Geography, M.A.

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(30 UNITS)

The Master of Arts in Geography provides advanced study in human and physical geography with an emphasis on theory and research. Graduates are prepared in the application of interpretive and analytical concepts and techniques to a broad spectrum of geographic situations. Such study directly serves those whose careers involve urban, regional and environmental planning and geographic education. Geographic perspectives and methods are highly applicable to a wide range of careers in business, industry and government.

Admission and Conditional Classification

Students must meet the CSU requirements for admission to a master’s degree program. Please consult the Graduate Admissions section in this catalog for complete information.

In addition, the department requires a grade-point average of at least 3.0 in the last 60 semester units attempted and a 3.0 grade-point average in all geography courses. Please refer to the department website for additional admissions requirements.

Students who have no, or a limited, background in geography will be expected to take prerequisite coursework in consultation with the department’s Graduate Program Advisor.

Graduate Standing - Classified

After completing all prerequisites, students will be advanced to classified standing.

Required Courses (18 units)

GEOG 500 - Geographic Research Design (3)
GEOG 520 - Seminar in Physical Geography (3)
GEOG 550 - Seminar in Human Geography (3)
GEOG 599 - Independent Graduate Research (1-3)
Two additional 500-level geography courses (6)

Electives (9-12 units)

400-level or graduate coursework in geography (12 units unless approved for thesis; may include additional GEOG 500-level courses; up to six units from related fields). Other courses may be chosen with approval of the department’s graduate program adviser.

Culminating Experience (0-3 units)

The culminating experience marks the end of a graduate program. It demonstrates mastery of disciplinary materials and meets requirements from Section 40510 of Title 5 of the California Code of Regulations. Please consult the Culminating Experience section in this catalog for more information.

For further details or advisement, communicate with the Department of Geography and the Environment’s graduate program adviser.

GEOG 598 - Thesis (3) * **
Comprehensive Exam (0)

Notes

* Must be approved by graduate adviser.

** May be repeated only once, and your readiness to take the exam must be confirmed by your adviser and the graduate program adviser. Please refer to the department website for additional requirements.