Overview

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 toward the Ph.D. degree. A student may achieve this objective by completing the program culminating in a thesis or a comprehensive examination. The program has two Options: 

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

Admission to the Program

Application to the University through Cal State Apply is required.

• Must have attained a grade point average of at least 2.75 (A=4.0) in the last 60 semester (or 90 quarter) units of undergraduate work attempted.
• Must have been in good standing in the last college or university attended.
• Must meet all University admission requirements.

In addition to completing the University Application, all prospective students must submit the following departmental application in Section 4 of Cal State Apply.  Applications will be reviewed by the department and assessed based on the completed application form and supporting materials.

• Two letters of recommendation, in which at least one letter must come from a professor or an individual capable of evaluating the applicant’s qualification for graduate study and
• A statement of intent. The statement of intent should be between 500-700 words indicating the applicant’s purpose in applying for graduate study, any special areas of interest, plans for future occupation or profession, and any additional information that may aid the selection committee in evaluating the applicant’s preparation and aptitude for graduate study at Cal State LA.  

Notes:

• Provinsional Admission: Applicants who wish to enter the program from outside the geological science area must complete four upper-division GEOL courses (3000-4000 level) within their first year.
• Prospective students interested in pursuing a thesis project must identify and contact a potential faculty advisor before submitting their application.

Requirements for the Degree

Students enrolled in the Geological Sciences M.S. program must complete the core curriculum (16 units) in addition to one option (11 or 4 units) and the required culminating coursework (0 or 3 units) for a total of 30 units. Identical or similar courses completed at the undergraduate level may not count towards the M.S. degree.    

• Students enrolled in the thesis track (GEOL 5990 ) must complete 11 option units.
• Students enrolled in the comprehensive track (GEOL 5960 ) must complete 14 option units. 

 Learning Outcomes