University General Course Catalog 2026-2027 (DRAFT)
Geography, Ph.D.
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 Return to: Programs in the College of Science
The Department of Geography offers a Ph.D. in Geography. Department of Geography faculty members possess a range of interdisciplinary strengths and expertise in the areas of human, human-environment and physical geography and utilize diverse approaches and methods, including computational technologies such as geographic information systems, remote sensing, modeling and data analytics as well as Q-methodology, ethnography, and community based participatory research (CBPR). The faculty is renowned for its teaching and mentoring, with individual members having garnered university, state and national teaching awards.
Department research specialties span the full range of the discipline, with specific focus on climatology (including paleoclimatology), water resources, snow hydrology, cultural and historical geography, human-environment relations, political ecology, political and feminist geography, paleoecology, GIS and geotechnologies, transportation and urban geography, biogeography, wildlife and landscape ecology, natural resource management and conflict, and conservation science and planning. These specialties in physical and human-environment geography are supported by laboratory facilities for paleoclimate and paleoecologic reconstruction; the Nevada State Climate Office, and geospatial and conservation laboratories that study biodiversity, ecosystems and urban growth patterns and processes using GIS, remote sensing and spatial statistics. The Department has multiple computational and data servers; two computer labs and equipment for field studies focusing on mountain environments, climatology, environmental reconstruction and water resources. Students should read the Graduate School section of the catalog and contact the Department for additional information.
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Program Learning Outcomes
Students will be able to: - maximize their learning experiences by efficiently progressing through the program.
- attain a suitable degree of comfort with advanced-level research in physical, human, or cultural geography.
- demonstrate an advanced level of scholarly research by completing a thesis.
- link their work and educational experiences and prepare themselves for professional careers in Geography or related fields.
Admission Requirements
For admission to the Ph.D. program, a Master’s degree in Geography or a related discipline is required. Applications for acceptance into the PhD program are sent to the Graduate School , and must include: - a graduate admission application form, including fees;
- an official copy of GRE scores (optional); and
- official college transcripts.
Applicants must also send to the department a statement of purpose and goals and three recommendation letters. Applications received in full by December 15th will be considered for the fall semester. Prospective students are urged to contact potential graduate advisors among Department faculty well ahead of application deadlines. Applicants for the Ph.D. degree in Geography must satisfy the general admission requirements of the Graduate School. I. Program Requirements
Candidates for the Ph.D. degree in Geography must satisfy the general requirements of the Graduate School . At least 18 credits of 700-level graduate credits exclusive of dissertation credits are required. Candidates must select a Ph.D. graduate committee consisting of at least five members of the graduate faculty, including the Advisor. In addition to the permanent advisor as chair, the committee is composed of two or more members from Geography; one or more members from departments in related fields; and, one member outside Geography, who is the Graduate School Representative. Each candidate for the Ph.D. in Geography is required to successfully complete a written and oral comprehensive examination. A. Core (6 units)
Transfer credits may not be used to substitute for these courses. GEOG 700 should be taken in the first semester of residence at the university, as offered. B. Methods (6 units)
To be selected from a list of Geography and non-Geography classes available from the Department and/or selected in consultation with dissertation advisor and committee. C. Seminar (6 units)
- 700-Level seminar in Physical Geography (3 units)
- 700-Level seminar in Human Geography (3 units)
- 700-Level seminar in Human/Environment Interactions (3 units)
E. Electives (21 units)
Students select elective courses in consultation with their advisor. G. Dissertation (18 units)
H. Comprehensive Examination (1 unit)
Taken during the semester student completes written and oral examinations. II. Total Units (60 units)
May include up to 24 units from a Master’s degree with approval. Notes
- Each graduate course must be completed with a grade of “C” or better for the credit to be acceptable toward the degree.
- All requirements for degree must be completed within the period of 8 years immediately preceding the granting of the degree.
- Maximum of 24 graduate credits from a completed master’s degree program or previous post-baccalaureate work may be applied to the program (this includes grad special and transfer). Alternatively, doctoral students earning a master’s en route to a doctorate may transfer all units of coursework to their doctoral program.
- If credits are from another institution, the “Graduate Credit Transfer Evaluation Request” must be filed.
- Maximum of 9 graduate credits of S/U grading (including transfer credits)
- Must enroll in a minimum of 12 and a maximum of 30 dissertation credits for degree completion (see program requirement). With the program director’s approval, internship/externship experiences can count for dissertation credits.
- All Ph.D. students must fulfill the Graduate School residency requirement, which requires two consecutive semesters of at least six (6) graduate credits each.
- Minimum enrollment of 3 graduate credits each fall and spring semester
- Students on 20 hr/week assistantships require six (6) credits each for two consecutive semesters.
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Return to: Programs in the College of Science
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