Geology, M.S.

Offered by: College of Science, Geological Sciences

http://geology.csupomona.edu

Jonathan A. Nourse, Graduate Coordinator

Program Description

Our master’s program in Geology prepares graduates for employment in all fields of Geological Science, and teaching at secondary and community college levels.  Emphasis is placed on applied skills demanded by potential employers.  Fundamental to the program is a thorough understanding of basic geologic principles rooted in field and laboratory experiences.  The geologic framework provided by the M.S. degree will enable graduates to meet the intellectual challenges of their professional or academic careers and assume leadership roles in their profession.  The program is sufficiently flexible to meet student interests in the application of geology to the solution of hydrologic, geophysical, environmental, geoengineering, or resource extraction problems facing our society.  As a polytechnic university we are dedicated to the “Learn by Doing” philosophy and stress practical interactions between students, faculty and industry/government professionals.

The Geological Sciences Department is a member of IRIS (Incorporated Research Institutions for Seismology, http://www.iris.edu/hq/, and is involved in the California State University Water Resources and Policy Initiative, http://www.calstate.edu/water/.  Faculty research endeavors are supported by grants from such agencies as National Science Foundation, USGS National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program, Southern California Earthquake Center, Department of Education, and JPL/Caltech.  The department maintains a robust alumni network, including many individuals who work in local geosciences industries and government agencies.

Location

Our location in a unique geologic and urban environment provides a dramatic natural laboratory in which to conduct geological research.  Frequent occurrence of earthquakes, landslides, storms, floods, wildfires, and human-induced environmental mishaps in the densely populated region surrounding Cal Poly Pomona presents significant challenges that require rapid response and evaluation.  All Geological Sciences faculty play an important role in community issues like natural hazards mitigation, site investigation, resource management, and public outreach or education.  Most of our graduates are placed locally as scientists in geotechnical firms or as teachers in primary or secondary schools.  Hence, the Geological Sciences Department and its programs have great value and relevance to the University and the community.

Our Target Audience

A Master’s degee in Geology greatly enhances the job oppurtunities and career advancement for Earth scientists with BS degrees. We target both working professionals and traditional graduate students (i.e., those finishing BS degrees and perhaps seeking a stepping stone to a PhD program). Both cohorts would benefit equally from our thesis-based Master’s program with an affordable fee structure. Course scheduling will accommodate both groups; e.g., afternoon and evening classes with most laboratories and field trips offered on weekends.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates from the Geology Master’s degree program should be able to:

(General Science)

A. Understand and implement various facets of the scientific method.

B. Effectively communicate results of scientific investigations, describe their properties, and determin their age relationships.

(Observation/Inquiry)

C. Recognize common Earth materials, structures, and landforms, describe their properties, and determine their age relationships

D. Acquire geologic data in the laboratory or field using standard observational procedures and scientific equipment.

E. Describe the interrelated processes operating in Earth’s lithosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, and biosphere over different geologic time scales.

(Analysis/Interpretation)

F. Use maps, cross sections, and other imagery to analyze and interpret spatial and temporal relationships displayed by Earth features or geologic data sets.

G. Utilize quantitative reasoning, experiential judgement, and computer technology to asess data, draw conclusions and solve problems. 

Admission to the Program

Unconditional admission into the Master of Science in Geology’s program is contingent upon the following:

1. A Bachelor’s degree in Geology or a closely related discipline (e.g., Geotechnical Engineering, Hydrology, Geophysics, Environmental Science) from an accredited institution, with a minimum grade-point average of 3.0 in Earth Science courses, and a 2.5 grade-point average in related science and mathematics courses;
2. Satisfactory performance on the Graduate Record Examination Aptitude Test with an expected score in the 50th percentile or better on the verbal and quantitative components;
3. Two letters of recommendation;
4. A one-page personal statement of interest, including research and career aspirations;
5. A minimum of 36 quarter units of undergraduate Earth Science coursework is required to receive unconditional acceptance into the Master’s program.
6. Availability of faculty and resources in the student’s stated area of interest.

Conditional Admission: every applicant will be carefully considered.

A limited number of applicants not meeting the above requirements may be conditionally admitted following review of the student’s academic background by the departmental Graduate Program Committee.  Such students must meet deficiency requirements stipulated in the statement of conditional admission within the time limit specified.  Each selected applicant, with an advisory committee, will design a program in the selected area of specialization based upon interests and preparation.  The program will include required courses, elective units and a thesis.

Degree Requirements

• The Master’s degree program must include a minimum of 45 quarter units; at least 31 units must be in 500-600 level courses (see curriculum outlined below).
• No more than 13 units of graduate credit may be transferred from another institution or petitioned by a Cal Poly Pomona undergraduate student.
• A grade point average of 3.0 (B) or better must be maintained in all upper division undergraduate and graduate classes.
• The Graduation Writing Test (GWT) must be passed prior to Advancement to Candidacy.
• Advancement to Candidacy is required.
• An acceptable thesis must be completed and submitted in accordance with university regulations.
• An oral thesis defense must be successfully completed.

Curriculum

To earn a Master’s degree in Master of Science in Geology, students must complete 45 quarter units as specified below.