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MA-M-SC-GEOGRAPHY in General at Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak
Rohtak, Haryana
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About the Specialization
What is General at Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak Rohtak?
This Geography program at Maharshi Dayanand University focuses on a comprehensive understanding of Earth''''s physical and human systems, integrating theoretical knowledge with practical skills. It covers diverse areas from geomorphology and climatology to population studies and regional planning, emphasizing contemporary issues relevant to India. The program equips students with analytical tools to address environmental challenges and socio-economic disparities.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for graduates with a background in Geography or related environmental sciences who seek to deepen their expertise. It caters to fresh graduates aspiring for careers in urban planning, environmental consultancies, disaster management, or teaching, as well as working professionals looking to upskill in GIS and remote sensing for advanced analytical roles in government and private sectors.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect promising career paths in central and state government organizations, NGOs, urban development authorities, and research institutions across India. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 3-5 Lakhs per annum, with experienced professionals earning INR 8-15 Lakhs or more. The program also prepares students for UGC NET/JRF, enabling academic careers and higher research.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Core Geographical Concepts- (Semester 1-2)
Focus intensely on understanding fundamental theories in physical and human geography, including geomorphology, climatology, population, and economic geography. Utilize textbooks, reference materials, and online lectures to build a strong theoretical base for advanced studies.
Tools & Resources
NCERT Geography books (Class 11 & 12), Standard physical and human geography textbooks (Savindra Singh, Majid Husain), NPTEL courses on foundational geography
Career Connection
A strong conceptual foundation is crucial for all advanced studies, competitive exams (UPSC, State PSC, NET/JRF), and analytical roles in urban planning or environmental agencies.
Develop Foundational Cartographic & Statistical Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Actively engage in practical sessions for cartography and statistical techniques. Practice drawing various map projections, thematic maps, and performing basic statistical analyses manually and using software like MS Excel. Form study groups to solve problems collaboratively.
Tools & Resources
Graph paper and drawing instruments, Basic calculators and MS Excel, Online tutorials for cartographic principles, Textbooks on geographical practicals
Career Connection
These skills are fundamental for data visualization, spatial analysis, and research, highly valued in roles requiring mapping and statistical interpretation (e.g., GIS technician, market research analyst).
Engage in Departmental Seminars & Discussions- (Semester 1-2)
Attend all departmental seminars, guest lectures, and actively participate in discussions with faculty and peers. Prepare brief summaries of topics covered in class and share insights, fostering a deeper understanding and improving communication skills essential for academic and professional growth.
Tools & Resources
Department notice boards and official university communications, MDU library resources, Peer discussion forums
Career Connection
Enhances critical thinking, presentation skills, and keeps students updated on current geographical research and debates, beneficial for academic pursuits and professional communication.
Intermediate Stage
Gain Proficiency in Remote Sensing & GIS Applications- (Semester 3)
Dedicate significant time to hands-on practice with GIS and Remote Sensing software. Work on mini-projects involving spatial data analysis, image classification, and map creation. Explore open-source GIS platforms and government datasets to build practical expertise.
Tools & Resources
ArcGIS (if licensed), QGIS (open-source), Google Earth Engine, Bhuvan Portal (ISRO), data.gov.in
Career Connection
Essential for modern geographical roles in urban planning, disaster management, environmental monitoring, and resource management, opening doors to positions like GIS Analyst, Remote Sensing Specialist.
Undertake Fieldwork and Data Collection Projects- (Semester 3-4)
Actively participate in departmental field trips and initiate small-scale field projects to collect primary geographical data. Learn survey techniques, observation methods, and data recording protocols. Analyze collected data for coursework, building real-world research capabilities.
Tools & Resources
GPS devices, survey questionnaires, Field notebooks, cameras, Basic statistical software
Career Connection
Develops practical research skills, problem-solving abilities, and a real-world understanding of geographical phenomena, invaluable for research, policy analysis, and planning roles in government and NGOs.
Prepare for Competitive Examinations (UGC NET/JRF)- (Semester 3-4)
Begin focused preparation for national-level eligibility tests like UGC NET/JRF, which are crucial for academic and research careers in India. Regularly review previous year''''s papers, attend mock tests, and cover the entire syllabus comprehensively.
Tools & Resources
UGC NET Geography syllabus and previous year question papers, Online coaching platforms and study materials, Standard reference books for geography
Career Connection
Success in NET/JRF qualifies individuals for Assistant Professor positions and Junior Research Fellowships, enabling a direct career path in academia and research institutions across India.
Advanced Stage
Excel in Dissertation/Research Project- (Semester 4)
Dedicate extensive effort to the dissertation in the final semester, focusing on a topic of interest. Conduct thorough literature reviews, meticulous data collection, rigorous analysis, and articulate report writing. Seek regular mentorship from faculty to refine your research.
Tools & Resources
Academic databases (JSTOR, Google Scholar), Statistical software (SPSS, R, Python), GIS software, writing and citation tools (Zotero, Mendeley)
Career Connection
The dissertation demonstrates independent research capabilities, critical thinking, and specialized knowledge, highly valued by research institutions, PhD programs, and advanced analytical roles.
Intensify Placement and Career Preparation- (Semester 4)
Actively search for internship and job opportunities in relevant fields such as urban planning, environmental consultancies, data analysis, or disaster management. Prepare a professional CV, practice interview skills, and attend campus placement drives and career fairs organized by the university.
Tools & Resources
MDU Placement Cell, LinkedIn, Naukri.com, Government job portals (UPSC, State PSC), Career counseling workshops
Career Connection
Directly leads to securing employment post-graduation in desired geographical fields, leveraging acquired knowledge and skills for professional growth and entry into the Indian job market.
Network and Professional Engagement- (Semester 4 and beyond)
Attend conferences, workshops, and webinars related to geography and allied fields. Connect with professionals, alumni, and researchers through platforms like LinkedIn. Consider joining professional geographical societies in India to expand your network and stay updated.
Tools & Resources
Professional conferences (e.g., IGI, NAGI), LinkedIn and university alumni networks, Geographical associations and societies
Career Connection
Builds a professional network that can provide mentorship, job leads, collaborative opportunities, and insights into industry trends, essential for long-term career advancement and visibility in the field.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- B.A. / B.Sc. (Hons.) Geography with 45% marks in aggregate or B.A./B.Sc. with 45% marks in aggregate with Geography as one of the subjects or an examination recognized as equivalent thereto.
Duration: 4 semesters / 2 years
Credits: 80 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 20%, External: 80%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MAGEO 101 | Geotectonics and Geomorphology | Core Theory | 4 | Earth''''s Interior, Continental Drift & Plate Tectonics, Geosynclines and Isostasy, Fluvial, Aeolian, Glacial Processes, Karst Topography |
| MAGEO 102 | Climatology and Oceanography | Core Theory | 4 | Atmospheric Composition and Structure, Insolation, Temperature and Pressure, Air Masses, Fronts, Cyclones, El-Nino and ENSO, Ocean Relief, Salinity, Tides and Currents |
| MAGEO 103 | History of Geographic Thought | Core Theory | 4 | Ancient Geographic Knowledge (Greek, Roman, Indian), Dark Age and Age of Discoveries, Determinism, Possibilism, Probabilism, Quantitative Revolution, Radical, Welfare and Humanistic Geography |
| MAGEO 104 | Population and Settlement Geography | Core Theory | 4 | Population Distribution, Growth, Density, Migration and Population Theories, Rural Settlement Patterns, Urbanization and Urban Systems, Primate City and Rank-Size Rule |
| MAGEO 105 | Cartographic Techniques (Practical) | Practical | 4 | Scales and Map Projections, Remote Sensing Fundamentals, GIS Introduction, Thematic Mapping, Statistical Diagrams |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MAGEO 201 | Economic Geography | Core Theory | 4 | Concepts of Economic Geography, Primary Activities (Agriculture, Mining), Industrial Location Theories, Tertiary, Quaternary and Quinary Activities, Globalization and World Trade |
| MAGEO 202 | Social and Cultural Geography | Core Theory | 4 | Concepts of Social Geography, Social Well-being and Quality of Life, Social Exclusion, Caste, Tribe, Religion, Cultural Realms and Diffusion of Culture, Housing and Health Geography |
| MAGEO 203 | Regional Planning and Development | Core Theory | 4 | Concepts of Region and Regionalization, Growth Pole Theory, Regional Imbalances and Disparities, Planning Regions of India, Decentralized Planning |
| MAGEO 204 | Biogeography and Environmental Geography | Core Theory | 4 | Ecosystems and Biomes, Biodiversity and its Conservation, Deforestation and Desertification, Environmental Hazards and Pollution, Environmental Impact Assessment and Sustainable Development |
| MAGEO 205 | Statistical Techniques in Geography (Practical) | Practical | 4 | Measures of Central Tendency, Measures of Dispersion, Correlation and Regression, Probability and Sampling, Hypothesis Testing (t-test, Chi-square) |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MAGEO 301 | Remote Sensing and GIS (Theory) | Core Theory | 4 | Principles of Remote Sensing, Electromagnetic Spectrum and Sensors, Image Interpretation and Digital Image Processing, GIS Components and Data Models, Spatial Analysis and Network Analysis |
| MAGEO 302 | Geography of India | Core Theory | 4 | Physical Divisions of India, Drainage System and Climate of India, Soils, Natural Vegetation and Resources, Agriculture, Industries and Transport, Population Distribution and Regional Disparities |
| MAGEO 303 | Agricultural Geography | Core Theory | 4 | Origin and Evolution of Agriculture, Agricultural Systems of the World, Land Use Theories (Von Thünen), Crop Combination Regions, Green Revolution and Food Security in India |
| MAGEO OEL-304 | Disaster Management | Open Elective | 4 | Concepts of Disaster and Hazard, Natural and Man-made Disasters, Vulnerability and Risk Assessment, Disaster Mitigation Strategies, Disaster Management Cycle |
| MAGEO 305 | Remote Sensing and GIS (Practical) | Practical | 4 | Image Rectification and Registration, Supervised and Unsupervised Classification, Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), Overlay and Buffer Analysis, Map Layout and Presentation |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MAGEO 401 | Research Methodology | Core Theory | 4 | Scientific Research and Research Design, Data Collection Methods (Primary & Secondary), Questionnaire Design and Survey Techniques, Sampling Techniques and Data Analysis, Report Writing and Ethical Considerations |
| MAGEO 402 | Urban Geography | Core Theory | 4 | Concepts of Urban Geography and Urbanization Trends, Theories of Urban Structure (Burgess, Hoyt, Harris-Ullman), Central Place Theory (Christaller), Urban Morphology and Problems, Smart Cities and Urban Planning in India |
| MAGEO 403 | Environmental Management | Core Theory | 4 | Concepts of Environmental Management, Environmental Policies and Legislation, Conservation of Natural Resources, Waste Management and Pollution Control, Water Resource Management and Climate Change Mitigation |
| MAGEO 404 | Dissertation | Project | 4 | Independent Research Project, Literature Review, Data Collection and Analysis, Report Writing, Presentation and Viva-Voce |
| MAGEO 405 | Field Work and Viva-Voce (Practical) | Practical | 4 | Field Survey Techniques, Data Collection in Field, Field Report Preparation, Presentation of Field Findings, Comprehensive Viva-Voce |
