U.S. Department of Agriculture District Conservationist Todd Boldt, orange shirt, talks with three generations of a family, walking across the bridge to see the effects of the Hewlett Gulch Fire, in the Poudre Canyon area, on Friday, July 20, 2012, …
Geography Bachelor of Science
Students learn about the diversity of human interactions with environments across space and over time, including interpreting physical and social geographic patterns and processes.
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.
Through curriculum and coursework, you learn a range of research approaches and technologies, including geographic information systems (GIS), remote sensing, spatial modeling, and participatory methods. In the classroom and afield, faculty enable students to explore different areas of study and to address human and environmental challenges and applied research questions.
Degree Requirements
When you join the Geography major, you learn to analyze spatial patterns, human-environment relationships, and the physical and cultural systems that shape communities and landscapes. You will develop strong research, communication, mapping, and critical-thinking skills in order to explain geographic issues in clear and engaging ways and apply human and physical geography to real-world challenges and careers.
-
Core Courses
All Geography majors begin their path by completing required courses that introduce you to physical and human geography, including field methods and global systems, in GR 100, GR 110/111, and ANTH 200 before moving into more advanced and applied curriculum.
-
Spatial Thinking and GIS
In GR 220 (Mapping, Cartography, and Spatial Thinking), you will learn to use and apply geographic information sciences (GIS) to further explore spatial analysis and digital mapping. Students in GR 320 (Cultural Geography) examine cultural phenomena, human-environment relationships, and spatial patterns of agriculture, urbanization, languages, religions, and more.
Capstone Experience
All Geography majors complete a Capstone project that is the culmination of your academic journey. With guidance from faculty mentors, you will complete a research project and poster, gaining experience with advanced research and analysis, project management, and developing professional materials and presentations – sought-after skills to prepare you for graduate school pursuits or job searches.
-
Capstone Experience
All Geography majors complete a Capstone project that is the culmination of your academic journey. With guidance from faculty mentors, you will complete a research project and poster, gaining experience with advanced research and analysis, project management, and developing professional materials and presentations – sought-after skills to prepare you for graduate school pursuits or job searches.
Advising Information
Are you a current student who would like to learn more about adding or completing a Geography major or minor?
Schedule an appointment with one of our dedicated Academic Success Coordinators by contacting the College of Liberal Arts Academic Support Center.
Student Experiences
In CSU Anthropology and Geography, you don’t just map community and place – you help create it! Undergraduate department clubs, internships, faculty-directed research, and abroad classes are a few ways you can find social, professional, and service experiences beyond the classroom.
Anthropology and Geography Clubs and Forensic Science Student Society
The undergraduate Anthropology Club and Geography Clubs and Forensic Science Student Society are open to all interested students. Clubs meet several times a month throughout the school year and host social and academic events and gatherings and also support department outreach and university service activities.
Internships and Practicums
You can pursue internships in workplaces and practicums in labs and research centers to gain professional and practical career training that introduces you to research and applied work experiences and builds your resume while earning credit. Students can also complete faculty-directed independent study projects.
Study Abroad Experiences
Department faculty-led abroad classes combine immersive short-term travel with online study that allows students to learn about classical archaeology, ancient and modern food systems, cultural heritage, human travel and borders, and more. Current department abroad courses include travel to the United Kingdom, Italy, and Belgium.
Labs and Research Centers
Anthropology and Geography professors maintain 15 labs and centers where students can get involved with research and work alongside professors.
Student Research
Alumni Stories
Anthropology and Geography graduates work in diverse and impactful jobs and industries that help address social, economic, health, and environmental challenges around the world.