Master of Science in Geology

Master Degree Roadmap - visit this page for a roadmap of all the steps to getting a MS degree in geology at CSUF.

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Why Should I Pursue a Masters of Science in Geology?

Our master of science program provides the opportunity to gain an in-depth knowledge and experience centered around one of the sub-disciplines of the geological sciences that builds on the foundation of the bachelors degree. A recent survey of geologic consulting firms indicates that approximately half of newly-hired geologists will have a masters degree, clear evidence that the masters degree will provide a strong competitive advantage for entry into the work force. A masters degree is also an excellent choice for prospective high-school teachers and a prerequisite for teaching at the community college level. A masters degree also makes an excellent springboard toward a Ph.D. degree in Geology, especially for students who need the extra coursework or research experience in order to gain entry into a top Ph.D. program.

Why Choose California State University, Fullerton?

Our Reputation: Our department has a reputation for producing successful geologists. Many of the local geological consulting firms are populated with CSUF graduates and when they need to hire, these employers look at our graduates first. Our faculty has garnered national recognition for their research in projects funded by the National Science Foundation, the Petroleum Research Fund, and numerous other state and local funding agencies. Because of our faculty’s excellent reputation, our graduate students will have little difficulty starting a career, or moving on to quality Ph.D. programs.

Teaching Comes First: Unlike large Ph.D. – granting research universities, whose faculty spend most of their time on large research projects, CSUF’s primary mission is education. Our faculty are first and foremost excellent teachers. We take pride in the level of our interaction with students, and we take a personal interest in guaranteeing their success. Furthermore, our graduate classes are typically small, and provide close interaction between students and faculty. At CSUF you will be at the top of the knowledge food-chain!

Student-Centered Research: As well as being excellent educators, all of our faculty pursue active research programs. Our faculty design their research projects specifically around the involvement of students, and we require all faculty to involve students in their research. In the course of your graduate studies you will have ample opportunity to work one-on-one with your faculty advisor on a collaborative research project.

Student-Oriented Program: We designed our Master’s program specifically to cater to the changing needs of our students. Many of our graduate courses have flexible topics that can be modified specifically to meet the needs and desires of the current students. Our program also allows new courses to be offered in response to student demand. The requirements of our students will always dictate the focus of our program.

Each student will meet individually with the graduate advisor to formulate a study plan designed specifically to meet their goals. Elective course work in related fields such as math, physics, chemistry, biology, anthropology, engineering can easily be incorporated into your personal study plan.

In addition, we offer many of our graduate courses in the early evening hours to accommodate working students and master’s theses can be designed as collaborative projects with student’s employers.

Outstanding Opportunities

Our location within the active tectonic belt of southern California provides unlimited potential for designing nearby investigations in virtually any field of geology. However, opportunities are not limited to southern California, our students have pursued research projects around the country and overseas. Our actively engaged faculty guarantees many exciting research possibilities for our graduate students.

Admission Requirements (also see Graduate Admissions)

An applicant must meet the university requirements for admission, which include a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution, and a grade-point average of at least 2.5 (4.0) in the last 60 semester units attempted (see catalog section on Graduate Admissions for complete statement and procedures). In addition, acceptance into this program in a classified standing is contingent upon the following: (1) A bachelor’s degree in geology from an accredited institution with an expected grade-point average of 3.0 in geology courses (which normally includes the equivalent to core courses of the Cal State Fullerton Geology B.S. program) and a 2.5 grade-point-average in related science (physics, chemistry, biology) and mathematics courses; or, in the case of a bachelor’s degree in a related area, a selection of science courses deemed as adequate preparation for further study in geology by the Department Graduate Committee; (2) Satisfactory performance on the Graduate Record Examination Aptitude Test with an expected score in the 50^th percentile or better on verbal and quantitative tests; (3) Two letters of recommendation; (4) Completion of the departmental application; (5) Availability of faculty and resources in the student’s stated area of interest.

Students with limited subject or grade deficiencies may be considered for conditional acceptance into the program if they meet all other departmental and university requirements. Conditionally classified graduate standing may be removed upon completion of adviser- and graduate- committee-approved postgraduate courses in geology, mathematics, chemistry or physics, with grades of B or better.

Students with a degree in a related field and/or substantial subject deficiencies are encouraged to apply. Such applicants may be considered for acceptance if they meet all other departmental and university requirements. Such a student may later qualify for classified standing by completing all courses recommended by the Department Graduate Committee and by maintaining a 3.0 grade-point-average in geology and related science and mathematics courses.

We generally require all MS students to complete courses equivalent to our core BS requirements. However, if a student is accepted with a degree in Geology or a related fields subject without a culminating FIELD CAMP course (GEOL 481A), then another course (e.g. GEOL 481C – Hydro camp, upper division math, etc) may be substituted for GEOL 481A. Choice of this course depends on the career/educational goals of the student. The field camp course or its substitute is a deficiency and can not be used on the study plan.

Masters of Science Curriculum

An MS curriculum must contain a minimum of 30 units and be approved by the Graduate Advisor. At least 21 units must be at the graduate level; a maximum of 9 units may be 400 level. A minimum grade-point average for courses satisfying the study plan is 3.0. The study plan must consist of:

Required core Courses (6 units)

· GEOL 500 Advanced Concepts in Geology (3)

· GEOL 501 Research Methods in Geology (1)

· GEOL 590 Graduate Seminar (1,1) – must be taken twice for 1 unit each time

Focus Courses (18-21 units)

Adviser-approved 400- or 500-level geology courses. Up to a maximum of 6 units may be approved 400- or 500-level courses taken in related-field departments. A maximum of 3 units of Geol 599 (Independent Study) and a maximum of 3 units of 593 (directed study) may be taken. Course selection will be dependent on student’s academic objectives, and selected in consultation with the student’s thesis advisor.

Thesis (3- 6 units – includes oral defense)

GEOL 598 Thesis (3-6)

Location

Located 22 miles southeast of metropolitan Los Angeles, and about 25 miles from the Pacific coast. Fullerton is a full-service city renowned for its unique mix of residential, commercial and industrial, educational, and cultural environments which provide residents with an outstanding quality of life. Geologically, CSUF lies in the midst of the active boundary between the Pacific and North American plates. The nearby Los Angeles Basin, Peninsular and Transverse Ranges, Mojave Desert, Sierra Nevada and Basin and Range geological provinces provide abundant opportunities for field-based research.

Financial Aid

The Department of Geological Sciences typically employs several graduate teaching assistants to teach lower division geology laboratories. Research assistantships funded by faculty research grants may also be available. We have a very limited number of non-resident tuition waivers for graduate students from out-of-state. For additional information about financial aid, contact the Office of Financial Aid (University Hall – Room 146) at (714) 278-3125.

Advising

Each graduate student meets regularly with the graduate advisor to formulate his or her study plan and choose appropriate elective courses. New graduate students should arrange to meet with the graduate advisor prior to registering for classes during their first semester of residence.

Contacts

For more information about our graduate program in Geology, please contact our graduate advisor, Dr. Adam Woods (awoods@fullerton.edu), at (714) 278-3882. You are also welcome to visit our department in Room 254, McCarthy Hall, or write to:

Graduate Advisor
Department of Geological Sciences
California State University, Fullerton
Fullerton, CA 92831.