Last week, GES welcomed a new cohort of graduate students for the Fall 2026 semester. During the orientation, students had the chance to meet the faculty, learn about the program, and prepare for Grad School. The Fall 2026 cohort comprises 16 students from various backgrounds who will be studying topics ranging from geospatial analysis to public policy. The GES Department is excited to welcome our new students to the program, and we look forward to the contributions they will make to the fields of Geography and Environmental Science over the next couple of years.
New graduate students discuss their background and interests with one another.
Graduate student panel shares experiences and advice for incoming students.
The orientation began with an introductory speech by Dr. Bryan Wee, welcoming the students to CU Denver. Following this was a presentation from Dr. Gregory Simon about what the department is, what programs are offered, and who the faculty are. Dr. Thomas Duster provided further information on what each program entails and the courses required. Dr. Ben Crawford provided a presentation on what expectations to set for Graduate School, such as time management and who to reach out to for help.
The GES Department offers two graduate programs: Master of Arts in Applied Geography and Geospatial Science and the Master of Science in Environmental Sciences. Both programs offer a thesis and non-thesis track, and multiple specializations for students to further their education. You can find more information below:
After lunch, current graduate students spoke in a panel to answer questions and offer advice on managing coursework, building connections, and how to make the most of their time in the program. The panel also shared information on how to get involved with the Graduate Executive Council, and an introduction to the Confluence journal, giving new students more ways to plug into the department beyond the classroom from day one.
The department was also excited to highlight a new addition to its academic offerings: the Climate and Environmental Justice (CEJ) Certificate. Jointly administered with the College of Architecture and Planning and the Department of Urban and Regional Planning, the certificate gives students a transdisciplinary foundation in climate and environmental justice policy and practice. You can learn more here:
Climate and Environmental Justice Certificate
If you are interested in learning more about the Department of Geography and Environmental Sciences, you can check out the department's website. Various programs are offered at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral level.
Fall 2026 Graduate Student Cohort. Left to Right: Emily True (MA), Gwendolyn Banning (MA), Stuart Giles (MA), Caitlan Daley (MA), Noah Smith (MS), Benjamin Mangelsdorf (MA), Aidan Malone (MA), Yelena Martinez (MA), Luka Pavlakis (MS), Danya Manyak (MA), Stacy Parker (MS), Leah Foster (MS). Not pictured: Cameron Ramsey (MA), Phoebe Seltzer (MS), Jesse Turner (MS), Cody Ullock (MS).