Apr 11, 2026  
2026-2027 Catalog 
    
2026-2027 Catalog

Geography and Women’s and Ethnic Studies (WEST) Double Major


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) cultivate future leaders and out-of-the-box thinkers prepared to solve today’s problems. Through an interdisciplinary and intersectional approach our programs build community and invite students to challenge assumptions and find joy in learning. Courses, content, and programming center the histories, experiences, and cultural expressions of women and racial or ethnic groups not only in the United States but also across the world. Through respectful, open-minded dialogue, we explore the connections among race, class, gender, sexuality, disability, and power. WEST equips students with a wide range of skills to enter a diverse workforce, including oral and written communication, research experience, teamwork, and more. WEST offers one-on-one mentoring, small classes, travel courses, and a range of scholarship 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.

Geography & Environmental Studies Double Major Course Requirements


Electives (21 credit hours)


Complete a minimum of 21 additional hours of UNUSED Geography coursework to meet total and upper-division (3000+ level) credit hour requirements for the major. At least 18 hours of upper-division (3000+ level) GES courses must be completed for the major.

Senior Exit Survey


Complete the Geography Senior Exit Survey.

WEST Double Major Course Requirements


Substantive Area Courses (9 credit hours)


Complete one course from each of the following WEST Substantive Areas:

Transnational/Global Studies

Creative and Artistic Expression

Social Movements, Communities, and History  

      

WEST Electives (15 credit hours)


Complete 15 hours of UNUSED WEST courses to fulfill total and upper-division (3000+ level) hour requirements for the major.

Double Major Summit Options


Complete ONE Summit Experience for the Geography/WEST Double major. Complete either the Geography Summit OR one of the WEST Summit Experience options. The Summit course will count toward upper-division elective hours for the major in which it is taken.

WEST Capstone/Summit Experience (4 credit hours)


Complete either the Standard or Honors Track Capstone/Summit Experience.