- Colorado School of Mines
- University of Denver
- University of Colorado Boulder
- Colorado State University Fort Collins
- University of Northern Colorado
- University of Colorado, Colorado Springs
- Metropolitan State University of Denver
- Colorado College
Colorado School of Mines
Golden, CO
Website: https://geology.mines.edu/
Overview
The Department of Geology and Geological Engineering at the Colorado School of Mines is globally recognized for its focus on applied geosciences. It offers a rigorous curriculum and extensive research opportunities, addressing challenges in resource extraction, environmental protection, and infrastructure development.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Degree
- Bachelor of Science in Geological Engineering:
Prepares students for careers in engineering geology, mining, environmental geology, and more, with a strong emphasis on laboratory and fieldwork.
Graduate Degrees
- Master of Science (M.S.) in Geology and Geological Engineering:
Offers advanced coursework and research in fields like engineering geology, groundwater engineering, and mining geology. - Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Geology and Geological Engineering:
Focuses on cutting-edge research and innovation in geosciences and geological engineering.
Research Areas
The department’s research spans diverse fields, including:
- Mineral and energy resources
- Underground construction and tunneling
- Geological hazards and risk mitigation
- Geochemistry and hydrology
These research areas address critical global challenges and provide practical solutions.
Program Curriculum and Features
The curriculum integrates laboratory and fieldwork, including a five-week field course in the mountains of Colorado and Utah. Students develop practical skills in geologic mapping, site investigation, and environmental assessments.
Key topics include foundation engineering, groundwater analysis, geologic hazards, and mineral exploration. Elective courses allow further specialization in areas such as GIS, geophysics, or environmental engineering.
Outcomes and Career Paths
Graduates pursue careers in geological engineering, hydrology, energy exploration, and mineral development. The program emphasizes solving global challenges, such as sustainable resource management and environmental protection. Students gain hands-on experience through industry partnerships and access to state-of-the-art facilities.
Facilities
The department offers state-of-the-art facilities to support education and research, such as:
- Automated Mineralogy Laboratory
- LA-ICP-MS/MS Laboratory
- Short Wavelength Infra-Red (SWIR) Spectral Analysis Laboratory
- Thin Section Laboratory
These resources enable students and researchers to gain hands-on experience with advanced tools and technologies.
Faculty
The department is led by accomplished faculty members, including:
- Dr. Alexis Navarre-Sitchler (Department Head), specializing in aqueous geochemistry.
- Dr. Gabriel Walton (Associate Department Head), focusing on engineering geology and underground construction.
Faculty expertise spans a wide range of geosciences, ensuring a high-quality educational experience.
Student Opportunities
Students can enhance their learning through:
- Professional organizations like the American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG) and the Society of Economic Geologists (SEG).
- Networking, internships, and field experiences provided by these organizations.
University of Denver
Denver, CO
https://science.du.edu/geography
The Department of Geography and the Environment at the University of Denver (DU) offers comprehensive programs for students interested in addressing complex global challenges, including environmental change, economic development, migration, and geopolitics.
With courses led by expert faculty, the department provides a strong foundation in physical geography, environmental science, human geography, and Geographic Information Science (GIS), equipping students with the analytical skills needed to understand cause and effect across diverse landscapes.
Undergraduate and Graduate Programs
DU’s geography and environmental science programs offer both undergraduate and graduate degrees. Students can pursue Bachelor’s degrees with focuses in environmental science or geography, preparing for careers in fields like geotechnology, education, and urban planning. Advanced students may choose from master’s and PhD programs in geography, as well as a specialized master’s degree in GIS, enhancing their qualifications for high-demand roles in geospatial technology and research.
Hands-On Learning Opportunities
DU’s geography program emphasizes experiential learning. Undergraduate students participate in a Field Quarter, where they gather and analyze data in real-world environments. Additionally, field courses in locations like Colorado, New York City, New Zealand, and Peru provide immersive learning experiences, deepening students’ understanding of global ecosystems and human-environment interactions.
Innovative Research
The department’s research facilities include state-of-the-art labs for GIS, remote sensing, soils analysis, and climatology. Student-led research, often in collaboration with faculty, addresses pressing environmental and societal issues, with projects ranging from studying urban dynamics to assessing environmental impacts in regions like Guatemala.
Specialized Minors and Certificates
DU offers several minors and certificates, including Environmental Science, GIS, Geology, and Sustainability, allowing students to complement their studies with specialized skills. For motivated students, the “Distinction” programs in Environmental Science and Geography provide additional research opportunities and professional development guided by faculty mentors.
Global Masters Scholars and Dual Degrees
DU’s partnerships with Lund University in Sweden and the University of Western Australia enable students to earn both a DU bachelor’s degree and an international master’s degree in a five-year program. The dual-degree programs, including combinations like BA in Geography/MS in GIS, allow students to streamline their education and gain global perspectives in geography and environmental science.
DU’s geography department not only fosters academic excellence but also prepares students to become informed leaders ready to tackle some of today’s most pressing environmental and social challenges.
University of Colorado Boulder
Boulder, CO
https://www.colorado.edu/geography/
Overview of the Geography Program
The Department of Geography and the Environment offers an interdisciplinary program that equips students to address global challenges such as environmental change, economic development, and geopolitics. Students gain analytical skills to understand complex issues and the impact of geography on society and natural landscapes.
Program Tracks and Specializations
Undergraduate students can pursue a general geography major or specialize in one of four tracks: Physical Geography, Human Geography, Environment-Society Relations, or Geographic Information Science (GIS). Each track offers a unique perspective, with Physical Geography focused on natural processes and Human Geography examining societal impacts.
Certificate Programs
The department also provides specialized certificates in Arctic Studies, GIS, and Hydrology. These certificates are ideal for students interested in climate research, geospatial data analysis, or water resource management, and they complement the geography curriculum with additional targeted skills.
Field Quarter and Hands-on Learning
A unique aspect of the program is the Field Quarter, which provides students with the opportunity for hands-on learning through field research and practical data gathering. This experience allows students to apply classroom knowledge in real-world environments, enhancing their analytical and observational skills.
Core Competencies
Geography majors develop a range of competencies, including spatial analysis, critical thinking, and communication skills. The curriculum is designed to provide both theoretical knowledge and practical tools, preparing students to address environmental and social issues from a geographical perspective.
Career Pathways
Graduates from the geography program are well-prepared for careers in various fields, including public policy, environmental management, urban planning, and GIS. The program’s broad skill set also positions students well for advanced studies in graduate programs related to geography and environmental sciences.
Flexible Curriculum and Customization
The geography program offers flexibility for students to explore their academic interests. With a range of electives, study-abroad options, and dual-degree pathways, students can customize their educational journey to align with their career goals and personal interests.
Colorado State University Fort Collins
Fort Collins, CO
Interdisciplinary Programs in Anthropology and Geography
The Department of Anthropology and Geography at CSU offers diverse and interdisciplinary programs that explore the complex relationships between humans, environments, and cultures. Students can pursue undergraduate degrees in both fields, with specializations in archaeology, biological anthropology, cultural anthropology, and human and physical geography.
Exploring the Past with Archaeology
For those interested in archaeology, CSU’s program offers a comprehensive look at how past societies influenced modern culture. Students gain practical experience through field schools and labs, where they learn excavation and artifact analysis skills. The program covers regional archaeology, geoarchaeology, and historical preservation, preparing graduates for careers in cultural resource management, museums, and more.
Biological Anthropology and Human Evolution
CSU’s biological anthropology program bridges biological and social sciences, focusing on human evolution, primate behavior, and the biology-culture interface. With courses in forensic anthropology, osteology, and evolutionary medicine, students are well-prepared for careers in health, conservation, forensic science, and academia.
Geography: Understanding Human-Environment Interactions
Geography students at CSU study the spatial distribution of Earth’s physical features and human societies, investigating the dynamics of urban development, migration, climate change, and resource management. Through hands-on training in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and remote sensing, students gain practical skills for careers in urban planning, environmental management, and spatial analysis.
Cultural Anthropology and Societal Dynamics
In the Cultural Anthropology program, students examine societal norms, beliefs, and structures, focusing on health, globalization, environmental stewardship, and adaptation. This program provides a foundation for careers in public health, nonprofit organizations, international development, and social services.
Hands-On Learning and Fieldwork
A core component of the department’s programs is experiential learning, with opportunities for fieldwork, internships, and faculty-led research projects both locally and globally. Students apply their classroom knowledge to real-world problems, deepening their understanding through practical engagement.
Preparing Graduates for Diverse Careers
Graduates from the Department of Anthropology and Geography at CSU are equipped with critical thinking, research, and communication skills. They are well-prepared for careers in public service, education, museum curation, policy development, and beyond, with the knowledge and tools to thrive in a multicultural, interconnected world.
Building Specialized Skills for Success
With a variety of specialization paths and applied learning opportunities, CSU’s Department of Anthropology and Geography fosters intellectual flexibility and practical skills, empowering students to make an impact across a wide range of professional fields.
University of Northern Colorado
Greeley, CO
https://www.unco.edu/programs/geography
The Department of Geography, GIS, and Sustainability at UNC provides an in-depth academic experience focused on understanding human-environment interactions. Students can pursue degrees in Environmental & Sustainability Studies or Geography, with specializations in GIS, Community Development, Field Studies, and Regional Studies.
Bridging Natural and Social Sciences
The curriculum uniquely bridges the natural and social sciences, allowing students to explore environmental, cultural, and economic factors that influence human landscapes. This multidisciplinary approach prepares students to analyze complex interactions in both natural and built environments.
Hands-On Technical Training
Through hands-on training in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and remote sensing, students gain valuable technical skills for spatial data analysis. These skills are critical for careers in urban planning, environmental management, and spatial analysis, making graduates well-equipped for today’s job market.
Environmental & Sustainability Studies Focus
For students in Environmental & Sustainability Studies, the program emphasizes a holistic approach to addressing issues such as resource management, climate change, and sustainability. This concentration prepares students to understand and find solutions to the challenges of a resource-dependent world.
Geography Specializations
Geography students study spatial processes that shape both natural and human landscapes, covering topics like urban development, cultural geography, and political geography. These studies allow students to gain a deeper understanding of the forces that create local, regional, and global patterns.
Minors and Certifications
In addition to majors, the department offers minors in Geography, GIS, and Environmental Studies. Students can also earn certificates in GIS and Cartography and Drone Operations and Spatial Analysis, providing them with additional tools for specialized career paths.
Real-World Skill Development
Students in the department acquire a broad set of skills, including communication, digital technology, and research. These competencies are essential for diverse career opportunities in areas such as K-12 education, government, nonprofits, and environmental services.
Emphasis on Experiential Learning
UNC’s Geography, GIS, & Sustainability department places a strong emphasis on experiential learning. Students gain hands-on experience through internships, faculty-led research projects, and community engagement, enabling them to apply classroom knowledge to real-world situations.
Career-Ready Graduates
With a focus on practical learning and a broad skill set, graduates of the Geography, GIS, & Sustainability programs are well-prepared for a range of careers. They enter the workforce with the technical and analytical skills needed to make meaningful contributions in various fields.
University of Colorado, Colorado Springs
Colorado Springs, CO
Undergraduate and Graduate Programs
The UCCS Department of Geography & Environmental Studies (GES) offers both undergraduate and graduate degrees, as well as several minors and a GIScience certificate. The undergraduate Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Geography and Environmental Studies focuses on physical, human, and cultural geography, with courses in geospatial technologies. Minors are available in areas such as Geology, Sustainability, and Conservation, Parks, and Outdoor Recreation, providing students with interdisciplinary perspectives.
MA in Applied Geography
At the graduate level, the Master of Arts (MA) in Applied Geography program emphasizes critical research skills, problem-solving, and effective communication. Graduates often pursue PhD programs, work with public agencies and nonprofits, or secure positions as geospatial analysts, especially in military and intelligence fields.
Specialized Learning Opportunities
Students in both programs have access to hands-on learning through the GES labs, including the Forest Hydrology Research Lab, Geomorphology Research Lab, Geospatial Technology Lab, and Tree Ring Lab. These labs allow students to engage in research on topics like forest dynamics, land surface processes, geospatial data analysis, and climate change.
Internship and Honors Programs
UCCS GES offers internship opportunities through its Office of Sustainability, where students complete semester-long service projects. For high-achieving students, an Honors Program provides an avenue to complete an independent research project, culminating in an oral exam and potentially earning distinctions.
Graduate Program Coursework and Specializations
Graduate students in the MA program take foundational courses in geographic research and quantitative methods. They choose an area of specialization, such as Sustainability Studies, Applied Community-Based Research, Physical Systems, or Geospatial Technologies, aligning their studies with specific career goals.
Support and Financial Aid
UCCS offers multiple financial aid options, including teaching and research assistantships, department-funded scholarships, and the “Women in Geography” scholarships. Western State residents from select states can qualify for in-state tuition rates, making the program more accessible.
Professional and Academic Outcomes
Graduates from the GES department are well-prepared for careers in government, education, nonprofit organizations, and geospatial analysis. Through its strong curriculum and focus on practical learning, the department equips students with the knowledge and skills necessary for success in geography, environmental studies, and sustainability fields.
Metropolitan State University of Denver
Denver, CO
https://www.msudenver.edu/earth-atmospheric-sciences/geography/Undergraduate and Graduate Programs
The UCCS Department of Geography & Environmental Studies (GES) offers both undergraduate and graduate degrees, as well as several minors and a GIScience certificate. The undergraduate Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Geography and Environmental Studies focuses on physical, human, and cultural geography, with courses in geospatial technologies. Minors are available in areas such as Geology, Sustainability, and Conservation, Parks, and Outdoor Recreation, providing students with interdisciplinary perspectives.
MA in Applied Geography
At the graduate level, the Master of Arts (MA) in Applied Geography program emphasizes critical research skills, problem-solving, and effective communication. Graduates often pursue PhD programs, work with public agencies and nonprofits, or secure positions as geospatial analysts, especially in military and intelligence fields.
Specialized Learning Opportunities
Students in both programs have access to hands-on learning through the GES labs, including the Forest Hydrology Research Lab, Geomorphology Research Lab, Geospatial Technology Lab, and Tree Ring Lab. These labs allow students to engage in research on topics like forest dynamics, land surface processes, geospatial data analysis, and climate change.
Internship and Honors Programs
UCCS GES offers internship opportunities through its Office of Sustainability, where students complete semester-long service projects. For high-achieving students, an Honors Program provides an avenue to complete an independent research project, culminating in an oral exam and potentially earning distinctions.
Graduate Program Coursework and Specializations
Graduate students in the MA program take foundational courses in geographic research and quantitative methods. They choose an area of specialization, such as Sustainability Studies, Applied Community-Based Research, Physical Systems, or Geospatial Technologies, aligning their studies with specific career goals.
Support and Financial Aid
UCCS offers multiple financial aid options, including teaching and research assistantships, department-funded scholarships, and the “Women in Geography” scholarships. Western State residents from select states can qualify for in-state tuition rates, making the program more accessible.
Professional and Academic Outcomes
Graduates from the GES department are well-prepared for careers in government, education, nonprofit organizations, and geospatial analysis. Through its strong curriculum and focus on practical learning, the department equips students with the knowledge and skills necessary for success in geography, environmental studies, and sustainability fields.
Colorado College
Colorado Springs, Colorado
Website: https://www.coloradocollege.edu/academics/dept/geology/
The Department of Geology at Colorado College provides an immersive program combining classroom instruction and extensive fieldwork. Situated in the Rocky Mountain region, the department leverages its unique location to enhance learning and research opportunities.
The curriculum emphasizes critical inquiry and hands-on experience, encouraging students to explore the Earth’s dynamic systems.
Academic Programs
Students can earn a Bachelor of Arts in Geology, which includes coursework in fundamental geological principles and advanced topics. The program is designed to prepare students for careers in geology, environmental science, and related fields or for advanced studies in earth sciences.
Fieldwork and Research Opportunities
Colorado College’s Block Plan allows for in-depth field experiences, giving students extended periods to explore and study geological processes in natural settings. The department frequently organizes field trips to regional geological sites, enabling students to apply their classroom knowledge to real-world contexts.
Faculty Expertise
The department’s faculty includes experienced professionals specializing in areas such as geochemistry, sedimentology, paleontology, and structural geology. Faculty members are committed to mentoring students and fostering a collaborative academic environment.
Facilities and Resources
The department is housed in Palmer Hall and the Russell T. Tutt Science Center, featuring modern laboratories and cutting-edge equipment. Facilities support a wide range of geologic research, including mineral analysis, geophysical measurements, and stable isotope studies.
Community Engagement
The Department of Geology is actively involved in local and regional projects that apply geoscience expertise to environmental challenges. Community-based initiatives, such as watershed restoration and geodesign projects, demonstrate the department’s commitment to sustainability and societal impact.
Career Preparation
Graduates of the program are well-equipped for careers in fields such as environmental consulting, geotechnical engineering, and academia. The focus on analytical skills, fieldwork, and research ensures students have the practical knowledge needed for professional success.