Program Overview

Geology (36-month Track), MS

Program Description

Research and course work emphasize field and laboratory studies in sedimentology, paleontology, igneous petrology, and geology in health and the environment. Research in paleontology may also be pursued through the M.S. and Ph.D. degree curricula in biology, and through the Ph.D. degree curriculum in earth science.

The Geology Program at Loma Linda University School of Medicine focuses on field-oriented geology. The integrated core course sequence provides students with the tools to conduct research in the subdisciplines of sedimentology, paleontology, igneous petrology, or environmental geology.

Fieldwork is emphasized because it provides a first-hand experience with geological phenomena that cannot be satisfactorily grasped or understood solely from classroom or laboratory study. Throughout the geology curriculum, students are encouraged to develop an open-minded and investigative approach to the application of the scientific method to the resolution of geologic problems.

Program Length

Three-year trackfor students without an undergraduate degree in geology.

Students with a variety of majors (including science and some non-science majors) are encouraged to enter the M.S. degree in geology program. The three-year track courses are indicated in the table of program requirements and include: 22 units of undergraduate geology courses that are not part of the M.S. curriculum as well as M.S. degree curriculum courses in geology with a minimum of 56 quarter units, including 44 at or above the 500 level. Total for the three-year track is 78 quarter units. Advanced standing may be granted toward cognate requirements.

Possible Careers

Geologists study the physical aspects and history of the earth. They identify and examine rocks, study information collected by remote sensing instruments in satellites, conduct geological surveys, construct maps, and use instruments to measure the earth's gravity and magnetic field. They also analyze information collected through seismic prospecting, which involves bouncing sound waves off buried rock layers. Some geologists search for oil, natural gas, minerals, and underground water. Geoscientists play an increasingly important part in studying, preserving, and cleaning up the environment. There are a variety of specialists in Geology.

Application Deadlines

• Quarter: Autumn of 2026
  • Application Open: Aug 1, 2025
  • Priority Deadline: Jan 1, 2026
  • Final Deadline: May 1, 2026
• Quarter: Autumn of 2027
  • Application Open: Aug 1, 2026
  • Priority Deadline: Jan 1, 2027
  • Final Deadline: May 1, 2027

Expected Cost of Attendance

Required Program Costs

• Year 1 (9 months)
  • Tuition & Fees: $18,583
  • Books, Materials, Supplies & Equipment Allowance: $1,660
• Year 2 (12 months)
  • Tuition & Fees: $21,104
  • Books, Materials, Supplies & Equipment Allowance: $610
• Year 3 (12 months)
  • Tuition & Fees: $14,724
  • Books, Materials, Supplies & Equipment Allowance: $120

Other Educational Costs

• Living Expense (Food & Housing Allowance)
  • On Campus Dorm:
    • Year 1: $12,447
    • Year 2: $16,596
    • Year 3: $16,596
  • LLU Owned Rental Property:
    • Year 1: $21,942
    • Year 2: $29,256
    • Year 3: $29,256
  • LLU Owned Rental w/ Dependents:
    • Year 1: $22,437
    • Year 2: $29,916
    • Year 3: $29,916
  • Undergraduate Dependent w/ Parents:
    • Year 1: $7,650
    • Year 2: $10,200
    • Year 3: $10,200
  • Off Campus:
    • Year 1: $21,942
    • Year 2: $29,256
    • Year 3: $29,256
• Transportation Allowance:
  • Year 1: $3,150
  • Year 2: $4,200
  • Year 3: $4,200
• Miscellaneous Personal Expenses:
  • Year 1: $3,285
  • Year 2: $4,380
  • Year 3: $4,380
• Federal Student Loan Fees:
  • Year 1: $0
  • Year 2: $0
  • Year 3: $0
• Cost of Obtaining Professional License:
  • Year 1: $0
  • Year 2: $0
  • Year 3: $0
• Dependent Care: Available upon Request
• Disability-Related Expenses: Available upon Request

Notes

• Estimated amounts are for the academic year specified only. Amounts are based on full-time attendance for the number of months enrolled per academic year. International students need to calculate 12 months of living expenses based on these amounts.
• Amounts are expected to increase each year consistent with inflation in the professional education sector.
• To qualify for financial aid, most students must be enrolled at least half time in an aid eligible program and be taking degree requirements. Half time is 6 units in a quarter for undergraduate programs and 4 units in a quarter for graduate programs.