Educational Opportunities
Degrees
Bachelor of Arts, Science, Education
Undergraduate students may choose to pursue a B.A. degree in Geography, B.S. degree in Geography, B.A.E. degree in Secondary Education, or minor in Geography.
A grade of “C” (2.00) or higher is necessary in all required Department of Geography courses. Both B.A. and B.S. degrees in Geography consist of
a minimum of 45 semester hours. A minor consists of a minimum of 18 semester hours.
Geographic Information Systems Certificate
This cross-disciplinary certificate is designed for undergraduates that wish to pursue a GIS-related career. The certificate will be awarded to students
completing the following 19 semester-hours with a grade of “C” or higher. Please note that any candidate to the certificate must be enrolled as
degree-seeking student in any college at ASU.
More information on undergraduate degrees
Doctor of Philosophy
The School of Geographical Sciences admits students to its PhD program with either a Master's or Bachelor's degree in Geography or a related field. We welcome applicants without Geography degrees. Incoming students must demonstrate or attain competence in cartography and quantitative methods, and complete other basic coursework that will enable them to pursue graduate studies in their area of specialization.
PhD students entering with a Bachelor's degree must complete 84 semester hours. These hours include 72 hours of coursework and research at ASU and 12 dissertation hours. Entering students without a Master's degree can earn a Master's in Passing upon the completion of 30 semester hours at ASU, including GCU 529 Geographic Thought, GCU 585 Advanced Research Methods and one seminar (GCU/GPH 591), and passing the School's Research and Field Examination.
PhD Students entering with a Master's degree must complete 54 semester hours. These include 42 hours of combined coursework and research hours at ASU and 12 dissertation hours. The PhD program includes two required courses (GCU 529 Geographic Thought, GCU 585 Advanced Research Methods), two seminars (GCU/GPH 591), and additional coursework or research hours as selected by the student in consultation with an advisory committee.
Master of Arts
The School of Geographical Sciences may consider a student for a traditional Master's degree that includes successfully defending a thesis.
Master's students must complete 30 semester hours, including 24 hours of combined coursework and research hours at ASU and 6 thesis hours. The Master's program includes two required courses (GCU 529 Geographic Thought, GCU 585 Advanced Research Methods), one seminar (GCU/GPH 591), and additional coursework or research hours as selected by the student in consultation with an advisory committee
More information on graduate degrees
Geographical Information Science Certificate
The Geographical Information Science (GIS) Certificate Program is a structured interdisciplinary Certificate Program offered through the Graduate College. It
is built on GIS coursework currently being taught at Arizona State University (ASU). Students who earn the Certificate will exit the program with standardized
skill sets based on “Learning Outcomes” associated with each required course.
More information on Geographical Information Science Certificate
Atmospheric Science Certificate
The field of atmospheric science is becoming increasingly interdisciplinary in nature. Any process involving the earth's circulation, be it on the local or global scale or involving short or long term conditions, results from a complex interaction of solar radiation, clouds and the earth's surface. Physical, chemical and biological processes are all responsible for determining the response of the earth's climate system to external forcing and internal anthropogenic factors. Effective research in one aspect of the discipline requires at the least a working knowledge of the other areas. ASU is becoming known as a leader in interdisciplinary aspects of research in atmospheric science and planetary atmospheres. The Atmospheric Science Certificate has been established in order to provide recognition for a student's specialization in atmospheric science while pursuing a degree in his or her respective department.
More information on Atmospheric Science Certificate
Master of Advanced Study in Geographic Information Systems (MAS-GIS)
The Master of Advanced Study (M.A.S.) degree in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) program is a compact one-year nonthesis degree fostering advanced study
in management and the use of GIS technology in public and corporate environments. The degree meets important educational needs of working professionals and
recent college graduates seeking to improve their career standing. The program provides a comprehensive professional degree that balances work in the
theoretical aspects of GIS, the technical side of the discipline, and the applications domain. Students are exposed to cutting edge technology, management
theory and practice, and several societal dimensions associated with the application of GIS technology. Courses are held in the evenings Monday to Thursday, the
curriculum is highly adaptable to the work environment, and thus the M.A.S. degree is achievable in a one-year time period.
More information on the MAS-GIS degree program
Master of Advanced Study in Geographic Education (MAS-GE)
The MAS-GE degree is an online nonthesis degree helping teachers to obtain highly-qualified status in geographic education. The
degree is intended for K-12 teachers and is friendly to elementary and secondary school teachers. The program provides a
comprehensive professional degree that balances work in the core knowledge areas of geography, the pedagogical side of the
geography, and applying this new knowledge in the context of a capstone project. Although the courses are completed online, there
are two in-person meetings: the first Saturday in September is the orientation; there is also a graduation event where capstone
projects are presented. More information on the MAS-GE degree program