Graduate Programs

One graduate degree is offered by the Geological Sciences Department:

Additional information can be found in the CSULB Catalog: Geological Sciences.

Master of Science in Geology

The Department offers a comprehensive program of courses coupled with appropriate thesis projects leading to the Master of Science in Geology. Within geology, students specialize in any of a number of sub-disciplines including environmental geochemistry, hydrogeology, marine geology, petrology, paleontology, petroleum geology, sedimentology, stratigraphy, structural and field geology, geophysics, and paleoclimatology.

Students may include in their studies courses offered by other departments at CSULB. Interested students are encouraged to contact faculty in their intended areas of study and research.

Application Process and Deadlines

You will need to apply both to the CSU Graduate School and the Geological Sciences Department. Please note: these applications are separate.

Two sets of transcripts are needed. Send formal transcripts to the Graduate School as instructed in Cal State Apply. Send either formal or pdf informal transcripts to the Geological Sciences Department with your Geology application.

Deadline: February 15 and October 1.

Supporting documents are also needed:

  1. Three letters of recommendation to be sent to by US postal mail or email directly to the Graduate Advisor.
  2. Official transcripts of all of your college work sent to the University.
  3. Unofficial transcripts of all of your college work to the Department.

If you wish to be considered for the Johnson-Conrey Fellowship (see below), please provide a written essay (approximately 1,000 words) describing the how the Johnson-Conrey Fellowship would help you attain your professional goals. The essay should detail the student's projected research and professional interests as well as experiences that might indicate potential for success as a professional Geoscientist. This is a separate essay from the one written in application to the graduate program.

Checklist

  • Graduate Application Form (fillable pdf)
  • CV or Resumé
  • Personal Statement
  • Unofficial Transcripts for all post-secondary education
  • TOEFL Scores (if international)
  • Letters of recommendation (3)

Submission

Fill in the application form and email directly to CNSM-GeologyGrad@csulb.edu. Include a 1-2 page personal statement (see application form) and your recent Curriculum vitae or Resumé as email attachments.

Arrange to have total TOEFL scores (if international) sent to:

Department of Geological Sciences
c/o Graduate Advisor
California State University Long Beach
1250 Bellflower Boulevard
Long Beach, CA 90840

Letters of recommendation should be submitted by the recommender to the above address or by email to CNSM-GeologyGrad@csulb.edu. Letters sent by the student will not be accepted.

If you have any questions about the application process, please contact CNSM-GeologyGrad@csulb.edu or call +1.562.985.4809. More information about the application process can also be found at Enrollment Services.