Combined Degree Programs

Exciting options for students are combined degree programs. These programs are intended to help outstanding geography students who want to fast-track their graduate experience.  Combined degrees are available for both of our research-stream programs (Master of Arts and Master of Science), as well as for our professional degree in urban and regional planning (Master of Urban and Regional Planning).  These combined degree programs makes it possible for geography students to finish their Bachelor of Arts (Honours)/Master of Arts (BAH/MA,), Bachelor of Science (Honours)/Master of Science (BSCH/MSC), Bachelor of Arts (Honours)/Master of Urban and Regional Planning (BAH/MPL), or Bachelor of Science (Honours)/Master of Urban and Regional Planning (BSCH/MPL) degrees in less time than it would take to pursue the degrees independently.

Combined Degree (BAH/MA or BSCH/MSC)

Many geographers elect to undertake a Masters degree to complement their undergraduate experience.  A Master of Arts or a Master of Science allows students to focus in on a specific research question, to immerse themselves in the literature in order to fully understand their topics and to develop and implement a methodology to answer the questions that they pose.  In addition to adding to the body of knowledge on a wide variety of topics, MA and MSC students gain valuable tools.

Having a combined BAH/MA or BSCH/MSC degree gives students a strong grounding in independent research.  It demonstrates the ability to apply critical thinking and cutting-edge science to answer important questions.  It provides students with tools and methods that are widely applicable in a variety of careers.  Our Master's graduates go on to find work in industry and government; some choose to go on to complete a doctorate degree at Queen’s or elsewhere.

The combined degree program allows prospective students to reduce their overall study time by one term, which reduces overall costs and allows graduates to get a head start on employment opportunities.  

Click here for more details about the BAH/MA and BSCH/MSC combined degree programs.

Combined Degree (BAH/MPL or BSCH/MPL)

Geography and city planning are related fields. Geographers often consider the spatial implications of urban and regional issues and have a special focus on place. It is quite natural, therefore, to consider the integration of the two related fields. Today urban and regional planning is a broad field and people with different backgrounds are needed for the different work that is done by planners. The multi-disciplinary dimensions of urban planning provide students with a breadth of options to pursue in their studies.

Having both geography and planning degrees offers the practical advantage of increasing professional qualifications that will broaden employment prospects. The skills gained by taking both programs will prepare graduates for work in urban planning, GIS, transportation, environmental studies, social planning and urban development. Many planning graduates who have geography backgrounds have found responsible and rewarding positions in municipal or provincial governments, and consulting practices across Canada.

The combined degree program allows students to finish the M.PL. degree requirements in about 15 months after receiving their Geography degree provided they take two of their Geography electives in planning and an additional two planning courses while they are still in the Geography program.

Click here for more details about the BAH/MPL and BSCH/MPL combined degree programs.