California State University – Chico

Admissions to Graduate Program

Please note that part of the application process involves contacting
potential GEOS faculty research mentors either by e-mail or phone. You
should discuss possible thesis projects with your prospective mentor. If the
faculty member has space and is willing to accept you into his/her research
group, please ask him/her to notify the graduate coordinator that you would
become a member of his/her research group if accepted into the program.

Please see the Funding opportunities for Graduate Students page for

information about teaching assistant fellowships.

Requirements for admission to the GEOS MS

programs (Conditionally Classified Status)
1. GPA of at least 3.0 in the last 30 semester (45 quarter) units attempted
and at least 2.75 in the last 60 semester (90 quarter) units attempted.
2. Approval by the department and the Office of Graduate Studies.
3. An acceptable baccalaureate in one of the natural sciences,
engineering, mathematics or an allied field from an accredited
institution, or an equivalent approved by the Office of Graduate
Studies. The prospective student must have sufficient background to
undertake this graduate program. For Environmental Sciences this
includes: one year of mathematics (either one semester of statistics
and one semester of calculus or one year of calculus), two semesters
of college physics, two semesters of chemistry, and a semester of
ecology. Hydrology/Hydrogeology requires a year each of college
chemistry, calculus, and physics.). Applicants without a sufficient
background may be conditionally admitted pending the correction of
deficiencies as specified by the department.
4. A one-page "Statement of Purpose" that addresses the following
questions:
1. The area of study in which you wish to specialize and why.
2. The faculty members with whom you would like to conduct
research.
3. Your career goals and plans for the future.
4. Your special preparation in and fitness for your proposed area of
study.
5. Explanations of any problems or inconsistencies in your records
or scores.
5. Optional completion of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE).
6. Submission of two letters of recommendation from individuals who
have had a working or academic relationship with you. Letters should
 address your personal characteristics, performance, experience,
strengths, weaknesses, capabilities, and professional promise.
7. Applicants for the PSM option will be interviewed before selection.
Admittance in the program requires a pre-defined project that is
approved by the PSM coordinator. Students from varied academic
backgrounds are encouraged to apply. It is strongly recommended that
applicants have at least one year of professional experience in some
discipline of science. Dedicated non-scientists will be required to
complete adequate remedial coursework, as specified by the
department, before admittance into the program.
8. Acceptance by a faculty mentor in the program who will serve as the
thesis advisor.

To apply to the program, submit an application through Cal State

Apply(opens in new window). The application will ask you to provide:

1. Letter of Intent (see above)

2. Two letters of recommendation – provide contact information for your
two recommenders, who will be emailed instructions on submitting the
letter electronically.
3. A current CV

In addition, the following must be sent to:

Graduate Studies
California State University, Chico
Chico, CA 95929-0875

1. All transcripts from accredited institutions attended since high school

(community colleges and universities). If sending electronic transcripts
they must be sent directly from the campus or their clearinghouse
to: graduatestudies@csuchico.edu.
2. Optional: Test Scores for the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) Aptitude
Test. Test scores must be sent directly from the testing agency to the
Graduate School using institution code #4048. Allow at least six weeks
for processing.

Advising
Admitted students should consult with their prospective thesis advisor
regarding classes to take during the first semester. All graduate students
must take GEOS 600 their first fall semester.

https://www.csuchico.edu/geos/programs/graduate-program/admissions.shtml
Student Opportunities
Internal Funding Opportunities
CSU Pre-doctoral Scholarship Program(opens in new window) - supports CSU
students interested in pursuing a PhD. Funding for travel to meetings and
visits to prospective PhD programs. Applications due early spring.

Research and creativity award – Chico State – award deadlines twice a year
based on funds allocated by Provost. Up to $1700 for semester awards and
$5000 for summer

Chico State Enterprises – Chico State research and sponsored programs

office home. 

External Funding Opportunities

American Association of University Women(opens in new window) – offers a
variety of fellowships for women in science.

American Museum of Natural History(opens in new window) – offers a variety

of fellowships, research grants, and exchange opportunities for students at
all levels. Deadlines throughout the year.

American Society of Plant Biologists(opens in new window) - offers

fellowships, research funding, and travel awards to present research at their
annual meeting. See individual announcements for details. 

Association of Women Geologists(opens in new window) – opportunities for

women in geology.

Botanical Society of America(opens in new window) - numerous opportunities

to support graduate student research or travel to annual Botanical Society
meeting. See individual announcements for details. 
California Botanical Society(opens in new window) - supports travel &
supplies (usually up to $1000) on research associated with Baja California.
Proposals due Mar and Dec. 

California Native Plant Society(opens in new window) - various grant

opportunities to support travel & materials associated with research on
plants. Proposals due 30 September annually.

Evolving Earth(opens in new window) – opportunities for student research in

the Earth sciences.

Explorer’s Club(opens in new window) – opportunities for exploration and

field research to advance the scientific knowledge of the world.

Garden Club of America(opens in new window) - offers a wide variety of

fellowships and scholarships to support research in botany, conservation,
restoration, bird habitat, urban forestry, wetlands, etc. Award size varies but
is usually several thousand dollars. See individual announcements for
details. 

Geological Society of America(opens in new window) – opportunities for

graduate student research in the geosciences.

Mineralogical Society of America(opens in new window) – opportunities for

student research in mineralogy and petrology.

National Science Foundation(opens in new window) - graduate research

fellowship. MS students from non-PhD granting institutions (such as Chico
State) are encouraged.

Northern California Botanists(opens in new window) - supports travel &

materials up to $1000 for research on plants in northern California. Proposals
due mid Spring semester annually.

Plant Population Ecology(opens in new window) - section of the Ecological

Society of America - small grants to support student travel to present
research results at annual Ecological Society meeting. Proposals due during
spring semester.

Sigma Xi(opens in new window)-travel & materials up to $1000 in support of

research by full-time students. Proposals due in March and October
annually. 

Society of Economic Geologists(opens in new window) – opportunities to

support research in economic geology.
Society of Wetland Scientists(opens in new window) - Student Research
Grants to support research in wetlands.

Other directories of STEM funding

opportunities
Undergraduate Scholarships -- 30+ opportunities from a variety of private
and federal funders for students pursuing STEM 

Graduate Funding for Masters Students -- 40+ funding opportunities for

Masters-level students in STEM

Graduate Funding for PhD Students -- 40+ funding opportunities including

funding from NSF, NASA, and NIH.

Graduate Teaching Assistantships

A limited number of graduate teaching assistantships are available in the
department. Students awarded TAs conduct laboratories for our general
education courses in environmental science (GEOS 130) and geology (GEOS
101), and possibly others depending upon qualifications.

If you wish to apply for a graduate teaching assistantship in the department

please email the department and we will send you the appropriate forms.  To
be considered for a TA as an incoming student we must have all application
materials by May 15 for fall semester or November 15 for spring semester
and you must be admitted with at least conditionally classified status.

Application Form (PDF)

https://www.csuchico.edu/geos/student-opportunities.shtml
The Master of Science in
Environmental Science
Course Requirements for the Master's
Degree: 30-36 units
Continuous enrollment is required. At the discretion of the academic program, a maximum of 30
percent of the units counted toward the degree requirements may be special session credit earned in
non-matriculated status combined with all transfer coursework.  This applies to special session credit
earned through Open University, or in courses offered for academic credit through Regional and
Continuing Education.
Graduate Time Limit:
All requirements for the degree are to be completed within five years of the end of the semester of
enrollment in the oldest course applied toward the degree. See Master's Degree Requirements in
the University Catalog for complete details on general degree requirements.
The MS degree and PSM option in Environmental Science are available for advanced study in
biological, chemical, geoscience, physical, or engineering aspects of environmental science.
Prospective students should discuss their interests and goals with the appropriate program Graduate
Coordinator.
Prerequisites for Admission to Conditionally Classified Status:
1. Satisfactory grade point average as specified in Graduate and Postbaccalaureate Admission
Requirements in the University Catalog.
2. Approval by the department and the Office of Graduate Studies.
3. An acceptable baccalaureate in one of the natural sciences, engineering, mathematics, or allied
field from a regionally accredited institution, or an equivalent approved by the Office of Graduate
Studies. The prospective student must have sufficient background to undertake a graduate program
in Environmental Science: one year of mathematics (either one semester of statistics and one
semester of calculus or one year of calculus), two semesters of college physics, two semesters of
 chemistry, and a semester of ecology.  Applicants without a sufficient background may be
conditionally admitted, pending the correction of deficiencies as specified by the department.
4. A one-page "Statement of Purpose" that addresses the following questions:

1. The area of study in which you wish to specialize and why.

2. The faculty members with whom you would like to conduct research.
3. Your career goals and plans for the future.
4. Your special preparation in and fitness for your proposed area of study.
5. Explanations of any problems or inconsistencies in your records or scores.

5. Completion of the Graduate Record Examination.

6. Submission of two letters of recommendation from individuals who have had a working or
academic relationship with you. Letters should address your person characteristics, performance,
experience, strengths, weaknesses, capabilities, and professional promise.
7. Applicants for the PSM option will be interviewed before selection. Admittance in the program
requires a pre-defined project that is approved by the PSM coordinator. Students from varied
academic backgrounds are encouraged to apply. It is strongly recommended that applicants have at
least one year of professional experience in some discipline of science. Dedicated non-scientists will
be required to complete adequate remedial coursework, as specified by the department, before
admittance into the program.
8. Acceptance by a faculty mentor in the program who will serve as the thesis or project advisor.
Advancement to Classified Status:
In addition to any requirements listed above:
1. Formation of a graduate committee, consisting of at least two members and including at least one
tenured or tenure-track member of the Department of Geological and Environmental Sciences.
2. Submission of an approved Master's Degree program plan, developed in consultation with the
graduate advisory committee.
3. Correction of all deficiencies in background as specified by the department at the time of
admission.
Advancement to Candidacy:
In addition to any requirements listed above:
1. Completion of at least 9 units of the approved Master's Degree program plan at the University and
completion of any specific course work as specified by the graduate advisory committee.
2. Submission of a thesis proposal or project/internship proposal approved by the graduate advisory
committee.
Requirements for the MS in Environmental Science: 30 units
Completion of all requirements as established by the graduate advisory committee, and the Office of
Graduate Studies, to include:
1. Completion of an approved program consisting of 30 units of 400/500/600-level courses as
follows:
(a) A core of 12-15 units in required courses to include GEOS 600, GEOS 601, GEOS 640, GEOS 660,
a 400/500/600-level course in biological science or chemistry and GEOS 630 or GEOS 650.
Substitutions for required courses must be taken at Chico and must be approved by the Graduate
Coordinator.
(b) 9-17 units of course work selected from areas such as mathematics, plant science, chemistry,
geosciences, geography, political science, engineering, or biological sciences. Selection must be
approved by the graduate advisory committee and the Graduate Coordinator. Substitutions for
required courses must be taken at Chico and must be approved by the Graduate Coordinator.
(c) 1-6 units of BIOL 699T or GEOS 699T. At least one unit of Master's Thesis (699) is required.
(d) At least 18 of the units required for the degree in 600-level courses.
(e) At the discretion of the academic program, a maximum of 30 percent of the units counted toward
the degree requirements may be special session credit earned in non-matriculated status combined
with all transfer coursework. This applies to special session credit earned through Open University,
or in courses offered for academic credit through Regional and Continuing Education.
(Correspondence courses and UC Extension coursework are not acceptable for transfer).
(f) Not more than 15 units taken before admission to classified status.
(g) At least 9 units completed after advancement to candidacy.
(h) Not more than 10 units of Independent Study (697) and Master's Thesis (699T); at least 1, but
not more than 6, units of Master's Thesis (699T).
2. Completion and final approval of a thesis as specified by the student's graduate advisory
committee.
3. Satisfactory completion of a comprehensive final examination (written and/or oral) in the field of
study.
4. Approval by the graduate advisory committee and the Graduate Council on behalf of the faculty of
the University.
Course Requirements for the MS in Environmental Science:
8 units required:
GEOS 600 Geosciences Seminar I   1.0 FA  
GEOS 601 Geosciences Seminar II   1.0 SP  
GEOS 640 Hydrogeochemistry   3.0 SP  
Prerequisites: CHEM 111, CHEM 112. Recommended: GEOS 516 or GEOS 565.
GEOS 660 Numerical Analysis   3.0 FA  
Prerequisites: MATH 120.

2-4 units selected from:

One 400/500/600-level course in Biological Sciences or Chemistry.
2-3 units selected from:
GEOS 630 Geotectonic Development of California   3.0 SP  
Prerequisites: Graduate standing or consent of instructor.
GEOS 650 Environmental Monitoring 2.0 FA  

1-6 units selected from:

BIOL 699T Master's Thesis   1.0 -6.0 FS  
GEOS 699T Master's Thesis   1.0 -6.0 FS  

At least 1 unit of 699T is required.

Select 9-17 units from courses approved by the graduate advisory committee.
Requirements for the MS in Environmental Science:
Professional Science Master's Option: 36 units
Completion of all requirements as established by the graduate advisory committee and the Office of
Graduate Studies to include the following.
1. Completion of an approved program consisting of 36 units of 400/500/600-level course work as
follows:
(a) The following core of 24 units. Substitutions for required courses must be approved by the PSM
Graduate Coordinator.
7 courses required:
GEOS 600 Geosciences Seminar I   1.0 FA  
GEOS 601 Geosciences Seminar II   1.0 SP  
GEOS 650 Environmental Monitoring 2.0 FA  

GEOS 654 Environmental Risk Assessment   3.0 SP  

Prerequisites: CHEM 270 or CHEM 320, MATH 120, PHYS 202B. Recommended: BIOL 350 or BIOL 360.
GEOS 656 Environmental Sciences Capstone   3.0 SP  
Prerequisites: Completion of three semesters of coursework in either the Environmental Sciences MS
program or the proposed PSM option of the Environmental Sciences MS program.
GEOS 699P Master's Project   1.0 -6.0 FS  
Prerequisite: Instructor permission.

Note: GEOS 699P must be taken for at least 2 units.

MGMT 444 Managing Project Teams   3.0 FS  
Prerequisites: MGMT 303 or faculty permission.

2 courses selected with advising approval from:

ACCT 623 Management Control Systems   3.0 FA  
Prerequisites: ACCT 202.
BSIS 610 Business Analytics   3.0 FA  
Prerequisites: Classified MBA student.
MGMT 635 Seminar in Management   3.0 SP  
Prerequisite: Classified MBA student.
MKTG 673 Seminar in Strategic Marketing   3.0 FA  
Prerequisite: Classified MBA student.
POLS 660A Public Management   3.0 FA  
POLS 660B Public Personnel Administration   3.0 SP  
POLS 660C Public Budgeting and Finances   3.0 SP  
POLS 669 Public and Non-Profit Program Evaluation   3.0 INQ  
OSCM 607 Operations Planning and Execution   3.0 SP  

1 course selected from:

GEOS 660 Numerical Analysis   3.0 FA  
Prerequisites: MATH 120.
MATH 615 Statistical Methods for Graduate Research   3.0 FA  
Prerequisites: MATH 105, MATH 305, MATH 315, or MATH 350 (only one is required).

(b) 12 units selected from one of the following advising patterns:

Environmental Biotechnology Advising Pattern
12 units selected from:
BIOL 609 Advanced Cellular/Molecular Biology   4.0 F2  
Prerequisites: BIOL 409 or CHEM 451.
BIOL 610 Topics in Cell/Molecular Biology   1.0 -3.0 S1  
Prerequisites: BIOL 609.
BIOL 611 Advanced Physiology/Cell Biology   4.0 F1  
Prerequisites: BIOL 411 or BIOL 414 or BIOL 416.
BIOL 612 Topics in Physiological/Developmental Biology   1.0 -3.0 S2  
Prerequisites: BIOL 611.
GEOS 625 Advanced Topics in Environmental Science   3.0 FS  

Natural Resource Management Advising Pattern

12 units selected from:
BIOL 613 Population Ecology 4.0 S1  

Prerequisites: BIOL 350.

BIOL 660 Landscape Ecology 3.0 FA  

Prerequisites: BIOL 350 or GEOG 444; MATH 314 or MATH 350 or GEOG 315.
BIOL 668 Community and Ecosystem Ecology 3.0 S2  

Prerequisites: BIOL 350 and a statistics course.

GEOG 445 Pyrogeography 3.0 S1  

Prerequisites: GEOG 101W; AGRI 331, BIOL 350, BIOL 414, GEOG 343, GEOG 405S, GEOG 444, or PSSC
330.
GEOS 516 Natural Water Systems 3.0 F2  

Prerequisites: CHEM 111, GEOS 315.

GEOS 517 The Atmospheric Environment 3.0 F1  

Prerequisites: CHEM 112, GEOS 315.

GEOS 530 Environmental Systems Modeling I 3.0 SP  

Prerequisites: CHEM 112; GEOS 330 or faculty permission; MATH 120; either PHYS 202B or PHYS 204C.
GEOS 535 Pollution Ecology 3.0 F2  

Prerequisites: Chem 112, GEOS 315.

GEOS 536 Applied Ecology 3.0 SP  

Prerequisites: BIOL 350.

GEOS 537 Ecohydrology 3.0 S2  

Prerequisites: BIOL 350, GEOS 380, or instructor consent.

GEOS 625 Advanced Topics in Environmental Science   3.0 FS  

Sustainable Development and Technology Advising Pattern

12 units selected from:
BIOL 610 Topics in Cell/Molecular Biology   1.0 -3.0 S1  
Prerequisites: BIOL 609.
CIVL 431 Environmental Engineering 4.0 SP  

Prerequisites: CIVL 175 (or equivalent), junior standing.

CIVL 571 Natural Systems for Wastewater Treatment 3.0 F1  

Prerequisites: CIVL 431 or faculty permission.

CIVL 575 Solid and Hazardous Waste Management 3.0 INQ  

Prerequisites: CIVL 431 or faculty permission.

GEOS 530 Environmental Systems Modeling I 3.0 SP  

Prerequisites: CHEM 112; GEOS 330 or faculty permission; MATH 120; either PHYS 202B or PHYS 204C.
GEOS 535 Pollution Ecology 3.0 F2  

Prerequisites: Chem 112, GEOS 315.

GEOS 570 Environmental and Engineering Geology 3.0 F1  

Prerequisites: GEOS 102, GEOS 203, GEOS 306. For majors in related sciences and technical fields, GEOS
102 only.
GEOS 625 Advanced Topics in Environmental Science   3.0 FS  
GEOS 640 Hydrogeochemistry   3.0 SP  
Prerequisites: CHEM 111, CHEM 112. Recommended: GEOS 516 or GEOS 565.
MECA 482 Control System Design   3.0 FA  
Prerequisites: EECE 211, MATH 260. Recommended: MECA 380, MECH 320; either CSCI 111 or MECH 208.
MECA 486 Motion and Machine Automation   4.0 SP  
Prerequisites: EECE 211L, MECH 340; EECE 482 or MECA 482 (may be taken concurrently).
MECH 432 Energy Systems 4.0 FA  

Prerequisites: MECH 338.

(d) At least 60 percent of the units required for the degree must be in 600-level courses.
(e) Not more than a total of 10 units of Independent Study (597/697) and Master's Project (699P); at
least 2, but no more than 6, units of Master's Project (699P).
2. Completion and final approval of a professional internship and project as specified by the
student's graduate advisory committee.
3. Approval by the graduate advisory committee and the Graduate Council on behalf of the faculty of
the University.
Graduate Requirement in Writing Proficiency:
Writing proficiency is a graduation requirement.
Environmental Science students will normally demonstrate their writing proficiency through
successful completion of GEOS 600 and GEOS 601, Geosciences Seminar, or an approved substitute.
Graduate Grading Requirements:
All courses in the major (with the exceptions of Independent Study - 697, Comprehensive
Examination - 696, Master's Project - 699P, and Master's Thesis - 699T) must be taken for a letter
grade, except those courses specified by the department as ABC/No Credit (400/500-level courses),
AB/No Credit (600-level courses), or Credit/No Credit grading only. A maximum of 10 units
combined of ABC/No Credit, AB/No Credit, and Credit/No Credit grades may be used on the
approved program (including 697, 696, 699P, 699T and courses outside the major). While grading
standards are determined by individual programs and instructors, it is also the policy of the
University that unsatisfactory grades may be given when work fails to reflect achievement of the high
standards, including high writing standards, expected of students pursuing graduate study.
Students must maintain a minimum 3.0 grade point average in each of the following three
categories: all course work taken at any accredited institution subsequent to admission to the
master's program; all course work taken at CSU, Chico subsequent to admission to the program; and
all courses on the approved master's degree program.
Graduate Advising Requirement:
Advising is mandatory for new and readmitted students in the master's program in Environmental
Science. Consult the Graduate Coordinator for specifics.

https://catalog.csuchico.edu/viewer/18/GEOS/ENSCNONEMS.html
Tuition and Fees
To qualify for admission, students must show proof of financial solvency
based on the University’s estimate of one academic year’s expenses.
Estimated Expenses For One Academic Year
BACHELOR’S DEGREE MASTER’S DEGREE 
 
Undergraduate Students Graduate Students
Registration Fees $7,814 $9,248
Non-Resident Tuition ($396/unit) $9,504 (12 Units X 2) $7,128 (9 units X 2)
Books & Supplies $1,150 $1,142
Room & Board $11,314 $11,314
Personal (includes health ins.) $1,904 $1,904
Transportation $694 $694
TOTAL $32,380 $31,430
    MBA: Add $270/unit
    $4,860
    MBA TOTAL   $36,290

Notes
 There are additional fees for summer courses.
 There is an additional charge of $270 per unit for MBA courses. 
 Students must also bring or purchase health and accident insurance
each semester.

As you can see from the chart above, international students pay registration
fees (which all students pay) and non-resident tuition at an additional $396
for each unit taken during the semester. For more information about fees, go
to Registration & Non -Resident Fees and Fee Deadlines.

DISCLAIMER: The CSU makes every effort to keep student costs to a

minimum.  Fees listed in published schedules or student accounts may need
to be increased when public funding is inadequate.  Therefore, CSU must
reserve the right, even after fees are initially charged or initial fee payments
are made, to increase or modify any listed fees.   All listed fees, other than
mandatory systemwide fees, are subject to change without notice, until the
date when instruction for a particualar semester or quarter has begun.  All
CSU listed fees should be regarded as estimates that are subject to change
upon approval by the Board of Trustees, the Chancellor, or the Presidents, as
appropriate.  Changes in mandatory systemwide fees will be made in
accordance with the requirements of the Working Families Student Fee
Transparency and Accountability Act (Sections 66028-66028.6 of the
Education Code).