Graduate Degrees in Geography

Geography

At the Department of Geography, we’re experts at bridging the physical and social sciences. Offering MA and PhD degrees, our graduate program trains scholars and professionals to produce and share knowledge, and to make outstanding contributions in the public and private sectors.

The curriculum is highly flexible. Students’ programs are individualized as much as possible. Prospective students should have interests compatible with those of the faculty and strong preparation in the natural or social sciences, but not necessarily in geography.

Degree Types

MA ᐧ PhD

From surveying in Denver for an urban geography class to measuring water flow of Boulder Creek, the Department of Geography takes students far beyond the classroom.

Our faculty and graduate students bring in significant extramural funding from national agencies such as the National Science Foundation, the Fulbright Program, the American Council of Learned Societies, the Social Science Research Council, the National Institutes of Health, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, NASA, the U.S. Forest Service, the U.S. Park Service, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and USAID.

Our faculty and students conduct interdisciplinary research and are affiliated with other units on the CU Boulder campus as well as nearby federal labs.

Degree Options & Application Requirements

Geography

Master of Arts

30 credit hours, including 4 to 6 credit hours of thesis work
Students are encouraged to have some background in college math and computer skills.
Students are also required to have proficiency in basic statistics. This requirement may be met by having taken an undergraduate course in statistics.

Application Deadlines & Requirements

To learn about the upcoming term application deadlines, please visit the Graduate School website.

For program details, review the course catalog for the MA in geography.

Doctor of Philosophy

30 credit hours of coursework
30 credit hours of dissertation
A 3.00 (B) average or higher must be maintained in all coursework.
Six semesters of residence are required, of which four must be at the University of Colorado.
The department's minimum language requirement is a demonstration of proficiency in one foreign language.
The Graduate School requires that all students in the doctoral program successfully pass a preliminary exam.
Doctoral students must pass a comprehensive exam for advancement to candidacy for the doctoral degree.

Application Deadlines & Requirements

To learn about the upcoming term application deadlines, please visit the Graduate School website.

For program details, review the course catalog for the PhD in geography.

Research Areas

Physical Geography
Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
Human Geography
Environment-Society

Learn More About Research Areas at CU Boulder

Funding Opportunities

We understand funding opportunities play a major role in helping you to decide whether a program is right for you. At CU Boulder, PhD students are supported through research and teaching assistantships. Students are also encouraged to apply for their own sources of funding.

Explore General Funding Explore Department-Specific Funding

Graduate Student Resources

Student success is best met with holistic support and resources. CU Boulder offers robust resources, programming and opportunities to help students establish meaningful connections, adjust to graduate student life and find assistance when they need it. Whether it’s academic, social, or health and wellness support, the university provides an array of resources to meet the diverse needs of our students.

Graduate Student Organizations