The basic requirement for admission to the graduate program is possession of a bachelor's degree or equivalent in geological sciences, or a closely related field. The final curriculum requirements for the Master of Science Degree are set by the Thesis Committee at Advancement to Candidacy, but the following undergraduate courses are considered an essential foundation for the program: (1) two courses in calculus, (2) two courses in general chemistry, (3) two courses in calculus-based physics, (4) a course in physical geology, (5) a course in historical geology, (6) mineralogy, (7) sedimentology/stratigraphy, (8) structural geology, (9) a course in field methods or a field camp. Students who are missing some of this course work may be admitted conditionally to the program but will be expected to remove deficiencies or present acceptable alternatives prior to Advancement to Candidacy. Courses taken to remove deficiencies cannot be used towards satisfying the minimum requirements of the Graduate Program. Students who are missing the general science and math requirements are recommended to complete an undergraduate degree in Geological Sciences or a closely related field before applying to the Graduate Program.

In addition to the above course work requirements, students are required to take the General test of the Graduate Record Examination and to submit three letters of recommendation prior to entry.

Prospective graduate students in the geological sciences, including CSULB graduates, must formally apply for admission to CSULB (Cal State Apply) as described previously in this Catalog and must also apply directly to the Department of Geological Sciences. All applicants must submit all required documents directly to the Department by February 15 to receive full consideration for admission and financial support.

Required documents include:

Department Application Form, available on the Department's website,
Personal Statement/Letter of Intent
Official transcripts of all college level academic work including that done at CSULB, in addition to those transcripts required for general graduate admission to CSULB,
Three letters of recommendation from persons familiar with the applicant's academic performance and research potential. Instructions are included in the Department application form, available from the Department's website,
Official reports or scanned copies of scores on the General test of the Graduate Record Examination.
TOEFL iBT - 80 and TOEFL PBT - 550
IELTS - 6.0 Hold a baccalaureate degree with a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5. (No Rounding)