atmosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere, and geosphere. Ideally, physical geography covers both the built and cultural environment. Here are some of the best physical geography topics to consider for your paper or essay.

  • How climate change affects the intensity of the Australian bushfire
  • The meteorology history and its effects on modern research
  • River ice – The worldwide effects of the high ice loss rate across the globe
  • How the Australian bush fires affect the global weather
  • Organizational forms of the living matter on earth
  • The evolution and origin of the biosphere
  • The geographical envelope and its causes
  • Environmental nihilism and environmental determinism
  • Forms of chemical elements migration
  • The atmospheric vertical structure – Gas composition features of air and the determining factors
  • Characteristics of the elementary geochemical landscapes
  • The significance of the main gases in the atmosphere
  • Alkalinity and acidity of the soil – How to regulate them
  • The soil horizons color – How physicochemical properties of the constituent substances of the soil depend on their color
  • Soil formation – The anthropogenic factors
  • The role of endogenous geological processes in earth l formation

Physical geography is generally a complete sciences’ system that entails the study of dynamics, structures, and functioning of the geological envelope, as well as, its structural parts. Pick your geography topic from this category if you love exploring the environment in its natural and man-made forms.

Interesting Geography Topics

Do you want to research and write about something interesting? In that case, consider this category of interesting geography paper topics.

  • Features and qualities of coastal erosion
  • Why should humans protect the endangered rain forests tree species?
  • Why glaciers melting is happening faster than predicted
  • Which was the worst ecological crisis in the world’s history
  • Meteorological science – Is it accurate or real?
  • How to minimize the effects of deforestation
  • Effects of floods on the lives of humans
  • Hurricanes effects and how to predict them
  • An exploration of geographical features of a desert
  • Human roles in the increasing global warming
  • Why earthquakes and landslides are popular today
  • Can eco-friendly food feed the world?
  • How to use innovative technologies to produce eco-friendly food
  • The role of humans in their extinction
  • How a volcanic eruption occurs
  • How humans have contributed to the ever-changing climate
  • How oil and gas exploration affects the social issues
  • How volcanoes affect nearby settlements
  • The happenings and process of earthquakes
  • Factors that lead to the urbanization of some areas over time
  • Indicators and causes of climate change

Choose your geography research topic from this category and then develop it extensively. Use reliable and authentic sources to find relevant information for your paper or essay to earn the top grade.

The Best Geography Research Topics to Choose from

Maybe you want to pick your geography essay topics from a list of the best ideas. Whether you need AP human geography topics or world geography topics, this list comprises the best ideas to consider when writing your paper or essay.

  • The main causes and effects of earthquakes
  • A description of the Amazon basin formation
  • How flooding helps in sustaining life
  • Environmental effects of oil exploration
  • Common hazards associated with landslides
  • Glaciers formation – Describe this process
  • Dumping waste alternatives
  • Explain the impact of the atomic blasts on Nagasaki and Hiroshima
  • Continental drift process from Pangaea until today
  • How geography relates to climate
  • How water bodies affect the climate
  • How public housing affects the housing industry
  • Influence of geographical location on a country’s climate
  • What causes water pollution?
  • What causes the eruption of wildfire
  • Effects of the rising industrialization trend
  • What should humans do to protect rare species
  • How to protect floods
  • How to prevent human-animal conflicts
  • How to deal with the continuing water crisis
  • The severity of natural disasters in the modern world
  • What’s the responsibility of individuals in curbing global warming?
  • How using green energy can substitute fossil fuels

These are amazing topics to consider when writing an essay or a research paper. Take your time to understand each of these ideas to pick the one you will be comfortable working with.

Students have many ideas to explore when writing academic papers and essays. However, the most important thing is to choose a topic you will be happy to research and write about. What’s more, understand the requirements and instructions set by your educator when exploring different geographical project topics. Additionally, take your time to find relevant sources, gather and analyze information before writing. That way, you will come up with a paper that will impress the educator to award you the top grade. You can also contact our writing service to save your time and effort.

phd research topics in geography

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phd research topics in geography

The Department has a large community of around 80 PhD students working on their own projects. The PhD students at Geography and the Scott Polar Research Institute (SPRI) study a broad range of topics that reflect the diverse interests of the academic staff in the Department.

1. Before making an application

Before applying, you should satisfy yourself that advanced study in your chosen research topic can be supervised by an academic at Geography or SPRI. Acceptance of any applicant will be dependent on specialist supervision being available. Unfortunately, if we cannot supervise your topic, we will decline your application regardless of its academic merit. Please check the research groups then look through the online staff list .

Identification of a potential supervisor does not imply a guarantee of admission and the full admissions procedure must be followed in all cases. If your potential supervisor’s details are available from our website, you may e-mail the person with a draft research proposal (maximum 2,000 words). If contact details are not available, kindly e-mail the Postgraduate Office Administrator with your research proposal and the name(s) of whom you are trying to contact.

2. Go to the University’s Postgraduate Admissions Pages

Go to the University’s Postgraduate Admissions pages which has all the information you need to make a formal application. Applicants should plan well in advance to ensure their papers can be processed in time. The deadline for all PhD applicants is March 26th 2024.

Please note this deadline does not apply to applicants for the Cambridge ESRC DTP Interdisciplinary Studentship , who should contact graduate.enquiries @ geog.cam.ac.uk before making an application.

When making the formal application PhD applicants will need to provide a statement (maximum 2,000 words) detailing your research proposal, including aims and methods, sources and the location of the proposed research. Your proposal should include a list of specific resource needs for your research such as travel budget, fieldwork, laboratory equipment, chemical and IT needs. Please state in your application which academic in the Department your believe has interests that are closest to your own and therefore might supervise your research. It is advisable to approach the Academic identified in advance to discuss your proposal.

Physical Geography applicants choosing from the list of topics do not need to include a research proposal but should include information about why you have chosen a topic and the relevant experience you have for the chosen topic.

If you are applying for a PhD programme, and have only recently started a masters degree at a new institution, we understand that it may be more suitable for you to request references from your prior academic and/or professional environment.

Cambridge Funding Competitions deadlines:

GATES (US) – 11th October 2023;

GATES (non-US), Trusts and Research Councils – 5th December 2023;

NERC DTP ( home and international students ) – 5th January 2024 (although you are encouraged to apply by 5th December to be considered for other funding sources too).

Applications must be made in advance of these dates to be considered for funding, please note these deadlines are earlier than the final admissions deadline. Please also note these deadlines include submission of all your references which must have been submitted by your referees in advance of these funding deadlines.

Doctoral work in the Department is funded through Research Council funding ( ESRC , AHRC and NERC ), studentships from the Cambridge Trust , the Gates Foundation and other funding agencies. While the Geography Department has modest funds for fieldwork or conference attendance, it does not fund PhD studentships.

  • Overseas applicants should look in particular at scholarships available through the Gates Foundation and scholarships administered by the Cambridge Trust . You should apply for these by the advertised deadline when you complete your formal application. Information can be found and eligibility can be checked via the University’s Postgraduate Admissions page.
  • UK students should look in particular at the Research Council studentships and funding available via the Cambridge Trust .

It is advisable to complete a Funding Search to help you find the most suitable funding options from those listed above.

Finance information for PhD courses run by the Department is to be found from the University’s Postgraduate Admissions pages .

In addition to fees and maintenance, you will need to ensure you have funds to cover all fieldwork, laboratory work, access to data, archives and travel needs for the length of your study. You should ensure that you have sufficient funds or that your funding body provides sufficient support.

Apply now for entry in 2024

See more videos about Postgraduate study at the Department of Geography

PhD in Geography: Full course details

PhD in Polar Studies: Full course details

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Department of Geography, Sustainability, Community, and Urban Studies

Doctoral Dissertations and Masters Theses

Aaron Adams , (Ph.D.)  Spatial Perspectives on COVID-19: Lessons for Future Pandemic Preparedness.  Advisor: Cindy Zhang

Yunhe Cue , (Ph.D.)  Bike-sharing: Towards Equitable Urban Transportation .  Advisors: Cindy Zhang & Peter Chen .

Quinn Malloy , (Ph.D.)  Auto-dependency, Equity, and Place: A comprehensive assessment of household spending on transportation in the United States.   Advisors:  Carol Atkinson-Palombo & Norman Garrick .

Jake Layburn , (M.A.)  Health Geographic Perspective on Mpox Outbreak in the United States .  Advisor:  Debarchana Ghosh .

Adam Gallaher , (Ph.D.)  Sustainable Energy Transitions: Exploring Low Carbon Solutions for Transportation and Electricity Production.   Advisor: Cindy Zhang .

Moataz Kilany , (Ph.D.)  Land Use / Land Cover Classification Optimization Using Swarm Algorithms.   Advisor: Cindy Zhang .

Junya Wu (Ph.D.)  Using Excess Heat Factor (EHF) to deepen understanding of heatwaves in the U.S.   Advisor: Anji Seth.

Shamayeta Bhattacharya , (Ph.D.)  SHAKTHI: Studying Healthcare Accessibility among Kothi, Transgender and Hijra Individuals .  Advisor:  Debarchana Ghosh .

Sungmin Jang , (Ph.D.)  The Evolution of American Media Perceptions and Portrayal of Geopolitics on the Korean Peninsula .  Advisor: Nathaniel Trumbull .

Ji Won Suh , (Ph.D.)  Reconstructing and Identifying Historic Land Use Land Cover in Northeastern U.S. .  Advisor: William Ouimet .

Zhijie “JJ” Zhang , (Ph.D.)  Efficient Recognition of Potential Landslides using Open Access Multi-Source Remotely Sensed Images with Deep Learning Approaches .  Advisor: Cindy Zhang .

Jon Leonard , (M.A.)  User Interpretation associated with Manual Digitization of Stone Walls and Relict Charcoal Hearths using airborne LiDAR .  Advisor: William Ouimet .

Benbella, Diane , (Ph.D.)  A Geospatial Analysis of Uganda’s Progress and Challenges Towards the Target of “90-90-90” for Ending the HIV Epidemic .  Advisor:  Debarchana Ghosh .

Buchanan, Mary , (Ph.D.)  Exploring Landscape Futures for Local Food Production in Northeastern Connecticut .  Advisor:  Carol Atkinson-Palombo .

Wang, Wenjie , (Ph. D.)  Some Studies on Land Cover Change in Connecticut and Land Cover Data Quality Improvement .  Advisor: Cindy Zhang .

Zhang, Bo , (Ph.D.)  Predictive Mapping of Spatial Categorical Variables by Markov Chain Random Fields .  Advisor:  Cindy Zhang .

Acharya, Awanti , (Ph.D.)  A Spatial-Hedonic Regression and Difference-in-Differences Based Study of the Impact of Curb Appeal, Cell Towers, and Flipping on House Prices .  Advisor:  Dean Hanink .

Barocci, Antonio , (Ph.D.)  A Geography of Repression. The Spatio-Temporal Analysis of the First Years of the Fascist Special Tribunal 1926-1928 .  Advisor:  Ken Foote

Mkami, Adelina ,  (Ph.D.)  Democracy and Place in Practice: Exploring a Community Food Network .  Advisor:  Ken Foote .

Terbeck, Fabian , (Ph.D.)  Rising Poverty and Diversity in Suburbs: A Decomposition Analysis of Poverty Trends in the Chicago-Joliet-Naperville Metropolitan Area in the 2000s .  Advisor:  Ken Foote .

Zhai, Ruiting , (Ph.D.)  Modeling Land Use/Cover Change and Its Effect on Invasive Species in Long Island Sound Watersheds.   Advisor:  Cindy Zhang .

Li, Xueke ,  (Ph.D.) Improved Understanding of Trends, Variations, and Causes of Atmospheric Aerosols Using Ground Measurements, Satellite Observations, and Atmospheric Chemistry Modeling .  Advisor:  Cindy Zhang .

Megan McCusker Hill, (Ph.D.)  Gully Erosion and Holocene-Anthropocene Environmental Change in southern New England .  Advisor: William Ouimet .

Hui Wang, (Ph.D.)  Investigating the Relationship between Hydrological Variation, Land Use/Cover Change and Climate Change at Regional and Local Scales under Future Scenarios .  Advisor: Cindy Zhang .

Eli Egan-Anderson, (M.A.)  Mapping Relict Charcoal Hearths in the Northeast US Using Deep Learning Convolutional Neural Networks and LIDAR Data .  Advisor: William Ouimet .

Neil Oculi, (Ph.D.)  Vulnerability of Small Island Developing States across Multiple Scales .  Advisor: Scott Stephenson .

Shuowei Zhang , (Ph.D.)  Computing Local Fractal Dimension Using Geographical Weighting Scheme .  Advisor: Robert Cromley .

Weixing Zhang , (Ph.D.)  A Markov Chain Random Field Cosimulation-Based Approach for Land Cover Post-classification and Urban Growth Detection .  Advisor: Cindy Zhang .

Joseph Danko , (Ph.D.)  The Local Socioeconomic Impact of Destination Redevelopments in Detroit and Las Vegas (1990-2010): A Novel Geographically-Weighted Shift-Share Analysis Approach .  Advisor: Dean Hanink .

Eric Hoffman , (Ph.D.)  Developing a Flexible Disaster Relief Supply Chain Model .  Advisor: Robert Cromley .

Qinglin Hu , (Ph.D.)  An Empirical Analysis of the Role of Unionization in Variations in Income Inequality Across Selected U.S. Metropolitan Areas in 1990, 2000 and 2010 .  Advisor: Dean Hanink .

Kevin Nebiolo , (Ph.D.)  Anticipating the Effects of Economic Displacement in Marine Space with Agent Based Models .  Advisor: Robert Cromley .

Mengyao Zhang , (Ph.D.)  A Geographical Analysis of Food Access in the Greater Hartford Area of Connecticut .  Advisor: Debarchana Ghosh .

Andrew Huddy , (Ph.D.)  Farming Alone: Factors Influencing Farmland Conversion Along the Rural Urban Fringe .  Advisor: Jeffrey Osleeb .

Katharine Johnson , (Ph.D.) Investigating Historic Human-Land Use Dynamics in Southern New England Using LiDAR and Geospatial Analysis .  Advisor: Will Ouimet .

Xiaojiang Li , (Ph.D.), Investigating Environmental Inequities in Terms of Street Greenery using Google Street View .  Advisor:  Cindy Zhang .

Natalia Vorotyntseva , (Ph.D.)  Measuring Segregation Patterns and Change: a Co-Location Quotient Approach .  Advisor:  Robert Cromley .

Karen Johnson , (M.A.)  Prejudice and Discrimination in U.S. Graduate Geography Programs: Reports from Domestic and International Students .  Advisor: Ken Foote .

Carissa Rutkauskas , (M.A.)  Latinos College Access: Effect of Cultural, Social, and Human Capital on Enrollment within the Metropolitan Area .  Advisor: Thomas Cooke .

Dmitriy Tarasov , (M.A.)  With a National Park Next to Its Downtown:  Forecasting the Distribution of the Economic Impacts of the Coltsville National Historical Park within Hartford, Connecticut.  Advisor: Dean Hanink .

Kevin Evringham , (Ph.D.) United States Security Alliances in the Asian Pacific: A Pivot from Bi-Lateral to Multi-Lateral in the 21st Century.   Advisor: Nathaniel Trumbull .

Timothy Garceau , (Ph.D.)  A Multi-Scalar Model to Identify the Causes of Decreased Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) in the United States.   Advisor: Carol Atkinson-Palombo.

Jose Torres , (Ph.D.) Tourist and Recreational Legacies of World's Fairs .  Advisor: Nathaniel Trumbull .

Shaolu Yu , (Ph.D.) Transnationalism, Mobility and Identity: the Making of Place in Flushing, New York City.   Advisor: Priscilla McCutcheon.

Marcello Graziano , (Ph.D.) Adoption of diffused Renewal Energy Technologies:  Patterns and Drivers of Residential Photovoltaic (PV) Systems in Connecticut, 2005-2013 . Advisor: Carol Atkinson-Palombo .

Kristen Keegan , (Ph.D.) Economic Diversity, Growth and Development in Early Nineteenth Century Connecticut . Advisor: Robert Cromley .

Naomi Lazarus , (Ph.D.) Evaluating Community Resilience under Conditions of an Environmental Disaster: The Case of the Deep Water Horizon Oil Spill . Advisor: Jeffrey Osleeb .

George Bentley , (Ph.D.) Analyzing Land Covers in the context of Kuznets Curves . Advisor: Dean Hanink .

Benjamin Franek (Ph.D). On Stream Assessment: Human Perception and Spatiotemporal Delineation of Geomorphic Units . Advisor:  Nathaniel Trumbull.

Jie Lin , (Ph.D.) Intelligent Isopleth Mapping . Advisor: Robert Cromley .

Zhiqiang Liu , (Ph.D.) Geographical Concentration of Manufacturing Industries in China -- Measurements and Determinants . Advisor: Dean Hanink .

Cary Lynch , (Ph.D.) Observed and Projected Climate Variability in the Northeast United States from CMIP5 . Advisor: Anji Seth .

Allison Bradshaw (M.A.)  A Spatial Analysis of West Nile Virus in Texas, 2012 .  Advisor:  Debarchana Ghosh .

Dean Chauvin (M.A.)  Advanced Techniques in Emergency Preparedness and Geoprocessing .  Advisor:  Jeffrey Osleeb .

Logan Thomas , (M.A.)  The Status of Economic and Social Rights in Appalachia .  Advisor: William Berentsen .

Kevin Evringham , (M.A.) The United States Military Realignment on Okinawa . Advisor: Nathaniel Trumbull .

Patrick Gallagher , (M.A.) Creating a Pedestrian Level-of-Service Index for Transit Stops : Evidence from Denver’s Light Rail System . Advisor: Carol Atkinson-Palombo .

Jonathan Pollak , (M.A.) An Integrated Approach for Developing Adaptation Strategies in Climate Planning: A Case Study of Vulnerability in Dukes County, Massachusetts . Advisor:  Carol Atkinson-Palombo .

Christopher Rappa , (M.A.) New England's Retail Landscape: An Analysis of the County-level Restructuring: 1988-2008 . Advisor: Jeffrey Osleeb .

Jebediah Stevens , (M.A.) Exploring Symbolic Aspects of Human-Environment Interaction in a Socially Constructed Coastscape:  Sense of Place in Coastal Maine . Advisor: Nathaniel Trumbull .

Paul Fernald , (Ph.D) Asian Americans in New England: Settlement and Business Patterns, 1980-2002 . Advisor: Robert Cromley .

Benjamin Spaulding , (Ph.D) A Game Theoretic Approach to the Maximal Covering Prevention Location Problem . Advisor: Robert Cromley .

Jeanne Thibeault , (Ph.D) Changing Climate in the Bolivian Altiplano . Advisor: Anji Seth .

Jie Lin , (M.A.) Using Geographically Weighted Regression to Solve the Areal Interpolation Problem. Advisor: Robert Cromley .

Marshall Rivers , (M.A.) A Spatial Analysis of Votor Turnout in Windham, Connecticut from 2005 Through 2008. Advisor: Robert Cromley .

Daxiang Zhang , (M.A.) Contrail Detection Using Object-oriented Based Classification and Interpolation Based on Geostatistics. Advisor: Chuanrong Zhang .

Peter Hayward , (Ph.D) The Modifiable Areal Unit Problem (MAUP) and Health Disparities . Advisor: Jeffrey Osleeb .

Akito Michimi , (Ph.D) Spatial and Temporal Patterns of Cardiovascular Disease in the United States and England:  A Comparison of Data from National Health Surveillance Databases . Advisor: Ellen Cromley .

Melanie Rapino , (Ph.D) Gender Roles and Spatial Entrapment . Advisor: Thomas Cooke .

Graham Boardman , (M.A.) Science to support dam removal decisions: the geomorphic impacts of Poliak Pond Dam on Umpawaug Pond Brook, Connecticut and recommendations for dam removal. Advisor: Melinda Daniels .

Brandon Cramer , (M.A.) Spatial Analysis of Alcohol-Related Mortality in Connecticut, 1985-2004. Advisor: Jeffrey Osleeb .

Stephanie Derrick , (M.A.) Solving the location set covering problem in a bounded plane. Advisor: Robert Cromley .

Thomas Fischetti , (M.A.) Economic Restructuring in the United States: 1988-1999. Advisor: Alexander Vias .

Natalie Vibert , (M.A.) Regeneration of Woody Vegetation in the Southern Connecticut River Floodplain. Advisor: Melinda Daniels .

Paul Woodworth , (M.A.) Assessment of Changes in Hydraulic Habitat from the Removal of Poliak Pond Dam on Umpawaug Pond Brook in Redding, Connecticut. Advisor: Melinda Daniels .

C. Patrick Heidkamp , (Ph.D) Credence Attributes and Land Use: Eco-labeled Coffee . Advisor: Dean Hanink .

Kei Man (Betty) Chau , (M.A.) Second Generation Chinese Immigrants’ Degree of Assimilation in the United States. Advisor: Thomas Cooke .

Jason Miller , (M.A.) Interpreting Tectonics From Geomorphic Metrics in the Hsuehshan Range, Taiwan. Advisor: Melinda Daniels .

Nicholas McNamara , (M.A.) Siting Commodities Distribution Points for Emergency Preparedness in Western Connecticut Coastal Towns Using a Loosely-Coupled GIS-SAS Model. Advisor: Robert Cromley .

F. Tyler Huffman , (Ph.D.) Assessing the Impact of Uncertainties and Errors on Multi-Criteria Evaluation Procedures when using Remote Sensing Derived Land Cover Input Data . Advisor: Robert Cromley .

Grant Gritzmacher , (M.A.) A Comparison of Four Methods of Estimating Bed Shear Stress Using Three-Dimensional Velocity Data From Natural Meandering Channels With and Without Large Woody Debris. Advisor: Melinda Daniels .

Bryan Jones , (M.A.) Estimating Age-Specific Inter-Regional Migration Using Infant Migration Propensity: The Case of Iceland. Advisor: William Berentsen .

Heather Pierce , (M.A.) A Planform Analysis of Channel Change on the Housatonic River in Southwestern Massachusetts. Advisor: Melinda Daniels .

Benjamin Spaulding , (M.A.) Integrating the Maximum Capture Location Problem Into a GIS Framework. Advisor: Robert Cromley .

Elizabeth Spencer , (M.A.) Riffle Microhabitats: Linking Geomorphology to Aquatic Macoinvertibrate Community Compositions within Riffle Systems. Advisor: Melinda Daniels .

Tatiana Serebriakova , (Ph.D.) Mapping Radiation from External and Internal Sources in Belarus from the Chernobyl Disaster: Implications for Epidemiological Analysis . Advisor: Ellen Cromley .

Gregory Cutrera , (M.A.) Analyzing the Accessibility of Grocery Stores to Low-Income Neighborhoods. Advisor: Robert Cromley .

Mara Kaminowitz , (M.A.) A Geographic Information System for Assessing Physical and Environmental Risks to Historic Sites in Northeastern Connecticut. Advisor: Ellen Cromley .

Sarah Marchant , (M.A.) The Shifting Landscape of Concentrated Metropolitan Poverty 1980-2000. Advisor: Thomas Cooke .

Megan McCusker , (M.A.) The Geomorphic Effects of Low-Head Dams upon the Sediment Regime of Connecticut Fluvial Systems. Advisor: Melinda Daniels .

Cathyann Yellen , (M.A.) Examining the ‘Brain Drain': A Temporal and Spatial Pattern Analysis of the Emigration of University of Connecticut Graduates From the State of Connecticut. Advisor: Alexander Vias .

David Merwin , (Ph.D.) A Neural Network Approach to Solving Areal Interpolation Problems . Advisor: Robert Cromley .

Edmund Zolnik , (Ph.D.) A Multilevel Model of U.S. Internal Migration . Advisor: Dean Hanink .

Daniel Grossman , (M.A.) Relieving Congestion Along the I-95 Corridor Through Entrance Ramp Closures: A Shortest Path Approach. Advisor: Robert Cromley .

David Humphreys , (M.A.) Siting of Wireless Network Antennae: A Location Set-Covering Approach Using Three Dimensional Viewshed Analyses. Advisor: Robert Cromley .

Martyn Smith (M.A.) A Comparison of Quantitative Methods Used to Measure Coastal Change Using GIS. Advisor: Robert Cromley .

Kristopher White , (Ph.D.) Regional Economic Change in the Northern Forest: An Empirical Examination . Advisor: Dean Hanink .

Katherine Blankley , (M.A.) Examining Boundary and Scale Effects in Multi-criteria Evaluation Perfomed Within a Raster Based Geographic Information System. Advisor: Robert Cromley .

Kevin Fleming , (M.A.) The Regulation of Public Space in Hartford Connecticut: The Criminalization of the Homeless. Advisor: William Berentsen .

John Hangen , (M.A.) Fallout: The Aftermath of a Nuclear Power Plant Decommissioning on a Rural Municipality. Advisor: William Berentsen .

C. Patrick Heidkamp , (M.A.) Waterfront Revitalization, Gentrification and Capital on the Waterfront – An Analysis of Waterfront Revitalization in Two Small Port Cities: Portsmouth, NH and Newport, RI. Advisor: William Berentsen .

Chinekwu Obidoa , (M.A.) Geographical Analysis of HIV/AIDS Infection in Nigeria. Advisor: Robert Cromley .

Stephen Scobie , (M.A.) Geographic Contingency and Commuting Time. Advisor: Thomas Cooke .

Julie Annino , (Ph.D.) Travel Behavior and Intelligent Transportation Systems . Advisor: Robert Cromley .

Mary Melson , (M.A.) Changes in the Spatial Distribution of Women in Connecticut Between 1940 and 2000. Advisor: Ellen Cromley .

Amie Tillmann , (M.A.) Screams from the Quiet Corner? A Regression Analysis of Crime in Windham County, Connecticut. Advisor: Thomas Cooke .

April Forsman , (M.A.) An Assessment of Satisfaction Among Residents of New Urbanist Communities. Advisor: Thomas Cooke .

Xiaojing Wei , (M.A.) Analyzing the Relationship Between Motor Vehicle Crash Locations, Ambulance Dispatch Sites and Emergency Room Locations Using Data on Motor Vehicle Crash Occurring on State or Local Roads in Northeastern Connecticut. Advisor: Ellen Cromley .

Stephen Baker , (M.A.) Geographic Dimensions of Poverty and Affluence within the Bridgeport-Milford PMSA. Advisor: Peter Halvorson .

Paul Fernald , (M.A.) New Gold Mountain: Contrasts in Chinese Migration and Settlement Patterns in Australia. Advisor: Wei Li .

F. Tyler Huffman , (M.A.) Automated Label Point Annotation as a Location Set Covering Problem. Advisor: Robert Cromley .

David Merwin , (M.A.) Applying Artificial Neural Networks for Spatial Interpolation of Digital Elevation Models. Advisor: Robert Cromley .

Adam Winters , (M.A.) Analyzing Coverage Areas for Emergency Medical Services in the North Central Connecticut Region. Advisor: Ellen Cromley .

Edmund Zolnik , (M.A.) Urban Social Indicators: Canada and the USA. Advisor: Thomas Cooke.

Stewart Crone , (M.A.) An Analysis of Redistricting Connecticut Congressional Districts Following the 2000 Census. Advisor: Robert Cromley .

Kevin Nolan , (M.A.) Facility Location in a Competitive Environment. Advisor: Robert Cromley .

Brian Pop e, (M.A.) Creating a Campus Accessibility Map for the Disabled. Advisor: Ellen Cromley .

Stephen Martin , (M.A.) The Modifiable Areal Unit Problem and Its Effect on Environmental Equity Studies. Advisor: Dean Hanink.

Paul Samara , (M.A.) Urban Change Detection Using Landsat Thematic Mapper Data During Different Real Estate Market Cycles in Connecticut. Advisor: Robert Cromley .

Christine Seidel , (M.A.) A Watershed Analysis Method to Predict Base Flow Water Quality Using GIS and Landscape Spatial Pattern Analysis: Tolland County , Connecticut - Winter Season. Advisor: Robert Andrle .

Matthew Stutts , (M.A.) Evaluating the Spatial Demands for U.S. National Battleground Parks. Advisor: Dean Hanink .

Stacey Barron , (M.A.) Journey-to-work Patterns Among University of Connecticut Employees: An Empirical Examination of Commuting Distances and Times Using Survey Methodology. Advisor: Peter Halvorson .

Jeffrey Crocker , (M.A.) Regional Accessibility Between the European Union and East-Central Europe: An Analysis and Application of the Market Potential and Aggregate Travel Models. Advisor: William Berentsen .

William Kida , (M.A.) Using Delphi to Couple an External Linear Programming Model to ArcView. Advisor: Robert Cromley .

Alexander Mavrides , (M.A.) Siting a Municipal Composting Facility in Mansfield, Connecticut and Developing and Efficient Yard Waste Collection Routing Scheme Using Geographic Information Systems. Advisor: Robert Cromley .

Jennifer Roberts (M.A.) An Analysis of Availability and Accessibility of Mammography Facilities in Connecticut Using a Singly Constrained Spatial Interaction Model. Advisor: Ellen Cromley .

Richard Mrozinski , (M.A.) A Methodology for the Spatial Interpolation of Area Units. Advisor: Robert Cromley .

Thomas Mueller , (M.A.) Spatial Variation of Mortgage Lending in the Capitol Planning Region. Advisor: Peter Halvorson .

Kristine Noviello , (M.A.) A Comparison of the Air Passenger Industry and the Air Cargo Industry with Respect to Hub Locations. Advisor: Ellen Cromley .

Michael Olkin , (M.A.) Assessment of Geographical Skills Acquired by Gifted Middle School Students Using GIS in a Constructive Learning Environment. Advisor: Judith Meyer .

Gerald Palmer , (M.A.) A Market Area Analysis of Corporate and Franchise Networks in the Real Estate Brokerage Industry. Advisor: Robert Cromley .

Kristopher White , (M.A.) Atlantic Salmon Restoration: A Geographic Analysis. Advisor: Dean Hanink.

Christina Cullen , (M.A.) Public Housing Concentration: Assessment of a New Policy to Change This Pattern. Advisor: Peter Halvorson .

Elizabeth Frederic , (M.A.) Barn Preservation in Maine. Advisor: John Allen .

Michael Jurmu , (M.A.) Morphology of a Wetland Stream. Advisor: Robert Andrle .

Thomas Kolb e, (M.A.) Circum-Pacific Trade and APEC: An Empirical Analysis. Advisor: Dean Hanink .

Ronald Trotta , (M.A.) Religious Participation and Demographic Change: A Study of the Unchurched in America. Advisor: Peter Halvorson .

Jane Evancie , (M.A.) A Methodology for Determining Regional High Technology Agglomeration Potential. Advisor: Robert Cromley .

Kevin Joy , (M.A.) Estimating Child Exposure to Electromagnetic Fields Associated with Transmission Lines in Hartford County, Connecticut. Advisor: Ellen Cromley .

Jacqueline MacInnis , (M.A.) Spatial Patterns and Determining Factors in the Adoption of Curbside versus Drop-off Recycling. Advisor: John Allen .

Scott November , (M.A.) Multi-objective Analysis of School District Regionalization Alternatives in Connecticut. Advisor: Ellen Cromley .

Jeffrey Sanders , (M.A.) An Economic Assessment of the Trade and Investment Patterns of U.S. and Mexico with Implications for the North American Free Trade Agreement. Advisor: Dean Hanink .

Paul Davis , (M.A.) Historical Geography of Land Preservation in the Joshua's Tract Area of Connecticut. Advisor: John Allen .

Russell Gaulin , (M.A.) Remote Sensing and GIS Analysis of Land Use Sustainability in Hill Forests of Southeast Asia 's Golden Triangle Region. Advisor: John Allen .

Ted Milligan , (M.A.) Changing Spatial Patterns of Urban Poverty. Advisor: Ellen Cromley .

Stephen Pritchard , (M.A.) A Method for Highway Corridor Selection using Network Modelling. Advisor: Robert Cromley .

Tracy Smith , (M.A.) Institutional Responses to Demographic Change: A Case Study of Religious Denominations in America. Advisor: Peter Halvorson .

Valerie Kier , (M.A.) The Economic Impacts of Ukrainian Independence as Evaluated by Input-Output Analysis and Trade Theory. Advisor: William Berentsen .

Paul O'Packi , (M.A.) A Spatial Decision Support System for Managing a Home-delivered Meals Service. Advisor: Ellen Cromley .

Danny Stewart , (M.A.) Income as a Measure of Social and Economic Patters Within Various Regional Configurations. Advisor: Peter Halvorson .

Barbara Hackney , (M.A.) Measuring Diversity in Connecticut's Housing Stock. Advisor: Ellen Cromley .

Jennifer Young , (M.A.) Human Manipulation of the Historical Hudson Shoreline. Advisor: John Allen .

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We have 102 Geography PhD Projects, Programmes & Scholarships

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Geography PhD Projects, Programmes & Scholarships

PhDs in Geography are doctoral research degrees that allow students to deeply explore a particular aspect of geography.

Specifics vary drastically between programmes, but may involve research into the complexities of physical landscapes, human-environment interactions, and the impact of geographical phenomena on societies.

Entry requirements typically include an undergraduate degree in an appropriate subject such as Geography, Environmental Science or Urban Planning. A relevant Masters degree may also be required depending on the programme.

Why study a PhD in Geography?

Develop skills and knowledge.

A PhD in Geography allows you to not only develop your own knowledge of Geography, but also to make a unique, original contribution to the subject as a whole. By doing so, you will hone a variety of transferable skills, such as:

  • Research and Analytical Skills: Ability to design, conduct, and analyse complex research projects.
  • Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving: Expertise in evaluating geographical theories and practices to address challenges.
  • Communication and Presentation Skills: Proficiency in effectively conveying ideas and findings to diverse audiences.

Further Career Development

If you're hoping for a career in academia, a PhD is typically required. Other research-based careers may likewise require a PhD, and even when they don't, employers will value the research skills and knowledge developed during your degree. For more information, please visit our PhD employability guide .

After completing your PhD in Geography, a potential career option might be employment as a Lecturer . According to UK salary data from Glassdoor , a Lecturer earns an average of £40,476 per year , dependent on factors such as experience, employer and employment location.

Improve Employability

Completing a PhD may also improve your employability. According to the UK government's LEO Graduate and Postgraduate Outcomes survey , 83% of Geography PhD students were in further education or employment three years after graduation.

What do prospective Geography PhD students think about study?

We host the Pulse postgraduate survey to understand the motivations, concerns and expectations of students just like you. For prospective Geography PhD students in 2023:

  • 74% were either positive or very positive about employment after graduation.
  • 83% preferred on campus learning, 5% preferred online/distance learning, and 12% preferred a blended approach.
  • 10% were interested in part-time study.
  • Subject interest
  • Career progress

If you'd like to make your voice heard, why not complete our survey? Your feedback will help us ensure our site is as helpful as possible for students like you!

Note: This guidance was produced with the assistance of AI. However, all data is derived from reliable, authoratitive sources, and all content has been reviewed by humans.

Physical Limnology and Oceanography: hydrodynamical modelling of lakes

Phd research project.

PhD Research Projects are advertised opportunities to examine a pre-defined topic or answer a stated research question. Some projects may also provide scope for you to propose your own ideas and approaches.

Funded PhD Project (Students Worldwide)

This project has funding attached, subject to eligibility criteria. Applications for the project are welcome from all suitably qualified candidates, but its funding may be restricted to a limited set of nationalities. You should check the project and department details for more information.

Unveiling Tipping Points in lakes

16 phd positions in msca/ukri doctoral network “scala - spatial communication and ageing across languages”, funded phd programme (students worldwide).

Some or all of the PhD opportunities in this programme have funding attached. Applications for this programme are welcome from suitably qualified candidates worldwide. Funding may only be available to a limited set of nationalities and you should read the full programme details for further information.

Germany PhD Programme

A German PhD usually takes 3-4 years. Traditional programmes focus on independent research, but more structured PhDs involve additional training units (worth 180-240 ECTS credits) as well as placement opportunities. Both options require you to produce a thesis and present it for examination. Many programmes are delivered in English.

Investigating the Effectiveness of Chemical and Thermal Treatment Methods in the Radiocarbon Dating of Consolidated Museum Artefacts

Funded phd project (uk students only).

This research project has funding attached. It is only available to UK citizens or those who have been resident in the UK for a period of 3 years or more. Some projects, which are funded by charities or by the universities themselves may have more stringent restrictions.

Doctoral Research Associates (EU-Forscher*in , salary level E 13 TV-L, 100%)

Doctoral research associate - eu msca fellow, ‘vulnerabilities’ and ‘capabilities’ within the context of protracted displacement crises, self-funded phd students only.

This project does not have funding attached. You will need to have your own means of paying fees and living costs and / or seek separate funding from student finance, charities or trusts.

PhD on the quantification of the impact of natural variability and possible volcanic futures on climate projections across the Irish and British Isles

Developing diffusion models for electric vehicle: spatial-temporal analysis and policy evaluation (ref: abce-cm1-24), building resilience through imagination and children’s knowledge (ref: abce-kc1-24), gene editing to improve salt tolerance in legumes - phd, desert to the sea: using novel methods to understand pigment use in rock art and indigenous collections, community experiences of co-creating applied theatre decision labs for conflict resolution in place-based climate change adaptation, a critical political economy of money, finance and finacialization, environmental noise and cardiometabolic health in uk populations.

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Geographical and Environmental Education

The official name of the phd programme is Didactics of geography. Students are invited to conduct their own empirical research in the field of geographical and environmental education at all levels of education (primary, secondary, tertiary), investigating all of its aspects (learners, educators, curriculum and resources, school environment, pedagogy, policy makers, etc.). Research studies should aim to provide and distribute evidence and/or conceptually robust arguments and practices that will improve the quality of geographical education in national settings and internationally; for example, in the areas of:

(1) the clarification of the purposes and goals of geographical education;

(2) the development of various curricula and/or pedagogic and assessment practices;

(3) the deepening of a understanding of learning progressions;

(4) development in understanding of learners’ geographical knowledge and experience, including their misconceptions;

(5) the improvement of teacher education, linking innovative teaching practices to empirical research.

Some examples of more specific research topics are as follows:

  • Geographical literacy;
  • Curriculum development in different national and international contexts;
  • General and specific skills in geography;
  • Student (mis)conceptions in geography;
  • Curriculum-making skills of geography teachers
  • Students’ progression in geography
  • Cognitive aspects of map work;
  • Strategies in the development of student geographical thinking;
  • Implementation of environmental education in teaching.

Supervisors: Dana Řezníčková , Miroslav Marada , Martin Hanus , Tomáš Matějček

Research team: GEEN – Centre for Geographical and Environmental Education

Open call(s) for PhD students: Student (mis)conceptions when working with maps , Student strategies for solving tasks with maps

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phd research topics in geography

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PhD in Geography (Research)

Faculty Website:    Faculty of Science Department:  Department of Geography, Environmental Management & Energy Studies Programme Level: Postgraduate Programme Name:  PhD in Geography (Research) Programme Code: P2005Q

Medium of Facilitation: part-time, Full-Time NQF Level:  10 NQF Credits:  360 SAQA:  96969

Application Start Date : 1 April 2024 Application End Date: 14 March 2025

Campus:  Auckland Park Kingsway

Contacts: 011 559 2432 Email: [email protected]

Duration of Study:  4 Years Full-Time and 5 Years Part-Time

Programme Fees

In this module the student will prepare a research thesis on an approved research topic in Geography under the supervision of a supervisor, in which the student must prove that he/she can independently conduct original scientific research in Geography and publish the results in an accredited scientific journal. An original contribution to knowledge in Geography needs to be made.

Admission Requirements

For admission to a doctoral programme, applicants must have successfully completed a relevant master programme in the Geography or relevant field of study or discipline as determined by the relevant Faculty Board, approved by the SHDC, ratified by Senate and contained in the relevant Faculty Rules and Regulations. The extent to which applicants meet admission requirements is assessed by the relevant Head of Department, in consultation with the prospective supervisors, in accordance with the admission requirements for the particular doctoral programme determined by the Faculty Board, approved by Senate and contained in the relevant Faculty Rules and Regulations. The Head of Department, in consultation with the relevant Executive Dean, may set additional admission requirements, as approved by the relevant faculty higher degrees committee, for a particular student. Admission requirements are department specific and approved by the Executive Dean. Admission to a Doctoral programme is not automatic even if the applicant is in possession of an appropriate preceding qualification. A department may, subject to approval by the Executive Dean, require a student to successfully complete certain specified components before the Doctoral degree can be awarded. Students applying for Doctoral degree studies in general need to have obtained their previous relevant degree with an average mark of at least 65% or equivalent. In exceptional cases a student with a mark between 60% and 64% may apply to be accepted for study provided a motivation from the Supervisor and the Head of Department where the study is to be conducted is submitted to the Executive Dean of the Faculty of Science for approval.

More Information

Extended BSc in Life and Environmental Sciences (Zoology and Chemistry)

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(Ph.D./Dr. rer.nat)

  • 31 st of January for the following summer term
  • 31 st of July for the following winter term

Information concerning the application:

  • For the preconditions for admission (among others the proof of sufficient English language skills) and further information about the application for this PhD programme please read the admission regulation ("Zugangsordnung") .
  • For further questions please contact your prospective PhD supervisor.

Application step by step:

  • Protocol form aptitude interview [internal] ("Protokollbogen Eignungsgespräch" [intern])
  • Protocol form aptitude interview [external] ("Protokollbogen Eignungsgespräch" [extern])
  • Degree certificates in English or German / translation in single copy or indication of achievements to date (credits / grade point average). A certified copy of the documents must be submitted or the originals presented before enrolment.
  • a curriculum vitae written in English, which also provides information about the scientific career.
  • proof of sufficient (English) language skills by means of an internationally recognised test or equivalent performance.
  • suitable documents to prove additional achievements (publications, internships, professional experience, teaching activities), which demonstrate the special suitability for the doctoral programme; in the case of already existing publications, simple copies of the publications.
  • a doctoral candidate declaration ["Promovierenden-Erklärung"] (will be generated with the GAUSS application for admission)
  • a description of the research project

The PhD examination in mathematics consists of:

  • a written exam (dissertation thesis) and
  • an oral exam (disputation).

It is carried out referring to the GAUSS PhD regulations ["RerNat-O"] of 2018--01. Your thesis and accompanying documents have to be submitted electronically via Göttingen University's Lucom system . We kindly request that you inform the dean´s office at least 6-7 weeks in advance that you intend to submit your dissertation and apply for admission to the oral doctoral examination (disputation). You will receive detailed information regarding the process, what kind of documents will be required and how to ultimately be admitted to your disputation. All relevant information can also be found on the GAUSS homepage . For further information, please carefully study the checklist "Countdown to doctoral degree" provided by GAUSS .

The PhD programme "Geography" is based on a research focus on "Resource Analysis and Assessment of the Geosphere" in the context of geographical research on human-environment relations. The doctoral students benefit from a number of international collaborative projects in which the Institute of Geography participates. The general theme associates process mapping and modelling, creation of material balances (water, air, sediment, carbon, nitrogen and pollutants), the reconstruction of past environmental conditions and the analysis and modelling of the consequences of the use of interventions in biogeochemical cycles. The social science methodology is included in the context of human ecology, political ecology, and institutional analysis and resource use conflicts. At present, the Institute of Geography is involved in several international collaborative projects. The ongoing project carbiocial (Carbon sequestration, biodiversity and social structures in Southern Amazonia: models and implementation of carbon-optimised land management strategies) was started in August 2011 under the auspices of the Department of Landscape Ecology BMBF. The subject of the comprehensive joint project (with 14 sub-projects), which will be conducted in a German-Brazilian cooperation, is the study of climate and socioeconomic factors with the aim of controlling C-optimised land use strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. In order to create decision support systems (DSS), this can be transferred for use in other regions. The Department of Human Geography is integrated with the project "Political and institutional impacts on cultural landscape transformation in Sumatra, Indonesia" in the socioeconomic programme area of the CRC 990 "Ecological and socioeconomic functions of tropical lowland rainforest transformation systems in Sumatra (EEFFORTS)" (2012 - 2015). Furthermore, the Department of Human Geography is linked with the Centre for Modern Indian Studies (CeMIS) and integrated in the application of a new CRC (CRC 1122 "Agricultural Transition in the Indian Rural-Urban Interface"). In addition, the Department of Cartography, GIS and Remote Sensing is integrated in the regional project "Bioenergy in Tension". This cooperative project examines social and natural changes which are associated with the increasing use of biomass for energy recovery. By participating in these international collaborative projects, doctoral students learn to carry out autonomous scientific work. They also acquire knowledge and skills that go beyond a curricular programme of study, namely, through active participation in the academic affairs of the Faculty and Institute of Geography. At the department of Geography and High Mountain Geomorphology (GHG), PhD- and doctoral theses are supervised which specialize in research that is focused on mountain ranges around the world. These research activities may encompass the entire breadth of geography.

COMMENTS

  1. Top 50 Geography Research Topics [Revised]

    Human Geography Research Topics. Urbanization dynamics in developing countries. Social and economic impacts of gentrification in urban neighborhoods. Migration patterns and trends in Europe. Cultural landscapes and identity politics in contested territories. Gender disparities in access to resources and opportunities in rural areas.

  2. 146 Exquisite Geography Research Topics To Write About

    Explore our free list of 146 exciting geography research topics. Physical, human, economic, political, and environmental geography topics. Toll-free: +1 (877) 401-4335. Order Now. About; ... Expand the boundaries of geographical knowledge and contribute to the field with this diverse and stimulating list of PhD research topics in geography:

  3. PhD in Geography

    The topics of PhD theses should be related to the field of health geography. Geography of health is a discipline applying geographical information, perspective, and methods to the study of health, disease, and healthcare. Students are invited to contact the prospective supervisor and discuss their potential dissertation topics.

  4. 100+ Environmental Science Research Topics

    A mega list of research topic ideas in environmental sciences, including ecology, oceanography, hydrology, geology, soil science and more. ... Researched PhD topics on environmental chemistry involving dust and water. Reply. ... .I need a research topic on Geography. Reply. EDDIE NOBUHLE THABETHE on May 16, 2024 at 1:03 pm hi I need research ...

  5. Geography, PHD

    Curriculum Plan Options. 84 credit hours, a written comprehensive exam, an oral comprehensive exam, a prospectus and a dissertation. Required Core (3 credit hours) GCU 585 Geographic Research Design and Proposal Writing (3) Electives or Research (43 credit hours) Methods or Statistics Electives (6 credit hours) Skills Electives (6 credit hours ...

  6. PhD Program

    The PhD is granted to candidates who complete a dissertation that makes a significant and original contribution to geography. ... s doctoral committee, but must include the basic graduate courses (Research Design, Geographic Concept and Method, Topics in Quantitative Methods), 12 hours of credit in related fields outside the department, several ...

  7. PhD in Geography

    PhD in Geography, University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Now accepting applications for Fall 2025. GRE requirement optional for 2025 Admissions. The priority deadline for funding consideration is February 15th, 2025. The PhD in Geography is our department's core doctoral program reflecting the multi-disciplinary research and teaching ...

  8. Research areas and topics

    PhD research areas and suggested projects. Environment, infrastructure and sustainability. Housing and real estate. Planning, people and place. Urban inequalities and social justice. Current PhD students. Supervision is by leading academics across the discipline and is supported by a rigorous programme of training.

  9. Ph.D. in Geography

    Consistent with departmental funding policies, Ph.D. students without a Master's degree will be eligible for 5 years of departmental funding support. Completing an FSU Geography Masters Degree; Reapplying to the PhD Program. Current FSU Geography students will unfortunately need to reapply to the Ph.D. program to comply with FSU's rules.

  10. Geography Dissertation Topics For Free

    Geography Dissertation Research Topics. Topic 1: Studying the Fertility of Soil after the Volcanic Eruption. Topic 2: Understanding Global Warming Through Geography. Topic 3: Geography: Determining the Effects Caused by Natural Calamities on a Region. Topic 4: Evaluating the Ecological Value of the Forests. Topic 5: Comprehending the Security ...

  11. Your complete guide to a PhD in Geography

    A typical Geography curriculum includes subjects like Global Environments, Spatial Thinking, Geological Maps and Structures, Geohazards, Sedimentary Rocks and Fossils, Geographies of Globalisation, Meteorology, Geopolitics, etc. Geography graduates can easily get employed as cartographers, international development workers or tourism officers.

  12. Department of Geography: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

    PhD candidates: You are welcome and encouraged to deposit your dissertation here, ... A Historical Geography, William Helmer. PDF. Reexamining the Desert: A Study of Place-Based Food Insecurity, Morgan Ryan. 2021 PDF. ... A Research Framework for the Geographic Study of Exotic Pet Mammals in the USA, Gabrielle C. Tegeder.

  13. PhD in Geography

    PhD in Geography. PhD in Geography is an internationally-respected program designed to provide students with the methodological skills and theoretical perspectives necessary for undertaking independent, analytical research. Faculty and students collaborate to investigate critical issues dealing with society, geospatial inquiry, and the physical ...

  14. 100 Best Geography Topics For Research Papers

    Here are some of the best human geography research topics to consider for your papers. India and China - The universal effects of the increasing economic powers of these countries. Ethnic Dressing evolution through different centuries. Human culture - How it has changed over time.

  15. PhDs in Geography and the Scott Polar Research Institute

    The Department has a large community of around 80 PhD students working on their own projects. The PhD students at Geography and the Scott Polar Research Institute (SPRI) study a broad range of topics that reflect the diverse interests of the academic staff in the Department. 1.

  16. Doctoral Dissertations and Masters Theses

    Benbella, Diane, (Ph.D.) A Geospatial Analysis of Uganda's Progress and Challenges Towards the Target of "90-90-90" for Ending the HIV Epidemic. Advisor: Debarchana Ghosh. Buchanan, Mary, (Ph.D.) Exploring Landscape Futures for Local Food Production in Northeastern Connecticut. Advisor: Carol Atkinson-Palombo.

  17. Geography PhD Projects, Programmes & Scholarships

    For prospective Geography PhD students in 2023: 74% were either positive or very positive about employment after graduation. 83% preferred on campus learning, 5% preferred online/distance learning, and 12% preferred a blended approach. 10% were interested in part-time study. In order of popularity, the top three study motivations were:

  18. (PDF) TOPICS IN GEOGRAPHY

    Abstract. Geography is an inter-disciplinary subject. It is an essential academic field, which is needed for all walks of human life and a nation's development. By definition, Geography is the ...

  19. 215 PhD programmes in Geography

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  20. PhD in Geography

    Geographical and Environmental Education. The official name of the phd programme is Didactics of geography. Students are invited to conduct their own empirical research in the field of geographical and environmental education at all levels of education (primary, secondary, tertiary), investigating all of its aspects (learners, educators, curriculum and resources, school environment, pedagogy ...

  21. PhD in Geography (Research)

    Programme Name: PhD in Geography (Research) Programme Code: P2005Q. Medium of Facilitation: part-time, Full-Time NQF Level: 10 NQF Credits: 360 SAQA: 96969. ... In this module the student will prepare a research thesis on an approved research topic in Geography under the supervision of a supervisor, in which the student must prove that he/she ...

  22. [100+] Geography Research Topics With Free [Thesis Pdf] 2023

    Research Topic For Geography 2023. Sr. No. Research Topic. Check Thesis. 1. Medium irrigation project made changes in farming of jalna district a geographical analysis. Download. 2. Regional planning for socio_economic development in Meerut district.

  23. Geography (Ph.D.)

    About this PhD programme. The PhD programme "Geography" is based on a research focus on "Resource Analysis and Assessment of the Geosphere" in the context of geographical research on human-environment relations. The doctoral students benefit from a number of international collaborative projects in which the Institute of Geography participates.