About Geology, M.S. at CSUSB
If you’re passionate about understanding the Earth—its history, resources, and the processes that shape it—the Master of Science in Geology program at Cal State San Bernardino offers a strong foundation for your next step. You’ll gain advanced knowledge in the geological sciences through a blend of coursework, hands-on fieldwork, and faculty-guided research.
Designed for students planning to pursue doctoral studies or professional careers in geology and related fields, the program can be completed in as little as two years for full-time students.
Careers in Geology, M.S.
Geologists play a key role in understanding and protecting our planet. Many work for engineering and consulting firms, helping clients solve environmental and structural challenges—such as evaluating hazards at development sites, testing groundwater and soil for pollutants, or modeling groundwater flow. Others are employed by oil and gas companies to locate new reservoirs, interpret seismic surveys, and analyze rock samples.
Geologists are also in demand across federal, state, and local government agencies, including the U.S. Geological Survey, Bureau of Land Management, Department of Agriculture, Department of Defense, Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Bureau of Reclamation, Bureau of Mines, California Division of Mines and Geology, and regional water districts.
While professionals in the field hold a range of degrees, most new hires at engineering and consulting firms enter the profession with a master’s in geology.
Some of the roles you might pursue (some requiring additional training or education) include:
- Crystallographer
- Earth science writer
- Ecologist
- Engineering geologist
- Environmental analyst
- Environmental lawyer
- Geochemist
- Geodesist
- Geologist
- Geophysicist
- Hydrologist
- Laboratory assistant
- Mineralogist
- Oceanographer
- Paleontologist
- Petrologist
- Seismologist
- Soils engineer
- Stratigrapher
- Science teacher
Sample Courses
Engineering Geology
A survey of issues and techniques pertinent to geology as it applies to engineering of structures and mitigation of natural hazards. Soil and rock mechanics; mass wasting processes; water-related issues; land subsidence; seismic hazards.
Earth Resources
An overview of the geology, distribution, and occurrence of many types of ore deposits, and the methods and laws governing their extraction. Topics include metallic resources, industrial minerals, building materials, and energy resources.
Environmental Geochemistry
Contemporary problems in environmental geochemistry, such as fate and transport of inorganic and organic pollutants in the terrestrial environment covering both equilibrium and kinetic descriptions of the processes.
Meet Alum Ashton Fowler
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