Graduate Curriculum

A degree that makes a difference.
Graduate Program

Offering both MA and PhD degrees, the graduate program of the Department of Geography is ranked as one of the top programs among the nation鈥檚 doctoral-granting departments of geography. CU Geography has one of the nation's highest rates of PhD placement in academic geography programs 鈥 as well as one of the highest rates of external funding for graduate student research.

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GeoHAI lab members enjoying group lunch on the Hill
Geography Affects Everyone鈥擜nd is For Everyone

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CU Geography values inclusion, equity, and diversity by fostering an environment where all students and faculty can succeed.听

听听We seek to recruit excellent graduate students with a diversity of: experiences, educational interests, social and cultural backgrounds, and ideas.

听听As a Department we affiliate with and co-sponsor events organized by the Center for African and African American Studies, the Center for Native American and Indigenous Studies, the Center for Latin American and Latinx Studies, and the Center for Asian Studies.

听听The Department assesses its works toward inclusion and equity by conducting periodic surveys and holds meetings with graduate students focused on diversity and inclusive excellence.

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Quick Links to Graduate Course Schedules

A complete list of graduate courses is available on the University Catalog website. The entire catalog is also available.

Only a small set of the total number of courses can be offered each semester. Course scheduling is done about six months in advance of each semester. Double-listed courses (e.g., 4061/5061) are available for both undergraduates (4061) and graduate students (5061). All numbers carry the departmental identifying prefix, 鈥淕EOG鈥; courses carry 3 credits unless otherwise indicated.

To search for classes being offered in current and subsequent semesters see 蜜桃传媒破解版下载 Class Search.

CU-Grad-Program
How to Apply

Domestic and International Applicants:

  • Apply online anytime after August 1st.听听听

  • Applications must be submitted by and materials received by December 1st.

  • GREs are no longer required by the Department of Geography with any graduate application.

  • We have a听graduate application fee waiver for under-represented minority applicants and applicants with financial need.

Flexible Coursework

The curriculum is highly flexible, and individualized as much as听possible. Only three courses are required of all students:

  • GEOG 5152听History and Theory听of Geography.
  • GEOG 5161听Research Design in Geography.
  • Either GEOG 5023听Introduction to Quantitative Methods in Geography or GEOG 5722 Field Methods in Human Geography.

All students must听take GEOG 5152 and 5161, normally within the first 2 semesters of residency, even if听they have taken similar courses at other institutions. Students must earn a B or better in听all of these courses in order to pass the Preliminary Exam required by the Graduate听School.听

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New Student Orientation & Retreat

At the beginning of the fall semester, all entering graduate students are required to attend Orientation and New Graduate Student Retreat. The Orientation is held on campus and includes a briefing on departmental organization, rules, and policies pertinent to graduate students. The New Graduate Student Retreat is held at the Mountain Research Station a few miles west of Boulder. The Retreat includes presentations by faculty members on their current research and professional activities, one or more field tours, and a hike to Niwot Ridge.

Additionally, all incoming graduate students are required to complete basic First Aid training provided by the department and the Red Cross. First Aid training improves the overall safety of our graduate students during their research and teaching activities.

Graduate Students at the Retreat

Prerequisites for All Entering Grad Students

For admission without deficiency and to meet the Department鈥檚 mandatory requirements for a knowledge of basic geography.

It is the responsibility of the student to obtain this knowledge prior to beginning their first graduate class. Students may gain the required knowledge by formally taking the introductory courses, by auditing the course(s), by reading the textbook, or by any other means.

In addition to knowledge of basic geography, we suggest that the student has coursework in:

At least two areas outside geography in cognate fields in the social and natural sciences

  • College math
  • Computer skills
  • Basic statistics
    • This requirement may be met by having taken an undergraduate course in statistics. If a student has not had any prior statistics courses at the undergraduate level, they will need to take GEOG 3023: Statistics and Geographic Data, or an equivalent course in another department or institution. Graduate students entering the program without GEOG 3023 or equivalent will be considered deficient and will not receive graduate credit for making up this deficiency.
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CU-Testimonial-Joseph Kerski

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"My dissertation focused on the implementation and effectiveness of GIS in education. 25 years later, that is still my research and career focus, so I am living my dream!" 鈥 Joseph Kerski, Ph.D. in Geography