Department of Geological Sciences- CSU, Chico
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 (geology, hydrology, or meteorology) and an MS in environmental science. Details regarding course requirements for each degree can be found in the University Catalog, or by contacting the Department Graduate Coordinator Bill Murphy.
Applications
Application material for admission to graduate programs at CSU, Chico is available either online or via regular mail from the Graduate School. Their mailing address is:
The Graduate School
California State University, Chico
Chico, CA 95929-0680
(530) 898-6880
Department Requirements
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.
Synopsis
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
- Background that prepares you for graduate work in this area.
- What you expect to accomplish in the Department of Geosciences 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.
Department of Geological and Environmental Sciences
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 combined score of 1000 on the verbal and quantitative sections.
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), and the two semester physical science sequence for those studying to be elementary school teachers (GEOS 141 and GEOS 342).
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.
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.