The University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls plans to offer its M.A. in Geography fully online through a 30-credit, non-thesis professional track beginning in fall 2026. Courses are taught asynchronously through recorded video lectures and Blackboard, and the GRE is not required.
UNI Online lists $604 per credit, about $18,800 for the degree with fees. UNI notes that delivery depends on enough students being admitted, and the department still describes the online track in the future tense, so confirm the start term before applying.
Program at a Glance
| Degree | M.A. in Geography (professional, non-thesis track) |
| Credits | 30 |
| Format | Online, asynchronous (recorded lectures and Blackboard) |
| Online start | Planned for fall 2026 (enrollment-contingent) |
| Tuition | $604 per credit online; about $18,800 total |
| GRE | Not required |
| Minimum GPA | 2.75 (or 3.0 in last 60 credits) |
| Capstone | Directed research project with final presentation |
| Accreditation | HLC |
Curriculum
The 2026–27 catalog lists 18 required credits and 12 elective credits for the non-thesis track.
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
| GEOG 5570 Sustainability and Geographic Leadership | 3 |
| GEOG 5150 Regional Geography (variable topic) | 3 |
| GEOG 5270 Science of Scenery | 3 |
| GEOG 6010 Geographic Research Methods | 3 |
| GEOG 6550 Seminar: History of Geographic Thought | 3 |
| GEOG 6598 Directed Research Project | 3 |
| Electives (at least one content and one skills elective) | 12 |
UNI Online says electives focus on practitioner skills in GIS, urban and community geography, environmental geography and transportation. A final presentation of the research paper is required. A 33-credit thesis track is also available but is not described as online.
Note: the department’s degree options page lists the non-thesis plan at 36 credits, while the catalog and UNI Online list 30.
How the Online Format Works
- Asynchronous lectures: UNI Online says courses are taught entirely online through recorded video lectures and Blackboard, so there are no set class meeting times listed.
- Flexible plan of study: UNI Online describes a flexible schedule for working students.
- Start: UNI Online lists fall starts and rolling admission; delivery is contingent on enrollment.
Admission Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree
- 2.75 GPA, or 3.0 in the last 60 credits; provisional admission possible (FAQ)
- No GRE
- Resume, 2-page statement, two letters of recommendation and official transcripts
- Department deadlines: February 1 for fall (full funding consideration) and November 1 for spring
Tuition and Fees
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Online tuition per credit | $604 |
| Technology fee | $48 per course |
| One-time fees | $165 (publication and records) |
| Estimated total (30 credits) | About $18,765 |
Rates are from UNI Online, which does not list an academic year and notes that nonresident or supplemental tuition may apply to online courses. For comparison, 2025–26 campus graduate tuition is $586 per credit for Iowa residents and $1,236 for nonresidents (Registrar). UNI Online mentions a possible $2,000 online and distance education scholarship.
Faculty and Department
UNI’s Department of Geography is home to the GeoTREE Center (founded 2006) and labs for geospatial science, low-altitude drone remote sensing and environmental analysis (centers and labs). The department says UNI offers the only B.S. in GIS in Iowa. UNI also offers a 15-credit GIS and Cartography Certificate, though its online availability is not stated.
Careers
UNI lists careers such as GIS technologist, urban and regional planner, transportation planner, environmental scientist and sustainability specialist. BLS reports a May 2025 median salary of $89,320 for urban and regional planners.
Pros and Considerations
Strengths
- Online geography master’s at about $18,800
- No GRE; 2.75 GPA minimum
- Practitioner-focused GIS and planning electives
- Research-active department with drone and GIS labs
Things to Consider
- New online track; delivery depends on enrollment
- Lectures are recorded, so you set your own study schedule
- Nonresident online pricing not fully confirmed
- Thesis track not offered online
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get UNI’s geography master’s online?
UNI plans to offer the non-thesis M.A. in Geography fully online beginning in fall 2026, taught through recorded video lectures and Blackboard. Delivery depends on enough students enrolling.
How much does UNI’s online geography master’s cost?
UNI Online lists $604 per credit plus a $48 per course technology fee, about $18,765 for 30 credits.
Does UNI require the GRE?
No. UNI does not require GRE scores for the M.A. in Geography.
How many credits is UNI’s online M.A.?
The non-thesis track is 30 credits per the 2026–27 catalog and UNI Online.
Compare UNI with other programs in our online geography and GIS degree guide, or see Iowa geography programs.
Official Sources
We verified this profile against the following school pages in October 2026. Program details change, so confirm current requirements and costs with the school before you apply.