Geology, M.S.

Admission Requirements

Students must meet the CSU requirements for admission to a master’s degree program. Please consult the Graduate Admissions  section in this catalog for complete information. In addition, acceptance into this program in a classified standing is contingent upon the following:

• 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 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
• Satisfactory performance on the Graduate Record Examination Aptitude Test with an expected score in the 50th percentile or better on the verbal and quantitative tests
• Three letters of recommendation
• Completion of the departmental application
• 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” (3.0) 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 conditional 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 in related science and mathematics courses.

Application Deadlines

Materials and deadlines for department and university applications are available on the Geological Sciences website: geology.fullerton.edu/.

Classified Standing

Students should achieve classified graduate standing as soon as they are eligible, since no more than nine units of graduate work taken before classification can be included on the study plan for the degree (see below). Students may apply for classified standing when they: (1) have met all university and departmental admission requirements; and (2) have filed a study plan approved by the adviser, the Department Graduate Committee and the Associate Vice President for Graduate Studies and Research.

Students must meet the Graduate Level Writing Requirement as described in this catalog under “Master’s Degree Requirements.” Students will meet this requirement by taking GEOL 501 , Research Methods in Geology.

Advancement to Candidacy

Advancement to candidacy is attained by applying for graduation and receiving a recommendation by the Department Graduate Committee.

Study Plan

A study plan must be approved by the Graduate Adviser. At least 21 units must be at the graduate level; a maximum of nine units may be 400 level. A minimum grade point average for courses satisfying the study plan is 3.0.

Total (30 units)