Geography and Environmental Studies, BA

Learning Outcomes

Demonstrate an understanding of the general configuration and processes associated with the earth’s landforms and environments
Demonstrate a general knowledge of the variety and processes of human geography that are reflected in various cultures
Demonstrate an understanding of the geospatial tools and methods of analysis used to solve geographic problems

Major Requirements

Six Introductory Classes

19 Hours of Upper-Division Coursework

In addition to the six courses specified above, students must complete 19 hours of upper-division coursework, to be chosen from all available upper-division GES courses.

Note:

A maximum of 54 credit hours may be taken by a major in GES. All students must take an exit exam before graduation, and have a C or above grade in all GES courses.

Departmental Honors

The Department of Geography and Environmental Studies offers honors for students who have demonstrated high academic achievement. In order to be considered for departmental honors, a student must:

Have an overall University of Colorado GPA of 3.0 or better.
Have a 3.5 or better GPA in GES courses.
First select a faculty advisor to mentor a student honors research project. If the student’s GPA is between 3.0 and 3.5, the student’s research proposal must be accepted by the majority of GES faculty. If the student’s GPA is above 3.5, only the advisor need approve the proposal. Students then pick two other faculty committee members. The committee will give an oral exam on the research project upon completion.
Enroll in GES 4970 (Honors in Geography).

The level of honors will be decided by the committee after the completion of these requirements. Three levels of honors are available: Distinction, High Distinction, and Highest Distinction.