Welcome to Geography & Environmental Studies
The Department of Geography and Environmental Studies at California State University, Northridge (CSUN) is one of the largest in the nation. During the last forty years, its faculty and students have compiled an enviable record of academic achievement and public service. Because of the size and quality of its faculty, the department can offer prospective students an unusually large array of intellectual opportunities that far exceeds those offered by most other institutions.
What do we study?
Climate Change & Atmospheric Science
Natural Resources & Conservation
Water Systems
Spatial Data Science
Forensics & Crime Mapping
Drones & UAVs
Geographic Information Systems
Cartography & Geovisualization
Environmental Justice
Remote Sensing
GeoAI
Culture & Urban Environments
Health Equity & Neighborhood Wellbeing
Undergraduate Programs
B.S. in Geography and Environmental Studies (GES)
The Geography and Environmental Studies program prepares students to understand the environment around us and to interpret the patterns found across Earth’s surface. Comprised of 48 units, this major allows flexibility in course selection, while providing a solid background in human, physical and regional aspects of the discipline.
B.S. in Geographic Information Science (GIS)
The Geographic Information Science program features a strong technical component based on applications of geographic information science (GISci), cartography and remote sensing, along with training in geospatial analysis and data presentation. Students in the program will explore the application of GISci in various industries including, health and human services, public safety, natural/environmental sciences, retail, urban planning, government and transportation.
Graduate Programs
Geography, M.A.
The Master of Arts in Geography provides the student with a high degree of flexibility in the selection of courses used to meet the program requirements. Courses may be selected from any of the graduate offerings in geomorphology, climatology, biogeography, economic geography, cultural geography, urban geography, regional geography, cartography and geographic information science. This degree prepares students for advanced Ph.D. study, community college teaching and professional careers in business, government or industry.
Geographic Information Science, M.S.
The Department of Geography and Environmental Studies offers, within the Master of Science in Geographic Information Science (MSGISci) degree, a highly structured specialization program in which most of the requirements are met with graduate courses dealing with various aspects of GIS. This program is designed for students who want to pursue a career in this highly technological subfield of geography.
Minor Programs
Minor in Geographic Information Science
A minor in GIS is comprised of 21 units focused on courses involving geographic information science and related technologies.
Minor in Geography
A minor in Geography is comprised of 20 units, with no more than 6 units in the lower division. The student must consult with a Geography advisor to develop an approved program best suited to the student’s individual needs.
Our Team
The Department of Geography and Environmental Studies is hiring lecturers for Academic Year 2024 to 2025. If you or someone you know is interested in applying for this position, please submit your current resume and cover letter to geography@csun.edu. Fall only or full AY 2024 to 2025 are due April 8, 2024 and Spring only applications are due September 2, 2024. Please refer to the Position Announcement for more information or contact the Department Chair, Dr. Regan Maas, at regan.maas@csun.edu.
Department Chair
Dr. Regan Maas
Sierra Hall 150
18111 Nordhoff Street
Northridge, CA 91330-8263
- Phone: (818) 677-3532