Master of Science in Geosciences
Program Overview
The Master of Science in Geosciences prepares students for careers in private industry, government agencies, teaching, or doctoral studies. The program provides a comprehensive foundation in geology, meteorology, oceanography, and paleoclimate, fostering an understanding of environmental issues and the skills necessary for scientific research and communication. Faculty expertise and interdisciplinary collaboration promote a well-rounded curriculum, while a focus on mentorship and teaching experience ensures student success.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The Master of Science in Geosciences provides an advanced degree preparing students for a variety of professional and academic paths. It equips them to work in private industry, government agencies, community colleges, or high schools, or to pursue doctoral studies. The program is designed to enhance the skills of professional geoscientists and to foster a deep understanding of crucial environmental issues like air and water contamination, active faulting, coastal erosion, and global warming. The faculty boasts expertise in geology, meteorology, oceanography, and paleoclimate, offering a comprehensive foundation in these critical fields.
Assessment:
Assessment within the program focuses on various aspects of research and scientific communication, demonstrating student mastery of key skills. These include:
- Thesis Project: Students are expected to engage in rigorous, discipline-based research, encompassing laboratory research, fieldwork, theory development, numerical simulations, or model development.
- Research Proposal: Students must develop a detailed plan that outlines their research question and methodology, which is reviewed and approved by their thesis committee.
- Oral Thesis Defense: Students must present their thesis research to faculty and students, demonstrating their ability to articulate their findings effectively.
- Written Thesis (ERTH 898): Completion of a written thesis serves as a demonstration of written English proficiency (Level Two).
Teaching:
The program offers a variety of learning experiences, guided by a dedicated faculty:
- Faculty Expertise: The School of the Environment faculty possess expertise in geology, meteorology, oceanography, and paleoclimate, ensuring a well-rounded curriculum.
- Interdisciplinary Focus: Students are encouraged to pursue interdisciplinary projects, especially within the San Francisco Bay Area, fostering collaborative research across disciplines.
- Graduate Teaching Assistantship (GTA): The program strongly encourages students to serve as GTAs for at least one semester. GTAs typically teach lab sections for introductory courses in geology, meteorology, and oceanography, building teaching skills.
- Professional Development Course (SCI 750): GTAs are urged to enroll in SCI 750, a professional development course focusing on research-based teaching and learning best practices.
Careers:
Upon program completion, students are well-prepared for a range of careers:
- Private Industry: The program equips graduates for roles in private industry, utilizing their knowledge of geoscience to solve environmental problems.
- Government Agencies: Graduates may find positions within government agencies, applying their expertise to environmental regulation and resource management.
- Teaching: The program trains students for teaching roles in community colleges or high schools, providing them with the necessary knowledge and skills.
- Doctoral Studies: The program also serves as a stepping stone for students aiming to pursue doctoral studies at other universities.
Other:
- Research Focus: Recent research projects have explored a wide range of topics, including active faults, climate change impacts, geomorphic controls, tectonic processes, carbon cycling, wave erosion, and severe storms.
- Collaboration: The program promotes interdisciplinary projects and encourages students to engage with other departments, institutions, agencies, and private industries.
- Financial Support: Several fellowship opportunities are available, including the John A. and Anna Monteverdi Fellowship, the Professor Emerita Karen Grove and Jay Ach Fellowship, and the Department Teaching Fellowship.
- Mentorship: The School of the Environment prioritizes mentorship, encouraging students to contact faculty members whose research aligns with their interests.
- English Proficiency: All graduate students must demonstrate written English proficiency through a Statement of Purpose and a written thesis.
- Course Requirements: The program requires 30 units, including 17 units of core courses and 13 units of electives.
San Francisco State University
Overview:
San Francisco State University (SF State) is a public university located in San Francisco, California. It is part of the California State University (CSU) system, the largest system of higher education in the country. SF State is known for its diverse and inclusive community, offering a wide range of academic programs and a strong commitment to social justice.
Services Offered:
The university provides a variety of services to support student success, including:
Academic advising:
Students receive guidance on course selection, degree planning, and career exploration.Student support services:
SF State offers resources for students facing academic challenges, personal difficulties, or financial hardship.Career services:
The university provides assistance with resume writing, job searching, and career development.Health and wellness services:
Students have access to counseling, health care, and other wellness resources.Student Life and Campus Experience:
SF State offers a vibrant campus experience with a strong sense of community. Students can:
Engage in student organizations:
There are numerous clubs, organizations, and activities to join, catering to diverse interests.Participate in cultural events:
The university hosts a variety of events, performances, and exhibitions throughout the year.Explore the Bay Area:
SF State's location in the heart of the Bay Area provides easy access to cultural attractions, museums, and entertainment venues.Key Reasons to Study There:
Diverse and inclusive community:
SF State prides itself on its welcoming and diverse student body, fostering a sense of belonging for all.Strong academic programs:
The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, with a focus on social justice and real-world application.Location in the Bay Area:
SF State's location provides access to a vibrant and dynamic city, offering opportunities for internships, networking, and career development.Commitment to social justice:
SF State is dedicated to promoting social justice and equity, providing students with the tools and knowledge to make a positive impact on the world.Academic Programs:
SF State offers a wide range of academic programs across various disciplines, including:
Arts and Humanities:
Visual and performing arts, literature, history, philosophy, and more.Social Sciences:
Psychology, sociology, political science, economics, and more.Business:
Accounting, finance, marketing, management, and more.Science and Technology:
Biology, chemistry, physics, computer science, and more.Education:
Teacher preparation, educational leadership, and more.Other:
SF State has a strong athletic program, competing in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). The university also has a strong commitment to international education and exchange, offering opportunities for students to study abroad and participate in global learning experiences.
Entry Requirements:
- Satisfy the University admission requirements.
- Have a bachelor's degree in one of the geosciences (geology, meteorology, or oceanography) or a related discipline.
- Have a 3.0 GPA in their earned undergraduate degree or last 60 semester (90 quarter) units completed.
- Provide letters of recommendation from at least two people familiar with the applicant’s previous academic work and/or professional accomplishments.
- Submit a statement of purpose. The statement should address the following questions
- What are your main research interests and why?
- Which faculty member(s) are you interested in working with directly?
- Describe your financial need
- Describe your interest in teaching and/or your interest as working as a Graduate Teaching Assistant. Applicants lacking the appropriate background may be admitted as conditionally classified graduate students. These students must complete additional coursework that will not be counted toward the degree requirements. Conditionally admitted students may take courses but cannot file an Advancement to Candidacy (ATC) form until all deficiencies have been satisfied.
Language Proficiency Requirements:
- Level One: Written English proficiency will be assessed on the basis of the Statement of Purpose. Students who demonstrate a need for additional writing support will be required to take a graduate-level writing class.
- Level Two: Satisfied by completion of a written thesis (ERTH 898).
