SJSU Geography Geography Master of Arts  
Advisor Richard Taketa
408/924-5425
rtaketa@email.sjsu.edu
Focus The M.A. Program in Geography focuses on Geographic Information Science. Students specialize in geographic information systems development (including design of databases, algorithms, and application software), cartographic visualization (including design of dynamic and interactive mapping systems, especially integrated with GIS), or applications of geographic information technology to geographic analysis and geographic education.
Application Students applying to the M.A. program should submit the standard CSU application for graduate study to the Graduate Studies Office. The following information should be submitted to the Department of Geography. The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is not required for admission to the Geography M.A. program.
1.  Statement of purpose.
  This is part of the application form. You should clearly state your reasons for pursuing graduate study in Geography at San Jose State. We do not require that you have a thesis topic defined prior to entering the program, but we do need to evaluate your application in the context of departmental specializations and faculty interest and availability. You may submit this statement on a separate page attached to the application form.
2.  Two letters of recommendation.
  The letters of recommendation should be from teachers and supervisors who are familar with your abilities and experiences. The letters should give clear indication of your potential for graduate study and/or professional work as a geographer. These should be sent directly to the Richard Taketa at the Department of Geography.
Classified
Standing 		Basic requirements for admission to the Graduate Division are outlined in the Admission section of the Catalog. In addition, the department may require the following for admission to Classified standing:
1.  An undergraduate degree in geography or a reasonably related field from an accredited institution.
2.  A 3.0 grade point average (B) overall for the last 60 semester units of academic study.
3.  The capability, in the opinion of the Department Graduate Committee, of successfully completing the degree requirements.
4.  The removal of deficiencies if preparation differs markedly from the Geography B.A. at San Jose State University.
Conditionally
Classified
Standing 		If not accepted into Classified standing, you may qualify for Conditionally Classified status for which the following will be required:
1.  The ability, in the opinion of the Department Graduate Committee, to remove deficiencies which do not exceed the equivalent of one full-time semester of course work.
2.  The qualifications to be accepted to Classified standing within a reasonable length of time, and the background to conduct studies at the graduate level.
Candidacy You may be admitted to candidacy for the M.A. in Geography by complying with requirements of the University which include completion of the Graduate English Writing Requirement, as outlined in the Academic Regulations section of the Catalog.
Degree
Completion 		In consultation with the department advisor, the candidate will develop and pursue a program of study outlined in Plan A (with thesis) or Plan B (without thesis). The candidate must successfully complete all requirements of the selected plan including the course work specified in the "Master's Degree Approved Program."
 
Geography M.A. Plan A (With Thesis) Plan B (Without Thesis)
Department of Geography
San Jose State University
118 Washington Square Hall
One Washington Square
San Jose, CA 95192-0116
Telephone: 408-924-5475
Fax: 408-924-5477
http://www.sjsu.edu/depts/geography 		San Jose State University