Geography

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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.

Areas outside the department beneficial to the student include History, Economics, Education, Biology, Engineering, Plant Science, Sociology, Wildlife and Fisheries, and others. Special problems are offered for students interested in unique educational experiences, including an interdisciplinary minor in Geographic Information Systems. Other special programs can be taken through educational experiences provided for in the Alternatives and Options Programs of the College of Arts and Science, and a cooperative program with the EROS Data Center. Internships generally are available with planning districts, governmental agencies, business, and industry.

Available Options for Graduate Degrees

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

Core Requirements for Master of Science

GEOG 710 - Evolution of Geographic Thought Credits: 3
GEOG 714 - Research and Writing Credits: 3

Core Requirements for Doctor of Philosophy

For details see specific program: Geospatial Science & Engineering

Additional Admission Requirements

GRE: Required
TOEFL: Department requirement of 550 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.

2) Submission of 1-2 page statement describing applicants’ interests in the master’s program in Geography at SDSU.

3) Submission of two (2) letters of recommendation from persons acquainted with the academic ability and professional competency of the applicant.

4) 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.

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.

General Requirements (Master’s and PhD)

Graduate students must consult with their advisor before registering for graduate work.

For additional information see Masters Degree Requirements and Doctor of Philosophy Degree Requirements .

Course Offerings

Geography (GEOG, GSE, PLAN) Course Offerings
Geospatial Science and Engineering (GSE) Course Offerings

Also refer to specialized courses in planning within: Economics; Education; Engineering; Plant Science; Political Science; and Sociology and Rural Studies.