Doctor of Philosophy in Geography

Build the analytical foundation and specialized skills to address real-world problems with the Doctor of Philosophy in Geography in Temple University’s College of Liberal Arts. In this 57-credit doctoral degree program, you will focus on geographic approaches to the study of urban and environmental processes and conditions in U.S. and international settings.

Our program emphasizes the following themes.

  • Geographic methods, including spatial analysis, remote sensing and qualitative research.
  • Globalization, including capital and labor flows, culture, citizenship, identity, and welfare state restructuring.
  • Social justice, focusing on inequalities across economics, gender and race.
  • Sustainability, emphasizing ecology, environmental justice and land use.

You will employ various theoretical approaches to investigate patterns and processes around the world. Acquire the methodological tools necessary to understand and address the economic, environmental, political and social challenges society faces today.

Graduate faculty expertise includes black geographies, critical feminist geography, food systems, geographic information science, health geography, political ecology, sustainability science, urban studies and urban analytics. Faculty networks with academic institutions, community organizations, nongovernmental organizations and public agencies, as well as social movements in Philadelphia and beyond, providing opportunities to actively engage in research. 

Graduates are prepared to conduct advanced scholarly research to prepare for careers in academia or professional research, or for professional work in nongovernment organizations, private firms and think tanks that focus on critical issues in the field. 

Our Community

The College of Liberal Arts at Temple comprises many academic disciplines and research areas. Now more than ever, an interdisciplinary liberal arts education is invaluable for your future pursuits. It offers the opportunity to further push your drive to create real change in the world, here at Temple and beyond. In this graduate program, you’ll work closely with diverse faculty members who are highly esteemed in their field and with a curious, passionate community of peers. Learn more about the College of Liberal Arts

Program Format & Curriculum

Students have seven years to complete the program on a full- or part-time basis with classes offered after 4:30 p.m.

The 51-credit Geography PhD curriculum includes core coursework, four methodology courses, seven electives, a qualifying exam and a dissertation demonstrating original research that makes a valuable contribution to the field of Geography and Urban Studies.

Core courses include the following.

  • Critical Issues in Globalization, Sustainability, and Social Justice
  • Geographic Inquiry
  • History and Theory of Urban Studies
  • Public Policy for Urban Regions
  • Research Design
  • Statistics for Urban Spatial Analysis

Learn more about the Geography PhD curriculum.

Tuition & Fees

In keeping with Temple’s commitment to access and affordability, this Doctor of Philosophy offers a competitive level of tuition with multiple opportunities for financial support.

Tuition rates are set annually by the university and are affected by multiple factors, including program degree level (undergraduate or graduate), course load (full- or part-time), in-state or out-of-state residency, and more. These tuition costs apply to the 2024–2025 academic year.

Pennsylvania resident: $1,105.00 per credit
Out-of-state: $1,518.00 per credit

You can view the full Cost of Attendance breakdown on the Student Financial Services website.

LA-GEOG-PHD

Additional Program Information