2010-2011 Graduate Catalog 
    
    Mar 28, 2024  
2010-2011 Graduate Catalog [Archived Catalog]

Geography


Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: Academic Programs

 
  

Program Description

The Department of Geography offers graduate students the opportunity to earn a Master of Science Degree. The curriculum, organized through formal courses, seminars, internship experiences, and supervised research, is designed to prepare students for positions in such professional areas as planning, remote sensing, geographic information sciences, government service, research, business, and teaching. The program also is designed to provide students with the education needed to pursue further graduate study.

Students seeking this degree are expected to select courses that will provide a sound foundation in geography (philosophical, physical and human, and research techniques) supported, if appropriate, by courses outside the department.

Internships generally are available with planning districts, governmental agencies, business, and industry. A limited number of Graduate Teaching Assistantships are available within the department.

Available Options for Graduate Degrees


   Master of Science:    Option A
                                     Option B
Doctor of Philosophy:   60-Credit Plan
                                     90-Credit Plan

Core Requirements for Doctor of Philosophy


For details see specific program: Geospatial Science and Engineering.

Additional Admission Requirements


GRE: Not required
TOEFL: Department requirement of 525 paper-based, 197 computer-based, 71 Internet-based

The Department of Geography has listed the following additional admission requirements:

1)  Submission of Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores.  No minimum score to be required.  Nevertheless, having applicants’ scores will allow the department to better assess applicants’ aptitude, commitment, and potential for success in the graduate program.

2)  Submission of 1-2 page statement describing applicants’ interests in the master’s program in Geography at SDSU.  This will allow the department to determine whether applicants are prepared for the M.S. in Geography at SDSU and have done the necessary preliminary work to determine if the M.S. in Geography at SDSU is appropriate for their career aspirations.  This is a common requirement in other graduate programs in geography.

3)  Bestow conditional status on those applicants who have not completed the following courses or their equivalents prior to entering the program:

             GEOG 131 (Physical Geography: Weather & Climate)
             GEOG 132 (Physical Geography: Natural Landscapes)
             GEOG 200 (Human Geography)
             GEOG 382 (Research Methods)

These courses may be completed pass/fail.  This requirement will increase the success rate for applicants who had not completed an undergraduate program in geography.  This is a common requirement in other graduate programs in geography.

General Requirements (Master’s and PhD)


Graduate students should consult with the Graduate Coordinator before registering for graduate work.

See Master’s Degree Requirements and Doctor of Philosophy Degree Requirements.

 

Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: Academic Programs