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• Graduate Advising
• Masters of Science Degree Requirements
• Doctoral Degree Requirements
• Graduate Course List
• Graduate Admissions
• Financial Assistance
• Estimated Expenses
• Health Insurance
• Student Housing
• Child Care Services
• Recent Graduate Thesis Titles
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Advising in the graduate programs in Earth Sciences is accomplished through a Graduate Advisor, the Graduate Advisory Committee, and a Research Advisor.

The Graduate Advisor advises on anything relevant to graduate studies. In consultation with the Graduate Advisory Committee, the Graduate Advisor determines the student's background deficiencies, approves study lists, recommends committee membership (examination, thesis, dissertation), monitors progress to the degree, and enforces regulations concerning graduate studies.

Upon admission, each student will identify a potential research advisor. The research advisor provides intellectual sustenance and guidance to the student by assisting in the selection of courses and committee members and supervising the student's research.

The Graduate Advisory Committee and the Graduate Advisor will conduct personal interviews with each new graduate student. These 20-30 minute discussions will review with the student his/her background at admission; discuss any potential deficiencies with the student; give the student an opportunity to ask the committee about any departmental procedures, and make sure that the student gets off to as good a start as possible.

An important result of each meeting will be to develop with the student a course of study for at least the first year and to make certain that he or she understands what constitutes normal progress through the program. Each meeting will be followed up with a written summary of the results. The Graduate Advisory Committee will meet again with the student during the third quarter.

The Master of Science Degree

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The Department offers the M.S. degree in Geography and in Geological Sciences, with emphasis in several subdisciplines, under Plan I (thesis) or Plan II (general examination). Plan II is normally approved only for individuals who have previously had extensive experience in independent investigation and report writing.

In addition to the general requirements stated in the UC Riverside General Catalog, the requirements for the M.S. are as follows:

1. A student is required to make up any deficiency in preparation. The background required is course preparation equivalent to the bachelor's degree in Geology, Geophysics, or Geography at UC Riverside. Courses taken to remedy background deficiencies are not applicable to the graduate degree. Such courses will be designated in the letter of admissions to the program sent to the student by the Dean of the Graduate Division.
2. In both Geography and in Geological Sciences, a minimum of 36 units of coursework in the major and related subjects and advance approval of a coherent plan of study by the graduate advisor is required. The 36 units must be earned under one of the following two plans:
   • Plan I. A maximum of 12 upper division units beyond the requirements for the bachelor's degree and taken in graduate status at UCR may be applied to the 36-unit requirement. A minimum of 24 graduate units are required; of these a minimum of 12 graduate units must be acquired through course work, which must include at least four graduate-level instructional courses in the major taught by four different faculty members. A student pursuing a degree under Plan I must submit before the end of the third quarter of study a written thesis proposal to a departmental guidance committee before embarking on research. The student will also present this thesis proposal orally to a departmental graduate seminar. After approval of the proposal, a thesis based on original work must be submitted to and approved by a thesis committee. A maximum of 12 units of thesis research may be counted toward the 36-unit minimum.
   • Plan II. A maximum of 18 upper division units beyond the requirements for the bachelor's degree and taken in graduate studies at UCR may be applied to the 36 unit requirement. A minimum of 18 units of graduate courses, which should include at least five graduate-level instructional courses in the major taught by at least four different faculty members, is required. No units of thesis research are applicable towards the degree by Plan II. A comprehensive written examination based on both undergraduate and graduate course work, with emphasis on the student's major interest and related fields, must be passed; only two attempts will be allowed.

Subject to the approval of the graduate advisor, a limited number of upper division courses in the major and related sciences, if not required for the bachelor's degree and not taken previously, may be accepted for graduate credit subject to the approval of the graduate advisor.

The Doctoral Degree

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General requirements are those set forth in the UC Riverside General Catalog. In addition the Ph.D. in Geography and in Geological Sciences normally requires:

• Course Work. At least four graduate-level instructional courses as approved by the Graduate Advisor. Course work used in satisfaction of the M.S. degree may be accepted with the Graduate Advisor's approval.
• Language. Depending upon the student's proposed area of specialization, the student must demonstrate reading knowledge of a foreign language or facility with a computer programming language. In consultation with the student, during the first year of graduate studies, the Graduate Advisor and potential dissertation advisors will determine the language that will be required.
• Research Proposal. A research proposal must be written by the student while satisfying course work and language requirements. The proposal will be examined by a departmental guidance committee and, if acceptable, the Department will recommend appointment of the Oral Examination Committee once all other requirements are completed.
• Oral Examination. An Oral Qualifying Examination Committee appointed by the Dean of the Graduate Division will examine the adequacy of the student's preparation to conduct the proposed research. Advancement to candidacy in the Ph.D. program follows successful completion of the oral examination.
• Dissertation. A dissertation normally evolves from the research proposal. The dissertation must present original scholarly work and be approved by a dissertation committee before the student may take the final oral examination.
• Final Oral Examination. Satisfactory performance on a final oral examination given by the dissertation committee is required. Major emphasis in this examination will be placed on the dissertation and related topics.

Normative time for the Ph.D. degree from the B.S. degree is 17 quarters.

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General

• 250 Graduate Seminar in Geosciences

Paleontology - Stratigraphy - Sedimentation

• 206A-B Stratigraphy
• 214 Vertebrate Biostratigraphy and Paleogeography
• 225A-B Geology of Sedimentary Rocks
• 251E-Z Advanced Topics in Paleontology
• 255 Advanced Topics in Sedimentary Petrology

Petrology - Geochemistry - Geothermics

• 203 Mineral Equilibria
• 222 Geothermics
• 239 Advanced Topics in Ore Petrology
• 253 Advanced Topics in Petrology and Geochemistry

Geophysics

• 241 Advanced Field Geophysics
• 242 Potential Fields
• 243 Terrestrial Heat Flow
• 246 Physical Properties of Rocks and Minerals
• 247 Electrical Exploration Methods
• 257E-Z Advanced Topics in Geophysics
• 259 Tectonics of California

Geomorphology - Quaternary Geology - Environmental Geology

• 201 Quantitative Analysis of Surficial Processes
• 205 Geohydrology
• 207 Groundwater Geochemistry
• 248 Quaternary Geologic Systems
• 249 Field Methods in Quaternary Geology
• 262 Seminar in Geomorphology

Geography -

• 244 Landscape Evolution
• 268 Seminar in Biogeography
• 275 Seminar in Urban Geography
• 276 Seminar in Political Geography
• 283E-Z Advanced Topics in Systematic Geography

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An undergraduate degree in geography, geology, geophysics, or geochemistry is the normal preparation for graduate work; however, a degree from a related field of science or engineering is often appropriate.

Applicants must have a GPA of 3.2 (on a 4 point scale) or better for admission to graduate status. This minimum GPA requirement may be relaxed in exceptional situations.

The department wants all of our graduate students to be highly successful in their academic and research endeavors. We recommend that you identify a faculty member in this booklet whose research interests match yours and that you contact the faculty member individually.

Application Procedures:

Applicants who wish to be considered for a fellowship must apply for Fall Quarter. The completed application, supporting materials and fee must be postmarked or delivered to the Department by January 15. Applicants for admission only must file by the following deadlines:

• U.S. Citizen or Resident Alien Applicants
  • Fall Quarter: May 1
  • Winter Quarter: September 1
  • Spring Quarter: December 1
• International Applicants
  • Fall Quarter: February 1
  • Winter Quarter: July 1
  • Spring Quarter: October 1

Documentation Required of Applicants
Submit the following materials directly to the Department of Earth Sciences:

1. Completed Graduate Application for Admission and Merit-Based Support
2. Application fee. A non-refundable application fee of $40 must accompany all applications.
3. Letters of recommendation from at least three persons who are qualified to evaluate your potential for success in graduate studies.
4. Two official sets of transcripts from each college and graduate institution you have attended since high school.
5. Domestic and international applicants to graduate status must supply official scores from the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General test prior to their admission. We require the General Aptitude (verbal, quantitative, analytical), but not the subject test. It usually takes about 6 weeks after the exam for us to receive these scores. We recommend that you take the exam in October for the following fall quarter admission.
6. International applicants whose first language is not English are required to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with a minimum score of 550 on the examination. Permanent Residents (Immigrants) whose first language is not English and who do not have a degree from an institution where English is the exclusive language of instruction must also provide scores from the TOEFL exam.

An application meeting the above requirements will not necessarily be granted admission to the Graduate Programs in Geography or in Geological Sciences. Admission is based on merit, competition, applicant's interest, and available vacancies.

Financial Support

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Department Support-

Awards of Research Assistantships, Teaching Assistantships, and Fellowships will be automatically considered for all applicants by the faculty in Earth Sciences. Graduate students may be employed on a part-time basis (not to exceed 50% time or 20 hours per week) during the academic year.

• Fellowships are awarded for scholarly achievement and promise, and are offered only to full-time students pursuing graduate degrees. Recipients must maintain a GPA of 3.5 or better. The amount of each award varies and may include the payment of tuition and fees in addition to a stipend. Fellowship applications are considered once a year, in the winter quarter, and awards are made for the following year.

  Fellowship holders may also accept 25 percent employment (up to ten hours per week) with the prior approval of the Graduate Division.

  The Roland Blanchard Fellowship is reserved for students working on research in economic geology, mineralogy, and petrology. The basic award is comprised of a $10,000 stipend for the academic year and allocation toward the payment of registration fees. The award may be extended from a nine month award to a twelve month award.

  The Hewett Club Fellowship- The student-faculty club for geology and geophysics majors, funds small special projects for which undergraduate and graduate students have no other support. Generally this is in the form of field travel expenses.

• Teaching Assistantships- 50% Teaching Assistantships currently provide a salary of $4125 per quarter. TAs must maintain a GPA of 3.25 or better and be making acceptable progress toward their degree.

  To qualify for an appointment as a Teaching Assistant, foreign applicants must satisfy basic TOEFL and TSE (Test of Spoken English) scores. All graduate students whose native language is not English are required to take and pass the campus administered SPEAK test that indicates that their English proficiency is sufficient for performing the duties of a Teaching Assistant.

  All Teaching Assistants lacking prior teaching experience are required to attend a general TA orientation, pre- and in-quarter disciplinary cluster workshops, and to have a video tape consultation with a Mentor Teaching Assistant.

• Graduate Student Researcher Assistantships (GSR) - GSRs at the beginning level currently earn $13.21 per hour. GSRs can be paid up to 50% time during the academic year and can also be paid on a full-time basis for up to three months during the summer. GSRs must maintain a GPA of 3.0 or better and be making acceptable progress toward the degree.

Many graduate students appointed as Teaching Assistants or Graduate Student Researchers qualify for a partial remission of the Education Fee. Nonresident tuition may be paid for nonresident Graduate Student Researchers who meet the necessary criteria.

University Fellowships-

• Chancellors Distinguished Fellowships provide four years of support, including stipends, teaching or research assistantships, and fees. These fellowships are for truly exceptional graduate applicants to doctoral programs. Recipients will typically have GPAs over 3.70 and combined GRE scores (verbal and quantitative) in excess of 1300.
• In-Candidacy Fee Offset Grants which pay the Education Fee are available during the period between advancement to candidacy for the doctorate and the expiration of normative time. Applications are automatically sent when students pass their Ph.D. qualifying examinations.
• The Eugene Cota-Robles Fellowship Program offers four-year support packages to entering underrepresented and women students who are preparing for academic careers. Students in doctoral programs who can demonstrate strong potential for university teaching and research qualify for this award, which offers two years of fellowship support, including a stipend of $12,500 and payment of fees. The department will provide two additional years of support in the form of a Teaching or Graduate Student Researcher Assistantship.
• Graduate Opportunity Fellowships are designed for women in fields where they are severely underrepresented and for members of U.S. underrepresented ethnic groups. These fellowships offer a stipend of $10,000 and all assessed fees.
• The Research Assistant Mentorship Program offers research training with a faculty mentor at an early stage in the graduate student's career. These awards are made to underrepresented and women students who are working toward the Ph.D. degree. Recipients receive research assistantships paying approximately $3,000 per quarter.

Need Based Financial Assistance

U. S. citizens or students who hold immigrant visas may apply for need-based loans, grants and work-study awards. If you would like information about need-based financial aid, contact the Office of Financial Aid, 1156 Hinderaker Hall, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521.

Expenses

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No laboratory expenses are required for graduate research. All graduate students must pay quarterly fees of $1618 for the academic year 1995-96. This fee covers registration and educational fees plus a wide range of items and services, including Graduate Student health insurance fees, Graduate Student Association fees, and various student services.

Since the Department can not make the same financial commitment to international students that it does to U.S. citizens, international applicants may wish to contact specific faculty members regarding potential for research support. Otherwise, the Graduate Division will request international students show evidence of support in the amount of $22,000 annually for each year of anticipated studies.

Students who have not established legal residency in California are subject to the payment of nonresident tuition (currently $2567 per quarter). Please note that only citizens or permanent residents of the U.S. can become residents of California for tuition purposes. Foreign students are charged at the out-of-state rate throughout their graduate careers. Regulations governing the determination of residency are outlined in the general catalog.

Health Insurance

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All graduate students are assessed a quarterly fee for a Graduate Student Health Insurance Program. This policy provides year-round and worldwide coverage and is designed to supplement outpatient care available to students through the Student Health Service. This fee is paid for all Teaching Assistants and Research Assistants employed 25 percent time or more. Other students may claim an exemption by demonstrating that they have comparable insurance from another source.

Student Housing

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Bannockburn Village provides a variety of apartments and suites and residential services in a unique setting adjacent to campus. The complex is divided into undergraduate, graduate, and fraternity/sorority areas to meet the needs of these respective student groups. For further information contact the main office at 3637 Canyon Crest Drive, K-101, Riverside, CA 92507, telephone (909) 787-5723.

University Plaza is a modern 73 unit, fully air-conditioned, garden apartment complex consisting of 25 one- bedroom and 48 two-bedroom units. For further information contact the main office at 1020 Linden, Riverside, CA 92507, telephone (909) 787-3564.

Family Student Housing is provided in the Canyon Crest Family Student Housing area. There are 202 two- bedroom and 66 three-bedroom houses available to married and single-parent students. For further information contact the main office at 890 Plum Street, Riverside, CA 92507, telephone (909) 787-4307.

Off-Campus Housing assists students and parents regarding details on how to obtain suitable off-campus housing accommodations. The office maintains a listing of apartments, rooms, houses, and rentals to share. The office strongly suggests that students who seek fall housing within walking distance of campus make their arrangements during the summer to ensure that they have a place to live when classes start. Upon request the office also provides lists of local motels and hotels, housing for disabled, and temporary housing. For further information contact the main office at (909) 787-3770.

Child Care Services

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Child-care services are available at the Child Development Center for children ages 2½ through 5 years. Innovative learning and development programs are offered morning and afternoon. The Center is open to children of students, faculty, and staff of UC Riverside. Inquiries should be made to the Child Development Center at (909) 787-3854.

For further information and more specific details regarding graduate studies, applicants should consult the UC Riverside General Catalog. The catalog is available by mail: $9.00 to U.S. destinations and $13.00 to international destinations. Checks made payable to UC Regents, should be sent to the University Bookstore, University of California, Riverside, 900 University Avenue East, Riverside, California 92521.

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Last revision: 6/95