Graduate Students

Thank you for your interest in the graduate program in the Department of Geological and Environmental Sciences. We offer an MS in Geosciences (example of thesis topics: geology, hydrology, or atmospheric science) and an MS in Environmental Science (thesis or PSM). Details regarding course requirements for each degree can be found in the University Catalog, or by contacting the Department Graduate Coordinator Dr. Ann Bykerk-Kauffman.

If you are interested in our Professional Science Masters program, please go to that page or contact our PSM Coordinator, Dr. Randy Senock.

Applications

Application material for admission to graduate programs at CSU, Chico is available online via CSU Mentor.
Check The Graduate School for details.

** We may accept applications until May 1st **

Department Admission Requirements:

Personal Statement

As part of the admission process the Department of Geosciences requires a written (400 word maximum) synopsis in which you should specify:

• Primary areas of interest and potential faculty advisors you hope to work with. Contact our graduate coordinator for assistance.
• Background that prepares you for graduate work in this area.
• What you expect to accomplish in the Department of Geological and Environmental Sciences at CSU, Chico.

This synopsis must be received before we can approve your application. Please send it via e-mail or regular mail to the graduate coordinator or through CSU Mentor.

Department of Geological and Environmental Sciences
Graduate Coordinator
400 West First Street
California State University, Chico 
Chico, CA 95929-0205

GRE

We also encourage you to take the GRE before applying to graduate school. The department requires a minimum score:
Verbal: 152
Quantitative: 152
Analytical Writing: 4.0

Teaching Assistantships

A limited number of graduate teaching assistantships are available in the department. Students awarded TAs conduct laboratories for our general education courses in astronomy (GEOS 105), environmental science (GEOS 130), geology (GEOS 101).

If you wish to apply for a graduate teaching assistantship in the department please indicate so in your synopsis and we will send you the appropriate forms. We would appreciate a listing of the courses for which you are interested in being a TA. To be considered for a TA as an incoming student we must have all application materials by May 15 for fall semester or November 15 for spring semester and you must be admitted with at least conditionally classified status.

Thesis

The Department of Geological and Environmental Sciences requires a master's thesis. Feel free to contact our graduate faculty members with questions related to your research. We typically use the GSA (Geological Society of America) style guide for all of our thesis and project reports.

Project

If you are pursuing a Professional Science Masters, the Department of Geological and Environmental Sciences requires a project. Feel free to contact our graduate faculty members with questions related to your research.

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Thanks again for your interest. If we can answer any questions or be of other help please do not hesitate to contact the graduate coordinator or the department office. The telephone number is (530) 898-5262.