Benefits of Graduate School?

Our M.S. in program offers students the opportunity to advance their career aspirations through advanced study in the classroom and in the field. The curriculum has been designed toward three broad learning goals. Students who successfully complete the program should expect to have gained specific professional skills related to these program goals, as indicated in the list of student learning outcomes.

Learning Outcomes

Broad Program Learning Goals for this Degree Program

  1. Students will learn to conduct legitimate and original research on geographical topics.
  2. Students will develop an ability to communicate clearly and effectively.
  3. Students will prepare themselves for professional careers in Geography.

List of Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs) for this Degree Program

  1. Students will be able to state an original research question appropriate for geographic analysis.
  2. Students will be able to state how a research project contributes to an existing body of geographic literature. 
  3. Students will be able to design and implement legitimate geographic methodology.
  4. Students will be able to explain and assess the results of original geographic research.
  5. Students will be able to communicate clearly and effectively in both written and oral formats.
  6. Students will be able to enter professional positions or Ph.D. programs related to geography or environmental management.

All UNM degree programs collect data on the success of their students in attaining these learning outcomes. The Department of Geography and Environmental Studies evaluates the theses/projects of graduating graduate students to understand how the department is performing in meeting its program goals.

 

Ready for your Ph.D.?

The curriculum for the New Mexico Geography Ph.D. Program is designed so that students can complete their degree in as little as four years of full-time study.

The curriculum builds from the existing Master’s programs in geography at UNM and NMSU, leveraging the significant teaching expertise of the two faculties and the classroom facilities of the two universities to offer a robust and well-rounded Ph.D. curriculum.


 

Program Learning Goals

The primary objective of our teaching and mentoring is to produce graduates who are well prepared for professional careers within and beyond academia.  Broadly, we intend for all students to graduate with:

  1. Broad capability in the discipline of geography, with a critical understanding of how specific areas of theoretical, methodological, and practical expertise relate to scholarship in other areas of the discipline;
  2. Advanced competency in the design and implementation of original research;
  3. Ability to engage in contemporary problem solving; and
  4. Professional skills in communication, teaching and mentorship.

 

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learning outcomes phd