Program: M.S., Geology
Geophysics
Overview
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; and (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.
Program Requirements
A. For Admission to the M.S. in Geology, Geophysics Option Program:
- B.S. in Geology, Geophysics, Physics or its equivalent. Students who do not have the appropriate course work may be conditionally admitted to the program, but will be required to complete any deficient course work without graduate credit during the first year of residence.
- University requirements for admission, with the exception that the GPA in the last 60 units must be 2.75. Those applicants with a GPA in the last 60 units of between 2.5 and 2.75 may still be admitted if the average of the scores on the General Aptitude portion of the Graduate Record Examination is 50th percentile or greater.
- Graduate Record Examination, General Aptitude only. Scoring at or above the 50th percentile on at least one section.
B. For the Degree:
Completion, with a B average (3.0) or higher, of 30 units of approved graduate study, including a minimum of 21 units of 500- and 600-level courses. Completion and successful oral defense of a thesis is required.
1. Required Courses (9 units)
GEOL 460 Theoretical Geophysics (3)
GEOL 696 Directed Graduate Research (3)
GEOL 698 Graduate Thesis (3)
2. Electives (21 units)
Electives should be selected with approval of the student’s Primary Advisor and Graduate Coordinator from 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 9 units of 400-level courses may be applied toward the 30 units required for the Degree. Service as a Teaching Assistant in the Department may be advised as part of the student’s educational experience.
Total Units Required for the M.S. Degree in Geology, Geophysics Option: 30
More information
If you would like more information about this program, please contact geology@csun.edu.
Contact
Chair: Vicki Pedone
Live Oak Hall (LO) 1202
(818) 677-3541
www.csun.edu/geology
Student Learning Outcomes
Graduates of the Master of Science Program will be well prepared to assume responsible positions in industry or in government agencies, serve as instructors in secondary-school or community college classrooms, or enter Ph.D. programs at other universities.
At the time of graduation, students will be able to:
- Demonstrate content knowledge appropriate to professional career goals;
- Frame novel questions or problems in geology and determine the data required to answer them;
- Collect high-quality geologic data using standard techniques and begin to develop state-of-the-art methods;
- Apply theoretical, conceptual and observational knowledge to the analysis and interpretation of geologic data;
- Compile and critique geologic literature pertinent to original research; and
- Communicate geologic knowledge, findings and interpretations in reports, both written and oral, that are well-organized, well-illustrated and professionally presented.