The Department of Geography offers graduate study leading to the Master of Applied Geography degree and to a Doctor of Philosophy in Geography Degree. Our programs focus on the use of geographic perspectives and tools to examine an array of applied research questions related to land-use change, natural resources, biogeography, desertification, landscape conservation, and urban and transportation planning. A minor in Geographic Information Science and Technology (GIS &T) is also available for all graduate students, regardless of major, details are provided above. Admission to the program is in accordance with the general regulations of the Graduate School. Any applicant who does not have an adequate undergraduate background in geography will be required to make up the deficiencies. Doctoral applicants should have a master's degree in Geography or a closely related field. GRE scores are required for doctoral applicants. Applicants must submit three letters of recommendation and a formal statement of intent to the Department as part of the application process. Please contact Dr. Michaela Buenemann, Geography Graduate Director (elabuennmsu.edu) if you have any questions about the program.<br><br>The Department is also a participant in the Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP) supported by the Western Interstate Commission of Higher Education (WICHE). The WRGP is a tuition-reciprocity arrangement that enables students that are legal residents in WICHE states (Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming) to attend NMSU and pay the resident tuition rate, instead of the nonresident rate that an out-of-state student would normally pay.