地质学研究生课程提供课程工作，野外工作经验和研究成果，从而获得地质学理学硕士学位。它使成功完成该计划的学生能够提升他们的学历，并晋升为需要深入了解水文地质，环境地质和地质灾害知识的博士学位或专业职位。该大学位于州府首都，可通过实习和实地工作机会直接进入许多地方，联邦和州机构。每个学生都应根据自己的背景，兴趣和目标计划课程，并咨询教职顾问。在进入该计划或开始研究生学习之前，学生必须先咨询顾问。有关如何选择顾问的信息，学生应联系地质部门办公室。希望以专业人士身份从事教学的研究生可以申请任命为研究生教学助理。研
The Sacramento State Master of Science in Geology program equips students with the skills they need to become leaders in their field. Advanced training prepares graduates to enter professional positions or doctoral programs that require cutting-edge knowledge and experience in various topics such as hydrogeology, environmental geology, or geologic hazards. The University's location in the state capital provides direct access to many local, federal, and state agencies through internship and fieldwork opportunities.<br><br>The M.S. in Geology program is designed to allow students to work while pursuing their degree. All courses are offered in the evening, with a typical start time of 5:30 pm.The degree has two formats: 1) the thesis track and 2) the non-thesis track (see descriptions below and course requirements in the catalog). All students are admitted to the M.S. in Geology program under the non-thesis track. Transitioning to the Thesis track requires a M.S. Thesis Proposal that is approved by a faculty advisor and two other committee members.<br> Thesis track Description: Students complete 24 units of coursework and 6 units of Master's Thesis. The culminating experience is a Master's Thesis: an independent research project that generates new scientific knowledge. The thesis enables the student to develop expertise in their specific topic. Completing a thesis project can benefit students in all careers because it promotes the development of many transferrable skills, including: critical thinking, troubleshooting, project management, and scientific communication. The thesis project is guided by a faculty advisor and two additional committee members.<br>Non-thesis track Description: Students complete 30 units of coursework. The culminating experience is a comprehensive exam to demonstrate mastery of topics covered by courses taken during the program. Typical time to degree: 2-2.5 years. 2.5 years if student takes 2 courses (6 units) per semester.