The department offers programs leading to the master of arts, master of science and doctor of philosophy degrees in geography. Each graduate degree is highly individualized. Students work closely with their advisory committee to design and complete the graduate degree in physical geography, human geography or coupled human-environment systems.
In physical geography, the department has a long tradition focusing on climatology, especially physical, synoptic, dynamic climatology and all phases of water budget cycling. In addition, emphasis is placed on land surface processes, especially glacial and alpine environments, sea-ice dynamics, hydrology and ecosystem linkages. Human geography covers a broad range of environmental themes approached from cultural-historical, socioeconomic and political perspectives. Coupled human environment systems examines linkages and processes between the biophysical environment and human societies with emphasis in environmental governance, conflicts over increasingly scarce resources and human dimensions of climate change. Interdisciplinary work is encouraged from across the university and in collaboration with local, national and international partners.