Graduate Programs
The CSUN Department of Geological Sciences grants Master of Science Degrees in Geology and Geophysics. Our program involves classwork combined with independent research in a variety of disciplines. Please feel free to browse this site or contact individual faculty directly about potential research projects.
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.
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.
Departmental Application to Master of Science Program
Please Note: The CSU and Department applications are both required. The Department of Geological Sciences Application is on our old website. Complete the Application and then use the link provided on the confirmation page to return to the current site.
California State University Application ($70 fee required)
Department of Geological Sciences Application
Assessment in the Department of Geological Sciences
To evaluate the effectiveness of our Department's mission and goals, the Department of Geological Sciences has developed a program-level plan for assessment of student learning. The mission of our B.S. and M.S. degree programs parallels that of the University: to prepare our students to be life-long learners so that they may become productive members of the workforce. We use rubrics to quantify and assess the achievement of specific Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs) in different department courses. Because we are a small department, faculty-student relationships are strong, and we are able to assist our students on an individual basis. This allows us to better accommodate students with diverse economic, social, and academic backgrounds. The Department offers the B.S. and M.S. in Geology and a minor in Geology. For the B.S. degree, three options are available: Geology (Option I), Environmental Geology (Option II), and Secondary Teaching (Option III).
Student Learning Outcomes:
Master of Science in Geology
The primary goals of our graduate program in Geological Sciences are to provide instruction and research experience of sufficient breath, depth, and currency that at the end of their graduate training, students will be prepared to compete and be successful in their mid- to high-level professional appointments; if already employed, to advance and be promoted in their current vocations and to be able to take on more advanced and complex projects; or to be able to advance their intellectual objectives in more advanced educational institutions.
M.S. graduates in Geology can:
- Apply theoretical, conceptual, and observational knowledge to the analysis and solution of geologic data and problems in graduate-level coursework.
- Develop and write a professional quality proposal to conduct an original research thesis in an area of geological research.
- Demonstrate the ability to compile and critique geologic literature pertinent to original research.
- Demonstrate competence in collection, synthesis, and interpretation of original geologic data.
- Communicate clearly and articulately their geologic knowledge, findings, and interpretations in oral presentations, including a critical evaluation of a 40-minute oral presentation to the department and thesis committee of thesis results.
- Write technical reports that are well researched, well organized, well illustrated, and well written, including a critical evaluation of written thesis by a three-member thesis committee.