»Master of Science in Hazards, Global and Environmental Change

World-renowned faculty members are active scientists currently researching the changes that occur in the atmosphere before earthquakes, how to track forest fires, and how climate change is affecting agriculture in the Southwestern United States. The professors have a strong research record in the areas related to this degree and will provide state of the art research and education for the benefits of the students enrolled. Additionally, faculty members continually strive to build the school’s resources by attracting research funds, public relations opportunities, and encouraging private, State and corporate support in furthering environmental and hazards research, which are areas of great importance to the Nation and California.

Professor’s working relationships span the gamut of private and public institutions including, but not limited to:

• The National Science foundation (NSF),
• National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
• Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
• European Union (EU)
• United States Geological Survey (USGS)
• Naval Research Laboratory (NRL)
• Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL)
• U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

As active researchers, several faculty members have published numerous book chapters, hundreds of scholarly articles and attended hundreds of conferences as speakers, session chairs and conveners.

In 2003, NASA developed a strategic plan in the area of Earth Observations and Systems Science, called Earth Science Enterprise Strategy. NASA asks us to solve these important global questions:

• How is Earth changing and what are the consequences for life on Earth?
• How is the global earth system changing?
• What are the primary causes of change in the earth system?
• How does the earth system respond to natural and human-induced changes?
• What are the consequences of change in the earth system for human civilization?
• How will the earth system change in the future?

The Hazards MS program will be of great need to California, the nation, and the world as supported by recent reports and academic developments

Admission Requirements

• Online application for admission (which includes $60 non-refundable application fee)
• Official transcript from degree granting institution
• Graduate Admission Test Scores – The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores are required.   Applicants must achieve the following minimum scores which are listed as previous version test scores and new comparative version test scores, respectively: Verbal:  500/153; Quantitative:  550/146; Analytical Writing: 4.0/4.0. 
• Letters of recommendation – two letters of recommendation are required, including one from an academic source which describes your professional and academic abilities.
• Statement of intent – a 750 word essay.  Applicants are expected to address different connections between hazards and our environment.  Applicants are encouraged to briefly address the following questions:  How is the Earth changing and what are the consequences for life on Earth?  How is the global Earth system changing?  What are the primary causes of change in the Earth system?  How does the Earth system respond to natural and human-induced changes?  What are the consequences of change in the Earth system for human civilization?  How will the Earth system change in the future?
• Resume – a resume or curriculum vitae is required
• TOEFL (International Students Only) – applicants who have completed their undergraduate degree outside of the United States are required to achieve an acceptable score on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), minimum 550 (paper-based), or 80 (internet-based).
• Financial Certification Form (International Students Only)

For important deadlines visit the Admissions page