The Department of Geosciences and Environment offers three postgraduate degrees:

• Master of Arts in Geography,
• Master of Science in Geological Science (with options in Geology and Environmental Hydrology), and
• Master of Science in Environmental Sciences (joint program with the Department of Biological Sciences and Civil Engineering).

The Master of Arts degree program in Geography is designed to prepare students for teaching at the secondary and community college levels, employment in government and private industry, and further graduate study in geography.

Admission to the Program

Application to the University through Cal Sate Apply is required.

1. Applicants with baccalaureates in Geography:

A. Must have attained a grade point average of at least 2.75 (A=4.0) in the last 60 semester (or 90 quarter) units of undergraduate work attempted, or satisfactory completion of probationary units.
B. Must have been in good standing in the last college or university attended.
C. Must give evidence of passing GEOG 4950 or its equivalent in another accredited college or university.
D. Must meet all University admission requirements.

2. Applicants with baccalaureates in majors other than Geography:

A. Must have attained a grade points average of at least 2.75 (A=4.0) in the last 60 semester (or 90 quarter) units of undergraduate work attempted, or satisfactory completion of probationary units.
B. Must have been in good standing in the last college or university attended.
C. Must complete GEOG 4950 or its equivalent in another accredited college or university plus 8-18 semester units of approved upper-division geography courses with a minimum B (3.0) average.
D. Must meet all University admission requirements.

3. Additional Departmental Requirements for all Graduate Program Applicants

In order to facilitate the admission process all prospective students must submit the following departmental application in Section 4 of Cal State Apply:  

A. Two letters of recommendation, in which at least one letter must come from a professor or an individual capable of evaluating the applicant’s qualification for graduate study, and
B. A statement of intent. The statement of intent should be between 500-700 words indicating the applicant’s purpose in applying for graduate study, any special areas of interest, plans for future occupation or profession and any additional information that may aid the selection committee in evaluating the applicant’s preparation and aptitude for graduate study at Cal State LA.  

Applications will be reviewed by the department and assessed based on the completed application form and supporting materials.

Requirements for the Degree 

A total of 30 units is required, with at least 15 units in 5000-level courses.

 Learning Outcomes    Roadmap (2019)