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M-A in Geography at Government College for Women, Hisar
Hisar, Haryana
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About the Specialization
What is Geography at Government College for Women, Hisar Hisar?
This M.A. Geography program at Government College for Women, Hisar, focuses on providing a holistic understanding of Earth''''s physical and human systems, their interactions, and the challenges arising from these dynamics. With an emphasis on both theoretical foundations and practical applications in areas like GIS and Remote Sensing, the program prepares students for diverse roles in environmental management, urban planning, and regional development, crucial sectors within the Indian economy. Its interdisciplinary approach distinguishes it.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for fresh graduates with a Bachelor''''s degree in Geography or related fields, seeking entry into environmental consulting, urban planning, or research within the Indian context. It also suits working professionals, such as teachers or government employees, looking to upskill in spatial data analysis or environmental studies. Career changers aiming to transition into data-driven spatial analysis or sustainable development will find this program highly relevant.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to pursue India-specific career paths in government agencies (e.g., Survey of India, urban development authorities), NGOs, academic institutions, and private companies involved in geo-spatial services. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 3 LPA to 6 LPA, with experienced professionals earning significantly more. Growth trajectories include roles as GIS Analysts, Urban Planners, Environmental Consultants, or Researchers, aligning with national development goals and infrastructure projects.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Build Strong Conceptual Foundations- (Semester 1-2)
Dedicate time to thoroughly understand core geographical theories in Geomorphology, Climatology, and Economic Geography. Utilize standard textbooks, university library resources, and online lectures from platforms like NPTEL. Focus on interconnections between concepts for a holistic view.
Tools & Resources
NPTEL courses on Physical Geography, NCERT (for revision), GJU library resources, Peer study groups
Career Connection
A solid theoretical base is essential for cracking competitive exams (UPSC, state PSCs) and for advanced research, providing a competitive edge in government and academic roles.
Master Practical Geography Skills Early- (Semester 1-2)
Actively participate in all Practical Geography sessions. Practice cartographic techniques, map projections, and basic GIS/Remote Sensing concepts using available lab software and exercises. Focus on accuracy, precision, and data interpretation from the outset.
Tools & Resources
ArcGIS/QGIS (basic functions), Google Earth Pro, Topographical maps, Lab manuals, YouTube tutorials for specific software features
Career Connection
Proficiency in these fundamental tools is directly applicable to entry-level GIS Analyst, Cartographer, or Survey Assistant roles in private firms, consultancies, and government departments.
Develop Effective Research and Writing Habits- (Semester 1-2)
Begin developing critical thinking and academic writing skills by actively engaging in term paper assignments and presenting findings. Practice summarizing complex geographical concepts concisely and clearly, ensuring proper referencing.
Tools & Resources
Purdue OWL (Online Writing Lab), Academic journals like Geographical Review of India, University writing center (if available), Feedback from professors on assignments
Career Connection
Strong research and writing abilities are crucial for higher studies (PhD), academic positions, and report writing roles in environmental consulting, policy analysis, and government sectors.
Intermediate Stage
Advanced Stage
Specialize in GIS and Remote Sensing Applications- (Semester 3-4)
Deepen your knowledge and practical skills in GIS and Remote Sensing by undertaking advanced projects, exploring open-source software (QGIS), and attending external workshops or short-term certifications beyond the curriculum. Apply these skills to real-world datasets.
Tools & Resources
QGIS, ERDAS Imagine (if available), Google Earth Engine, Udemy/Coursera courses on advanced GIS, Industry webinars and workshops
Career Connection
High proficiency in GIS/RS makes you highly employable in roles like GIS Specialist, Remote Sensing Analyst, Urban Planner, and data scientist, with significant demand in India''''s infrastructure, urban development, and environmental sectors.
Engage in Real-World Research and Dissertation- (Semester 3-4)
Choose a dissertation topic that addresses a current geographical issue in India or Haryana. Conduct thorough field work, collect primary data where appropriate, and apply advanced analytical skills. Seek regular mentorship from faculty for robust methodology and data interpretation.
Tools & Resources
Statistical software (SPSS/R), Survey tools (KoBoToolbox, Google Forms), Field equipment (GPS), Academic databases (JSTOR, Google Scholar), Faculty advisors
Career Connection
A well-executed dissertation is a powerful portfolio piece, showcasing independent research capabilities essential for research organizations, consultancies, academic roles, and even policy-making think tanks.
Prepare for Competitive Exams and Placements- (Semester 3-4)
Begin preparing for competitive exams (UGC-NET, SET, UPSC, state PSCs) and actively look for internship and job opportunities. Tailor your resume and practice interview skills, focusing on geographical concepts, analytical problem-solving, and communication abilities.
Tools & Resources
Previous year question papers for UGC-NET/UPSC, Online test series platforms, Career counseling services, LinkedIn for professional networking, University placement cell
Career Connection
Direct pathway to secure coveted government jobs (e.g., Assistant Professor, Town Planner, Cartographer, Environmental Officer) and placements in relevant private sector companies and NGOs in India.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Bachelor''''s Degree in Geography with at least 50% marks (47.5% for SC/ST/PwD candidates of Haryana) or equivalent from a recognized University. OR B.A. with at least 50% marks (47.5% for SC/ST/PwD candidates of Haryana) and having Geography as one of the subjects.
Duration: 4 semesters / 2 years
Credits: 88 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 30%, External: 70%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GEOM A-101 | Geomorphology | Core | 4 | Nature and Scope of Geomorphology, Earth''''s Interior and Plate Tectonics, Endogenetic and Exogenetic Forces, Fluvial Processes and Landforms, Arid and Glacial Landforms, Coastal and Karst Topography |
| GEOM A-102 | Climatology | Core | 4 | Nature and Scope of Climatology, Composition and Structure of Atmosphere, Insolation and Heat Budget, Atmospheric Pressure and Winds, Atmospheric Moisture and Precipitation, Climatic Classification (Koppen, Thornthwaite) |
| GEOM A-103 | Oceanography | Core | 4 | Nature and Scope of Oceanography, Ocean Basins and Submarine Relief, Temperature and Salinity Distribution, Ocean Currents, Tides and Waves, Marine Deposits and Resources |
| GEOM A-104 | History of Geographical Thought | Core | 4 | Nature and Scope of Geography, Contributions of Greek and Roman Geographers, Arab Geographers and Age of Discoveries, German School of Geography, French School of Geography, Dualisms and Paradigms in Geography |
| GEOM A-105 | Quantitative Methods in Geography | Core | 4 | Nature and Significance of Quantitative Methods, Scales of Measurement, Measures of Central Tendency, Measures of Dispersion, Correlation and Regression Analysis, Sampling Techniques and Hypothesis Testing |
| GEOM A-106 | Practical Geography-I | Practical | 2 | Cartographic Techniques (Scales, Enlargement/Reduction), Map Projections (Conical, Cylindrical, Zenithal), Interpretation of Topographical Maps, Weather Maps and Diagrams, Field Surveying (Chain and Prismatic Compass), Thematic Mapping |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GEOM A-201 | Economic Geography | Core | 4 | Nature and Scope of Economic Geography, Classification of Economic Activities, Natural Resources and their Management, Agriculture and its Types, Industrial Locational Theories, Global Trade Patterns and Regions |
| GEOM A-202 | Population Geography | Core | 4 | Nature and Scope of Population Geography, Distribution and Density of Population, Population Growth and Demographic Transition, Population Composition (Age, Sex, Literacy), Migration: Types, Causes, Consequences, Population Theories and Policies |
| GEOM A-203 | Social and Cultural Geography | Core | 4 | Nature and Scope of Social Geography, Society, Environment, and Spatial Organization, Social Structure and Processes, Culture Regions and Cultural Diffusion, Rural and Urban Social Spaces, Geography of Health and Well-being |
| GEOM A-204 | Regional Planning and Development | Core | 4 | Concepts of Region and Regionalization, Theories of Regional Development, Approaches to Regional Planning, Regional Disparities and Balanced Development, Rural Development Programs in India, Urban Planning and Smart Cities Concept |
| GEOM A-205 | Biogeography | Core | 4 | Nature and Scope of Biogeography, Ecosystem: Structure and Function, Biomes of the World, Distribution of Plants and Animals, Biodiversity and its Conservation, Environmental Adaptations of Organisms |
| GEOM A-206 | Practical Geography-II | Practical | 2 | Introduction to Remote Sensing Principles, Types of Remote Sensing and Platforms, Introduction to Geographic Information System (GIS), GIS Data Models (Raster and Vector), Global Positioning System (GPS) Applications, Thematic Map Preparation using Digital Tools |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GEOM A-301 | Environmental Geography | Core | 4 | Nature and Scope of Environmental Geography, Man-Environment Relationship, Environmental Degradation and Pollution (Air, Water, Land), Environmental Hazards and Disasters, Climate Change and its Impacts, Environmental Policies and Management |
| GEOM A-302 | Urban Geography | Core | 4 | Nature and Scope of Urban Geography, Origin and Growth of Cities, Urbanization Trends and Patterns, Urban Structure and Land Use Models, Urban Problems and Challenges in India, Urban Planning and Governance |
| GEOM A-303 | Agricultural Geography | Core | 4 | Nature and Scope of Agricultural Geography, Factors Affecting Agriculture, Agricultural Systems of the World, Major Crops and Agricultural Regions in India, Green Revolution and its Impact, Agricultural Policies and Sustainability |
| GEOM A-304 | Political Geography | Core | 4 | Nature and Scope of Political Geography, State, Nation, and Nation-State, Frontiers, Boundaries, and Borderlands, Geopolitics and World Order, Electoral Geography, International Relations and Conflicts |
| GEOM A-305 | Research Methodology in Geography | Core | 4 | Nature and Significance of Research in Geography, Types of Research, Research Design and Problem Formulation, Data Collection Methods (Primary and Secondary), Sampling Techniques, Data Analysis and Report Writing |
| GEOM A-306 | Practical Geography-III | Practical | 2 | Use of Statistical Software (e.g., SPSS, R), Advanced Cartography and Thematic Mapping, Digital Terrain Modeling, Spatial Analysis Techniques, Field Survey Techniques, Project Work on Local Geographical Issues |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GEOM A-401 | Geography of India | Core | 4 | Physical Divisions of India, Drainage System and Climate of India, Soils, Natural Vegetation, and Wildlife, Population Characteristics and Distribution, Agriculture, Industries, and Transport in India, Regional Disparities and Planning in India |
| GEOM A-402 | Regional Development in India | Core | 4 | Concepts of Development and Underdevelopment, Theories of Regional Development, Indicators of Regional Disparities in India, Planning for Backward Regions, Role of Government in Regional Development, Case Studies of Regional Development Programs |
| GEOM A-403 | Disaster Management | Core | 4 | Concepts of Disaster, Hazard, Vulnerability, Types of Disasters (Natural and Man-made), Disaster Risk Reduction Strategies, Pre-Disaster Preparedness and Mitigation, Post-Disaster Response and Recovery, Role of Government, NGOs, and Community in Disaster Management |
| GEOM A-404 | Remote Sensing and GIS | Core | 4 | Principles of Remote Sensing and Electromagnetic Spectrum, Remote Sensing Platforms and Sensors, Digital Image Processing and Interpretation, GIS Data Models and Database Management, Spatial Analysis and Network Analysis, Applications of Remote Sensing and GIS in various fields |
| GEOM A-405 | Dissertation/Project Work | Project | 4 | Formulation of Research Proposal, Review of Literature, Methodology and Data Collection, Data Analysis and Interpretation, Report Writing and Dissertation Structure, Presentation and Viva-Voce |
| GEOM A-406 | Practical Geography-IV | Practical | 2 | Advanced GIS Software (e.g., ArcGIS Pro), Web GIS and Online Mapping Platforms, Advanced Remote Sensing Image Analysis, Field Data Collection using GPS, Preparation of Professional Cartographic Products, Integrated Spatial Project |
