Prepare for a technical career, advanced study or teaching at the community college level in CSUN's master's program in geology.
Why Earn a Master's in Geology?
Geologists can find solutions to some of the planet's biggest challenges, such as securing safe energy, protecting our water resources and girding against natural disasters and climate change. A master's degree in geology provides the in-depth knowledge and research skills you'll need to make headway on these problems.
A master's degree will teach you how to use advanced data-collection techniques and interpret the data. Ultimately, you'll become adept not just at asking critical questions, but learning how to find the answers.
Why Earn a Master's in Geology at CSUN?
Cutting-edge Research
CSUN faculty conduct critical work everywhere from our backyard in California to places such as Patagonia, Italy and New Zealand. Often, this research is funded by agencies including the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the Southern California Research Center. As a graduate student, you'll have the chance to work alongside faculty and co-author publications with them.
Advanced Facilities
CSUN labs include facilities for research in geophysics, hydrology, paleontology, petrology, sedimentary geology and structural geology. Specialized equipment includes LIDAR, excimer lasers and a powerful computer cluster allowing seismology research.
Opening the Door
CSUN's Department of Geological Sciences is committed to inclusion in the field. Most students receive full tuition support and we encourage students from traditionally underserved communities to apply. That's one reason why we eliminated the requirement to submit GRE scores in our application — studies indicate it disadvantages applicants from underrepresented groups, and doesn't predict future success.
Lifetime Support
The support you get after your academic career can be as important as the help you receive to make it happen. Many CSUN students qualify for financial assistance such as tuition fee waivers, and paid positions as teaching associates or graduate and research assistants.
What You'll Learn
CSUN's master's degree in geology is a research-intensive program that requires students to complete a thesis before graduating. Your advisor may recommend service as a teaching assistant as part of your studies.
This 30-credit program offers two tracks, one in geology and one in geophysics. Graduates of both options will have the knowledge and research ability necessary to succeed in a Ph.D. program, or to land a career in industry or government. Students will also gain the lab teaching experience and research skills needed to teach at the community college level.
CSUN's M.S. in Geology combines classwork with independent research in a variety of disciplines. Recent graduates have completed fieldwork in New Zealand, along the San Andreas Fault, and near the 2009 Station Fire.
Students with strong backgrounds in math and physics whose research interests and career plans are related to geophysics should choose this option. Your electives will be related to topics in geology, physics, math, engineering or other fields relevant to your thesis.
Careers & Outcomes
As a graduate with an M.S. in geology, you'll be qualified to work in industry and government, pursue an advanced degree in the field or teach at the community college level.
Graduates of the geology program find jobs in fields including:
- Resource management
- Education
- Geotechnical engineering
- Water resource management
- Environmental remediation
- Energy production
We're big on primary sources.
Does climate change education encourage people to cut their carbon footprints? How has dust in the atmosphere affected our climate, today and in the ancient past? Speakers from other institutions answer questions like these as part of our annual Colloquia series.
Admission Information
To be considered for admission to CSUN as a master’s student, you will need to:
- Meet university requirements.
- Meet department requirements for the Master of Science in Geology.
- Apply to both the university and the specific graduate program of interest.
Learn more about applying for a master's program at CSUN.