This is an archive of the 2017-2018 University Catalog.
To access the most recent version, please visit catalog.csun.edu.

This is an archive of the 2017-2018 University Catalog.
To access the most recent version, please visit catalog.csun.edu.

Program Description

The Master of Arts in Geography 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, biogeography, 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.

Program Requirements

A. Requirements for Admission

  1. One of the following:
    1. Cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or better.
    2. Cumulative undergraduate GPA of 2.5 to 2.99 and a score at or above the 50th percentile on two of the three portions of the aptitude test of the Graduate Record Exam (GRE).
    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 of the 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.
  5. A well-written statement of purpose (approximately 1,000 words, double-spaced, 12-point font).

B. Classified and Conditionally Classified Status

Requirements for Classified Status

  1. Admission to the program requires an undergraduate degree (or its equivalent for international students).
  2. A minimum GPA of 2.5 is required.
  3. For applicants with GPAs between 2.5 and 2.99, completion of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is required, with satisfactory scores (a score at or above the 50th percentile on two of the three portions of the aptitude test).
  4. General University requirements also must be met. Carefully consult other sections of this Catalog for details. These requirements include passing the Upper Division Writing Proficiency Exam (UDWPE) with a score of 8 or higher.

Conditionally Classified Status

  1. If the Upper Division Writing Proficiency Exam (UDWPE) requirements for classified status are not met at the time of application, the student will be admitted as conditionally classified, pending completion of the UDWPE requirement.
  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

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

1. Introductory Seminar (3 units)

GEOG 600 Geographic Thought, Analysis and Research (3)

2. Additional Seminars (15 units)

Select five courses from the following:

GEOG 610A-G Geomorphology (3)
GEOG 620A-G Climatology (3)
GEOG 630A-F Environmental Studies (3)
GEOG 640A-D Economic Geography (3)
GEOG 650A-D Urban Geography (3)
GEOG 660A-D Cultural Geography (3)
GEOG 670A-G Global Studies (3)
GEOG 680A-N Regional Geography (3)
GEOG 690A-H Geographic Information Science (3)
GEOG 695A-C Methods in Geographical Analysis (3)

3. Electives (6 units)

Select any two additional 600-level Geography courses.

Students may also select from the following 400-level Geography courses: GEOG 402/LGEOG 404A-ZGEOG 406/LGEOG 407/LGEOG 408A/LGEOG 408B/LGEOG 408C/LGEOG 408D/LGEOG 408E/LGEOG 408F/LGEOG 408G/LGEOG 408H/LGEOG 409/LGEOG 414GEOG 416GEOG 417GEOG 444, GEOG 459, GEOG 460/LGEOG 465/L (2/1)GEOG 466/LGEOG 467/LGEOG 468/LGEOG 470GEOG 472GEOG 473GEOG 474GEOG 476GEOG 482GEOG 486GEOG 486SOC, GEOG 487, GEOG 496A-ZGEOG 497A-F

Students may also take a 400-, 500- or 600-level course in an allied discipline outside of Geography, with prior department approval.

4. Thesis Preparation (3 units)

GEOG 696 Directed Geographic Research (3)

5. Culminating Experience (3 units)

Submission of a thesis or graduate project approved by a departmental faculty committee.

GEOG 698 Thesis (3)
or GEOG 698D Graduate Project (3)

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

Total Units Required for the M.A. Degree: 30

Contact

Chair: Edward Jackiewicz
Sierra Hall (SH) 150
(818) 677-3532
www.csun.edu/social-behavioral-sciences/geography

Graduate Coordinator: Soheil Boroushaki
soheil.boroushaki@csun.edu
Sierra Hall, Room 130-B
(818) 677-4715