Coursework in Geography and Environmental Studies fosters a greater understanding of the places, people, and environmental systems that affect us locally, regionally, and globally. GES degrees incorporate diverse intellectual approaches, conceptual tools, and geospatial technologies to prepare graduates for careers that make a positive difference with real-world impacts. GES students benefit from small classes; faculty dedicated to teaching and learning; a commitment to diversity and inclusiveness; and the beautiful, dynamic geography of Colorado and the Pikes Peak Region.
Women’s and Ethnic Studies (WEST) is an interdisciplinary program that brings together faculty from across the campus. The WEST major centers on the histories, experiences, and cultural expressions of women and racial or ethnic groups not only in the United States but also across the world. Our approach is intersectional in that it explores the connections among race, class, gender, sexuality, disability, and other socially constructed hierarchies. WEST emphasizes cultural responsiveness, critical and cross-disciplinary thinking, creative and innovative teaching, community engagement, and local and global awareness. We aim to create an equitable and sustainable world by analyzing structural inequality from a historical and cultural perspective and exploring strategies to achieve these goals. WEST offers one-on-one mentoring, small classes, travel courses, and a range of scholarship and internship opportunities.
General Information
The Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Geography and Environmental Studies and Women’s and Ethnic Studies requires the following:
- A minimum of 33 credit hours of GES course work. At least 18 of those hours must be upper division (courses numbered 3000 or higher).
- A minimum of 30 credit hours of WEST course work. At least 18 of those hours must be upper division.
- A grade of C- or better in courses applied to the GES major and a grade of C or better in courses applied to the WEST major.
- A minimum 2.0 GPA must be maintained in all GES and WEST course work.
- Completion of the Geography Senior Exit Exam during the final semester of the senior year.
Additional course work is required to complete the Geography and Environmental Studies and Women’s and Ethnic Studies, BA degree. Please see the advising guide on the Academic Advising website for more information.
