The School of the Environment offers three graduate degrees:
- MA Geography, Resource Management & Environmental Planning
- MS GIScience
- MS Earth & Environmental Science
Who should apply?
We welcome applications from individuals who have a baccalaureate degree in any field, or will receive their baccalaureate degree prior to the start of the semester for which they are applying, however each program differs somewhat in requirements for classification.
MA Geography, Resource Management & Environmental Planning: For admission to the graduate program, a student must meet the general University requirements as stated in the Bulletin. For unconditional admission to the MA program in Geography, Resource Management, and Environmental Planning, a student must have completed an undergraduate major in Geography, Environmental Science, Environmental Studies, or related field with a GPA of 3.25 in the major. An applicant with a GPA of 3.25 or better in a major other than Geography, Environmental Science, Environmental Studies, or related field may qualify for admission as a conditionally classified graduate student. The conditional status is removed upon completion of core coursework in physical or human geography and introductory statistics, in consultation with and advisor, with a grade of B or better in each course. Units earned for remedial or prerequisite coursework are not applied toward the graduate degree.
MS GIScience: For admission to the MS GIScience graduate program, a student must meet the general University requirements as stated in the Bulletin. An applicant must have a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution with a GPA of 3.25 or better in geography or a related discipline, with emphasis or experience in spatial data analysis, and have earned a grade of B or better in GEOG 603, or equivalent.
MS Earth & Environmental Science: For admission to the MS Earth & Environmental Science graduate program, a student must meet the general University requirements as stated in the Bulletin. An applicant must have a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution with a GPA of 3.00 or better in Earth Science, Geology, Environmental Science, Physical Geography, or a related discipline.
When to apply: The department accepts applications twice a year, for Fall and Spring admission.
- For Fall admission: Apply by April 1st
- For Spring admission: Apply by November 1st
How to apply: Apply via Cal State Apply.
Department Application Requirements:
- Statement of Purpose (see description below)
- two letters of recommendation (at least one must be academic), and
- unofficial academic transcripts. *Note that GRE scores are no longer required by the School of the Environment.
Statement of Purpose: Your Statement of Purpose essay summarizes your most important past experiences and accomplishments (e.g., degree completion, internships, apprenticeships, jobs and leadership experience) and your preparation for graduate studies. It should explain why you want to join this graduate program including your specific academic interests and motivations, and why you’ve chosen to apply to our program (e.g., specific offerings, reputation, resources, faculty.) It’s also your chance to explain any irregularities or concerns that might arise from reviewing your academic record. Your Statement essay should be about 2 pages long, written carefully and proof-read.
Questions and contacts: For any further questions about admissions to these programs, please contact the graduate coordinators: Professor XiaoHang Liu and Professor Nancy Wilkinson.
Descriptions of each School of the Environment graduate program