Geology, M.S.

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(30 UNITS)

The Master of Science in Geology provides opportunities to gain in-depth knowledge and experience centered around one of the sub-disciplines of the geological sciences that builds on the undergraduate foundation. Learning is rooted in field- and/or laboratory-based experiences that are provided by advanced coursework in the discipline. Most importantly, students work with faculty members to conduct original scientific research leading to a written thesis that describes the problem, methodology and results. Students must complete an oral thesis defense and are highly encouraged to publish their findings in peer-reviewed journals and present them at regional, national and/or international conferences. The degree prepares students for: professional geology positions in industry and government; geologic consulting opportunities; teaching positions at high school or community college; and Ph.D programs at other institutions.

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 Academic Programs.

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.

Required Courses (9-12 units)

GEOL 500 - Advanced Geological Concepts and Methods (4)
GEOL 590 - Geoscience Seminar (1) must be taken twice for one unit each time
GEOL 598 - Thesis (1-3) must take a total of at least three, but no more than six units
Note: a public, oral defense of the thesis is required

Focus and Breadth Courses (18-21 units)

Focus Geology Courses: Graduate adviser-approved 400- or 500-level geology courses. A maximum of three units of GEOL 599 and a maximum of three units of GEOL 593 may be taken. Course selection will be dependent on the student’s academic objectives and selected in consultation with the student’s thesis adviser.

Breadth Courses in Related Fields: A maximum of six units of graduate adviser-approved 400- or 500-level breadth courses offered by departments other than Geological Sciences. Courses may be taken from departments or programs such as, but not restricted to, Biological Sciences, Chemistry and Biochemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Geography, Civil and Environmental Engineering, or Environmental Studies. Course selection will be dependent on the student’s academic objectives and selected in consultation with the student’s thesis adviser.