Master of Arts (MA) in Applied Geography and Geospatial Science

The Master of Arts (MA) in Applied Geography and Geospatial Science 

• Are you interested in balancing social well-being with environmental conservation? 
• Do you want to gain an understanding of pressing social-environmental issues while collecting and analyzing data using cutting-edge geospatial technologies? 
• Do you want to develop technical and critical thinking skills that will help create bold and innovative solutions? 

The MA in Applied Geography and Geospatial Science helps you develop the knowledge and skills to become a leader in this rapidly growing field. The program uses an interdisciplinary and flexible curriculum structure allowing you to tailor your degree to your personal interests. The MA offers opportunities for graduate teaching and research assistantships, to further hone your technical and communication skills.

If you are looking for a degree that blends a focus on sustainability and social justice with training in leading-edge technical and field-based tools, you will thrive in the MA Applied Geography and Geospatial Science program. 

The MA emphasizes geospatial science, a federally recognized STEM subject area, and prepares you for careers in land and resource management, environmental consulting, geospatial analysis, environmental policy, hazards management, urban and regional planning, among other related career paths.

Careers

Graduates of the Applied Geography and Geospatial Science program have gone on to work for a wide variety of organizations in the public, private, and non-profit sectors. From local, state, and federal governments to private consulting firms, your MA opens doors to a fulfilling career centered around the environment, social well-being and geospatial analysis. 

CU Denver’s MA in Applied Geography and Geospatial Analysis has graduates who work in fulfilling careers in a wide range of public offices such as:

• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency 
• U.S. Geological Survey 
• National Park Service 
• Federal Emergency Management Agency 
• U.S. Forest Service 
• U.S. Department of Transportation 
• Colorado Department of Public Health 
• County and City-level Resource Management Offices 
• Colorado Department of Transportation 
• City and County of Denver 
• City and County of Boulder  

Our students and alumni also find jobs in the private sector. Careers include:

• Field Technicians 
• Environmental Consultant 
• Environmental Scientist 
• Policy Analyst 
• Hydrologist 
• Sustainability Manager/Officer
• Environmental Science Teacher 
• Geospatial Scientist/Analyst
• Renewable Energy Specialist
• Environmental Advocacy and Outreach Coordinator
• Environmental Health and Safety Officer 
• Water Quality Technician 
• Environmental/Transportation Planner

Curriculum

The 36-credit-hour MA in Applied Geography and Geospatial Science includes:

The 36-credit-hour MA in Applied Geography and Geospatial Science includes

• An introductory seminar covering research topics in Applied Geography and Geospatial Science 
• An applied spatial statistics course
• Geospatial science and methods courses
• Elective courses in your areas of interest
• Either a capstone community-based research studio (for students on the non-thesis track) or Master’s thesis preparation and writing courses (for students on the thesis track).

Areas of Concentration

Environmental Health

Explore the relationship between human health, environmental change and the built environment. Examine factors that create health disparities, social vulnerabilities, and environmental justice.

Climate Change

Learn about global and regional climate systems, climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies, and other anthropogenic impacts on the atmosphere, such as air pollution and urban heat islands. 

Cities and Nature

Investigate the unique relationship between cities and environmental change. Explore topics such as economic development, urban sustainability and disaster planning, and environmental management in urban and urbanizing settings.

Food Systems

Explore the complexity of food systems and their impact on human health and well-being. Learn about topics such as the political economy of agriculture, sustainable food production and distribution systems, and urban farming practices. 

Sustainable Development

Examine local, regional and global efforts to balance economic growth with sustainable practices. Consider patterns of investment and development alongside goals of social equity and land and resource conservation.

Environmental Management and Policy

Investigate different approaches to managing natural resources, and patterns of environmental degradation. Explore the drawbacks and benefits of efforts such as economic policy tools, technology-based efforts, community-centered approaches, and more. 

Spatial and Environmental Histories

Examine key factors influencing social and environmental change using both historical and geospatial analysis tools. Explore past and ongoing processes such as gentrification, industrialization, community development and resource management. 

Environmental Change and Sustainability

Learn how the earth evolves under dynamic human influence. Investigate changing landforms and land cover, complex rivers and fluvial processes, forest and vegetation changes, and modified hazard characteristics under climate change. 

External Advisory Committee

GES aspires to be a strong presence in the geospatial community and to be a leader in cutting-edge geospatial science and technology research and education. To support this goal, an External Advisory Committee was established in spring 2015 to offer guidance for all aspects of the curriculum where geospatial technologies are embedded (BA, MSES, and MA, as well as the GIS Certificate), particularly the MA Program. Likewise, the External Advisory Committee can provide guidance on strong community links and outreach across Colorado and the region.

Michael P. Finn 

Research Cartographer, US Geological Survey

Mike works in the USGS Center of Excellence for Geospatial Information Science. He holds a BS in Geography with a Minor in Cartography and Map Technology 
from Southwest Missouri State University (now Missouri State University) and an MS in Civil Engineering from Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University. Mike has worked as a Computer and IT Specialist and a Research Cartographer with the US Geological Survey for the past 16 years. He also has 17 years of experience with the US Department of Defense; 10 years with the US Air Force, and 7 years with the Defense Mapping Agency.

Dan Getman

Principal Geospatial Data Scientist, DigitalGlobe       

​Dan has a Master of Science in Remote Sensing from Purdue University. His work at Digital Globe is focused on developing large-scale analysis solutions that utilize data science and high-performance/cloud computing methodologies to derive information and insights from high-resolution satellite imagery at scale across a variety of domains. He has extensive experience in spatial analysis using open source software tools, spatial statistics, multivariate data visualization, and analysis of large spatiotemporal data.​ 

Jacek Grodecki  

DigitalGlobe 

Jacek has a Ph.D. in Geodesy and Geomatics Engineering from the University of New Brunswick and is currently Senior Director of Research and Development at DigitalGlobe. He has extensive experience in image processing, remote sensing, photogrammetry, geodesy, and statistical analysis of data. His expertise encompasses theoretical and practical aspects of image generation, sensor modeling, feature extraction, estimation, and optimization methods. Jacek is also an adjunct professor in the area of Remote Sensing at the University of Colorado Denver. 

Daniel Gwartney

GIS Group Manager, Amec Foster Wheeler

Dan has a Master's Degree in Urban and Environmental Geosciences with a focus on Geospatial Analysis, Digital Image Processing, and Hyperspectral Remote Sensing from the University of Missouri – Kansas City.  He also has a Bachelor of Science in Geography with a focus in Remote Sensing, Climatology, and Atmospheric Science from the University of Kansas.  Previously, he worked at Kansas Applied Remote Sensing as a Research Assistant in the Kansas Biological Survey.  Currently, he is the GIS Group Manager for Amec Foster Wheeler’s Denver office.  He oversees a team of 3 mid to senior level GIS Analysts as well as 3 mid to senior level Wildlife and Plant Biologists.  Much of his work is focused​ on environmental remote sensing, hydrologic and hydraulic modeling, floodplain and wetland delineations, biological plant surveys, and a diverse variety of geospatial and cartographic applications. His areas of interest include automated geospatial analysis, LiDAR pointcloud processing, multispectral analysis, and hyperspectral imagery analysis. 

Philipp Hummel

Compass Data Inc.

Phillip has a master's degree with a focus on Land Surveying, Geodesy, GIS, Photogrammetry, and Remote Sensing from the University of Karlsruhe, Germany. He is a certified federal surveyor and photogrammetrist, as well as a Professional Land Surveyor licensed in six states in the USA. In Compass Data Inc., he is currently in charge of managing nationwide and international operations for bidding for project contracts, setting up logistics, and technical solutions. The department that he leads specializes in collecting Ground Control Points for airborne and space-borne sensors. As a geodesist, he consults and calculates datum-transformations to ensure the highest geodetic accuracy throughout different continents. 

Darcee Killpack

Deputy Director, National Geospatial Technical Operations Center, US Geological Survey

Darcee works for the National Geospatial Technical Operations Center (NGTOC), under the National Geospatial Program for USGS.  She holds a BS in Materials Science from the University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill and an MS in Environmental Monitoring from the University of Wisconsin - Madison. As the Deputy Director of NGTOC, Darcee supports the production and delivery of The National Map, US Topo, 3D Elevation Program, and the National Hydrography Dataset. Darcee previously worked for the National Park Service as the GIS Coordinator for the Intermountain Region, providing direct GIS support to over 90 park units in 8 states.  She also worked for SWCA, Inc. as the GIS Director supporting the integration of GIS into environmental management, assessments, and analysis.​

Dave Murray

GIS Coordinator, City of Westminster, Colorado

Dave has a Master's Degree in Urban and Regional Planning and another Master's Degree in Engineering focused on Geographic Information Systems from The University of Colorado at Denver.  He also holds a B.S. Degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology from Northern Arizona University.  He received his GIS Professional certification in 2007.  Dave has been instructing GIS classes at UCD in the Engineering Department and Geography since 1998. He works with a wide variety of urban applications as the GIS Coordinator at Westminster. His areas of interest include geospatial technology diffusion, urban applications, 3D, and technology transfer. 

Alina Shemetova

GIS Business Analyst, SM Energy

Alina completed her B.A. in Geography with a focus in Environmental Studies at the University of Colorado, Denver. Since completing her degree in 2013, she
has been actively pursuing her professional career within the Oil and Gas sector. As a GIS Business Systems Analyst at SM Energy, Alina employs GIS as a means to support users working resource plays across the continental U.S. Her support has spanned all phases of the Exploration and Production (E&P) lifecycle, with projects involving geospatial analytics, vendor and proprietary data management, geodatabase administration, mineral and leasehold asset mapping, training, and technical support in a variety of GIS applications.  

MA in Applied Geography and Geospatial Science Program Learning Goals and Associated CLAS Essential Learning Outcomes (ELOs) 

Program Learning Goal #1:  Knowledge Base of Geography 

• 1.1 Demonstrate in-depth knowledge of the theory, methods, and research in the discipline of geography.
• 1.2 Assess the capacity for the discipline of geography to provide a useful and robust forum for exploring, analyzing, and responding to developments at the human-environment interface. 
• 1.3 Connect key theories, concepts, techniques, and technologies within the subfields of human and physical geography, as well as geographic information science and technology, through real-world practical applications at the local, regional, and global scales. 

Program Learning Goal #2:  Analytic Approaches and Methods 

• 2.1 Apply systems thinking and critical thinking skills to analyze problems and potential solutions in socio-economic-ecological systems at the human-environment interface. 
• 2.2 Practice obtaining, analyzing, and interpreting complex geographic data. 
• 2.3 Demonstrate proficiency in the application of state-of-the-art geo-spatial analytical methods, techniques, and technologies. 
• 2.4 Critically evaluate development and research in the human and physical geographic realms, and at the human environment interface. 

Program Learning Goal #3:  Application and Community Engagement 

• 3.1 Understand and demonstrate how scientific, specifically geographical principles, research, and geospatial information science and technologies, influence society and policy. 
• 3.2 Demonstrate ability to work on real-world challenges to combine theory and practice in responding to local to global issues at community, non-profit, corporate, or government contexts. 
• 3.3 Practice effective communication of geographic concepts and problems to both scientific and public audiences. 

Program Learning Goal #4: Integrative and Inclusive Approaches 

• 4.1 Understand and synthesize complex relationships among components of natural and human systems. 
• 4.2 Apply acquired skills to work as an individual and as a team to address real-world challenges. 
• 4.3 Draw on diverse perspectives to examine complex social and environmental issues and practice global citizenship. 

Tuition 

The cost of tuition and fees for the MA in Applied Geography & Geospatial Sciences is different for in-state and out-of-state students. Current tables and rates are available on the Bursar's office site.

Scholarships 

Newly Admitted and Continuing Students: You can apply for additional scholarships every semester of enrollment. Some awards may be specific to individual programs or enrollment in specific courses. Learn more and apply here.  

Assistantships

After receiving admissions into the Master's program (before the priority application deadline) you will have an opportunity to apply for a Teaching Assistant position. Selected students receive an offer by late spring or early summer. TA opportunities are available past your first semester as well. 

Research Assistant positions are developed and offered following conversations with faculty, typically after a student arrives in their first semester. On occasion, these positions are offered as part of the admissions process. 

The program admits students in the fall semester. The number of students admitted to the program depends on space availability.

The University of Colorado Denver has a minimum requirement of a 3.0 undergraduate grade point average (GPA) for applicants to the graduate school. However, students who do not meet the GPA requirement at the time of the application may be admitted conditionally with the requirement that they achieve a minimum of a 3.0 GPA by the end of their first semester in the program. 

Admission Notes 

• The admissions committee considers each candidate’s entire record of achievement.  
• Applicants must have completed an undergraduate program at an accredited United States college or its equivalent in another country.
• No work experience or formal business education is required for admission. However, professional experience strengthens your application. Candidates with less work experience can show potential through academic and experiential success. 
• You may submit GRE scores for admission into the program, but this is not required. Please note: not all programs offer the same GRE waiver policy. 

How Decisions Are Made 

The Admission Committee will evaluate your application for evidence of extended professional work experience and academic success that demonstrates the quantitative, analytical, and verbal skills necessary for success in the CU Denver MA or MS program through the Department of Geography and Environmental Sciences. Multiple sources of evidence will be considered, such as: 

• Professional work experience, preferably demonstrating a background in the fields of geospatial science, human geography, environmental science or environmental management. 
• Overall undergraduate GPA of 3.00 or higher, though lower GPA may be considered if the applicant demonstrates improvement in recent semesters. (Consideration will be given to the major and rigor of the program.) 
• GRE (Optional). If your application does not demonstrate the academic success detailed above and/or sufficient professional experience, you may want to consider taking the GRE to make your application more competitive.  

Apply now

Fall 

We accept applications once per year, with a February 1^st priority deadline, for admission in the fall semester of the same year. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis through August 1^st for fall semester. Space is limited so application submissions by the priority deadline are strongly encouraged.