At the master's level, the department offers programs leading to the Master of Arts with a major in geography. The department also offers courses in regional planning leading to the Master of Science degree in Planning. At the doctoral level, the department offers programs leading to the Doctor of Philosophy degree with a major in geography. Students pursuing a doctoral degree in other departments may elect the Ph.D. minor in geography. All applicants are required to submit scores on the verbal, quantitative, and analytical sections of the Graduate Record Examination, as well as complete transcripts, three letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose. Please see the departmental website for application materials. Students in their final year of an M.A. degree in the Department who wish to continue the Ph.D. program, must petition the Department and submit a new statement of purpose and three letters of recommendation from the student's M.A. committee members to the departmental Graduate Admissions Committee. Master of Arts: A minimum of 33 units of graduate credit are required, to include (1) a core of 9 units consisting of 500, 689, and an advanced methods course; (2) a minimum of 12 units of graduate work in geography exclusive of both core and thesis, at least 6 of which must be in courses or seminars exclusive to graduate students (i.e., not jointly convening 400/500-level courses, and not independent studies); and (3) an additional 9 units of approved electives, which may include up to 6 units of thesis, which is optional. In addition, students are required to register for 1 unit of 695a colloquium each semester they are in residence. Students electing the non-thesis option must pass a written and oral comprehensive examination. Students electing the thesis option must pass a final oral examination. Master of Science (major in Planning): The department offers courses for students seeking professional preparation for careers in planning for urban and rural regions. For further information, see Planning elsewhere in this Catalog. Doctor of Philosophy: Doctoral students must complete the requirements for the master's degree plus a minimum of 18 units in geography (exclusive of the dissertation) of which at least 12 units must be in courses or seminars exclusive to graduate students (i.e., not jointly convening 400/500-level courses, and not independent studies) plus 1 unit of 695a colloquium during each semester they are in residence. Students not holding the M.A. in Geography from the University of Arizona must complete 500, 689, and two advanced methods courses, all of which may be counted toward the 18-unit requirement. Doctoral students must also achieve high-level competence in either: (a) one topical and one area field, or; (b) two topical fields. Students will ordinarily complete a minimum of 6 units in each field of proficiency. Topical and area proficiencies include those officially listed by the Association of American Geographers and for which there is a departmental faculty member who possesses such proficiency. Doctoral students must also demonstrate proficiency in at least one research tool. Doctoral students who propose to undertake research in or on a non-English speaking area are required to demonstrate the necessary language skills before taking the comprehensive examination. The minor(s) must be complementary to the student's program of specialization and is subject to the approval by the student's mentor and the Director of Graduate Studies. Ph.D. Minor in Geography: Students majoring in other doctoral programs at The University of Arizona who elect a minor in geography must complete a minimum of 12 units of coursework in geography, including one core course (500,689, or an an advanced methods course) and a maximum of 3 units of independent studies. The course work must be pre-approved by the Director of Graduate Studies. Doctoral students considering the minor in geography should consult the Director of Graduate Studies and the potential committee members at an early date.