Option 1, the Standard Program, provides the student with a high degree of flexibility in the selection of courses used to meet the Program requirements. Courses may be selected from any of the graduate offerings in geomorphology, climatology, plant geography, economic geography, cultural geography, urban geography, regional geography, cartography and geographic information science. This option prepares students for advanced Ph.D. study, community college teaching and professional careers in business, government or industry.

A. Requirements for Admission to the Department

1. One of the following:
   1.  Cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or better;
   2. A score at or above the 50th percentile on 2 of the 3 portions of the aptitude test of the Graduate Record Exam; or
   3. A Graduate Degree in another field from CSUN or other accredited institution.
2. At least a 2.75 GPA in the last 60 units attempted.
3. Two letters of recommendation.
4. Demonstration of research and writing skills. Applicants must submit to the Graduate Committee a sample research paper, written in English, and preferably one that was completed as part Baccalaureate Degree requirements, such as a senior thesis or other research paper done in an Upper Division undergraduate course. Because of the importance of research and writing to the graduate program, the Committee needs to be assured of applicants’ abilities and promise in these areas.

B. Classified and Conditionally Classified Status

Requirements for Classified Status, one of the following:

1. An undergraduate major in Geography;
2. Demonstrated competence in human geography, physical geography and cartography or map interpretation, as determined by the Departmental Graduate Committee; or
3. A passing score (8 or higher) on the Upper Division Writing Proficiency Exam (UDWPE).

Conditionally Classified Status

1. If the requirements for Classified status are not met at the time of application, the student will be admitted as Conditionally Classified, pending completion of the requirements, which include the completion of prerequisite courses in the areas of identified deficiencies and/or the UDWPE.
2. No more than 12 units of work taken prior to attaining Classified status may be applied to the Master’s Degree Program.

C. Program Requirements

1. Completion of the following courses (a total of 30 units, with a GPA of 3.0 or better)

Introductory Seminar

GEOG 600 Geographic Thought, Analysis and Research (3)

Additional Seminars (five 600-level courses): (15 units)

Electives: (400- to 600-level courses, with approval) (6 units)

Thesis Preparation:

GEOG 696 Directed Geographic Research (3)
and GEOG 697 Directed Comprehensive Studies (3)
or GEOG 698 Thesis (3)

2. Competence in a relevant foreign language, statistics or an advanced geographic technique.

3. Submission of a Thesis or Comprehensive Exam approved by a Departmental Faculty Committee.