The Department of Geosciences and Environment offers three postgraduate degrees: Master of Arts in Geography,  Master of Science in Geological Sciences (with options in Geology and Environmental Hydrology), and Master of Science in Environmental Sciences (4 options).

Geological Sciences, M.S

The objective of the Master of Science degree in Geological Sciences is to prepare students for professional-level employment in industry and government, teaching positions in community colleges, or advanced study towards the Ph.D. degree. A student may achieve this objective by completing the program that culminates in either a thesis or a comprehensive examination.

The program has two Options: 

• The Geology option prepares students for careers in areas of traditional geology and engineering geology.
• The Environmental Hydrogeology option prepares students for careers in hydrogeology and environmental geochemistry.

Cooperative Program

The Department of Geological Sciences participates in a cooperative program with California State University campuses at Long Beach and Northridge. This cooperative program enables students to apply an unrestricted number of courses from the participating campuses toward the M.S. degree. Students take part on a voluntary basis and are not required to enroll at the Long Beach or Northridge campuses. The cooperative program offers students the advantage of utilizing the faculty and equipment of a larger part of the California State University system.

Admission to the Program

Admission requirements include possession of a Bachelor of Science degree in Geology, Earth or Environmental Sciences, related areas of Natural Science, or Engineering from an accredited college or university, with a minimum 2.75 grade point average in the last 60 semester units and upper division course work substantially equivalent to that required of Cal State L.A. geology majors. Although it is not a general admission requirement, individual faculty may require the GRE before they agree to be the primary advisor.  Applicants who lack appropriate courses may be admitted to the program but will be expected to remove any deficiencies by completing courses selected through consultation with the graduate advisor.

Application Procedures

In addition to submitting a University Admissions Application through Cal State Apply, applicants must also apply separately to the Department.  Application forms are available on the Geosciences and Environment website (http://www.calstatela.edu/academic/geos/graduates.php).  Completed application, copy of statement submitted to Cal State Apply (career goals and your interest in the program), two recommendation letters, advisor consent form (if the applicant is choosing the thesis route), and unofficial transcripts must be e-mailed to the Graduate Advisor.  Please note that the reference letters need to be emailed to the graduate advisor directly from the recommender.  All materials must be received by the Graduate Advisor on or before the deadline stipulated on the Graduate Studies Office website (http://www.calstatela.edu/graduateadmissions).   Official transcripts must also be sent to the Graduate Studies Office ADM 702 before the set deadline. 

Learning Outcomes Roadmap