Geological Sciences

The Master of Science program has two options: Geology and Geophysics. These programs are designed to: (1) train individuals with the competence required by the geological profession for employment in industry and government agencies; (2) enable promising students to attain a level of knowledge and research ability necessary for admission to and success in Ph.D. programs; and (3) provide depth and breadth of knowledge, laboratory teaching experience and fundamental research skills essential to students planning to teach geology at the community college level. Students with strong backgrounds in math and physics and whose research interests and career plans are related to geophysics should choose the Geophysics option. All others should choose the Geology option.

A. Admission to the Program

1. B.S. degree in Geology, Geophysics, or its equivalent. Students who do not have the appropriate coursework may be conditionally admitted to the program, but will be required to complete any deficient coursework without graduate credit during the first year of residence.
2. Satisfied the University requirements for admission.
3. Undergraduate Geology or Geophysics GPA must be at or above 3.0, or strong written support of a faculty sponsor in the department.
4. Transcripts from the student’s post-secondary education.

B. Degree Requirements

Completion, with a “B” average (3.0) or higher, of 30 units of approved graduate study, including a minimum of 22 units of 500- and 600-level courses. The degree is also based on successful proposal development and completion and successful oral defense of a thesis.

1. Required Courses (13 units)

GEOL 522/L Geological Data Analysis and Lab (3/1)
GEOL 603 Advanced Geoscience Communication (3)
GEOL 694 Graduate Thesis Research Design (3)
GEOL 696C Directed Graduate Research (3)

2. Electives (14 units)

Electives should be selected with the approval of the student’s primary advisor and graduate coordinator from available 400-, 500- and 600-level courses in Geology, Physics, Math, Engineering, or other fields relevant to the thesis work. One 400- or 500-level course must include a lab or field component. A maximum of 8 units of 400-level courses may be applied toward the 30 units required for the degree. A list of possible (although not exhaustive) choices outside the department is presented below. (Note: In some cases, service as a teaching assistant in the department may be advised as part of the student’s educational experience.)

MATH 481A Numerical Analysis (3)
ME 490 Fluid Dynamics (3)
PHYS 420 Modern Optics (3)
PHYS 431 Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics (4)
PHYS 465 Experimental Physics III (2)

3. Culminating Experience (3 units)

GEOL 698C Thesis or Graduate Project (3)

Total Units Required for the M.S. Degree: 30

For more information about this program, please contact geology@csun.edu.