Major in Geography

Geography is the study of the spatial distribution of the Earth’s physical features and human societies, and how humans and the environment interact around the world. Geography students at CSU gain a background in spatial thinking in order to address the causes and impacts of environmental and social change around the world. Students learn about the diversity and evolution of human interactions with the environment across space, between places and over time, and to interpret physical and social geographic patterns and processes.

Geography curriculum and coursework take advantage of faculty expertise in various areas of study, some specific to the state of Colorado. Geography faculty use a wide range of research methods, including geographic information systems (GIS), remote sensing, spatial modeling, spatial statistics, participatory methods, and ethnography to address applied research questions in Colorado, the Rocky Mountains, Patagonia, Southeast Asia, Latin America, Melanesia, and Africa.

Undergraduate majors can expect to gain knowledge of and / or participate in faculty research related to:

• Biogeography
• Black geography
• Conservation
• Cultural geography
• Climate change implications for society and ecosystems
• Critical human geography
• Critical health geographies
• Feminist geography
• Food, agricultural, and environmental Justice
• Geography of virtual worlds
• Economic geography
• Land-use and land-cover change
• Livelihood systems
• Urban geography
• Mountain geography
• Political / electoral geography

The Geography major is built on the core values the Department of Anthropology and Geography promotes. These values emphasize experiential training, primary research, public engagement, and education.

Learning Objectives:

Students will demonstrate:

1. Mastery of the unifying themes of human and physical geography, as well as knowledge of the diverse conceptual and methodological approaches present in the discipline of geography.
2. The ability to identify, describe, and interpret spatial patterns and structures.
3. A critical understanding of relationships between humans and the environment, with a specific focus on mountain systems and local cultures.
4. An ability to present geographic concepts, approaches, methodologies, and applications in written, oral, cartographic, and other visual forms.
5. An understanding of the discipline’s relevance to everyday life.
6. An ability to communicate effectively and respectfully, including critical thinking and discussion skills. 

Careers in Geography

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of geographers is expected to grow 3% between now and 2032. This is because geography majors receive broad academic training and acquire skills that are in high demand and suitable for careers the public and private sectors. A geography degree offers skills in spatial thinking and analysis, communication and data visualization, scientific and geospatial research, laboratory techniques, design survey, and awareness of the roles of human-environment interactions in our world. Participating in internships and cooperative education opportunities is highly recommended to enhance students’ practical training and development.

Graduates in Geography pursue careers in international development, resource management, forest ecology and biogeography, government, public health, law, education, non-profit administration, tourism, and business as well as advanced studies.

Geography careers include:

• Atmospheric / space scientist
• Cartographer
• Conservation manager / biogeographer
• Data visualization specialist
• Environmental / climate scientist
• Foreign service officer
• Geographic Information Systems (GIS) analyst / technician
• Public health analyst
• Remote sensing technician
• Transportation planner
• Urban and regional planner
• Water resources manager

Change of Major:

To change your major to Geography, you can either call the College of Liberal Arts Academic Advising Center at 970-491-3117 or send an email to cla_advising@colostate.edu. More information is available on https://advising.libarts.colostate.edu.

Effective Fall 2024

¹

GR 431 may also fulfill this requirement, but GR 431 must be taken concurrently with GR 430.

²

Select enough elective credits to bring the program total to a minimum of 120 credits, of which at least 42 must be upper-division (300- to 400-level).