Beach EDGE - Environmental Science and Policy, B.A. + M.A.
The is intended to streamline access to our Master of Arts degree program for qualified and promising undergraduates. Students in the ES&P B.A. or B.S. Beach EDGE program will complete the requirements for both the ES&P B.A. or B.S. and M.A. degrees. Beach EDGE students in ES&P may double-count a maximum of 12-units of electives towards both their B.A. or B.S. and M.A. degrees. These 12-units must be taken in residence at É«ÖÐÉ«.
Advisor/Staff Contacts
Once an undergraduate has expressed interest in our ES&P EDGE program, advising will be coordinated between the undergraduate and graduate advisors to discuss appropriate coursework. Upon acceptance to the M.A. program their advising will be switched to the Graduate Advisor.
ES&P Undergraduate Advisor
Dr. Monica Argandona
Monica.Argandona@csulb.edu
Geography Graduate Advisor
Dr. Gary Hytrek
Gary.Hytrek@csulb.edu
Eligibility and Admissions
Please visit the É«ÖÐÉ« Catalog for the ES&P B.A. degree requirements.
The consists of at least 30 units including core requirements (GEOG 596, GEOG 696 and two advanced methods courses), a minimum of two topical seminars, electives, and a thesis. A minimum of 21 units of the M.A. degree must be taken at the 500 or 600 level. For split level (400/500) classes, EDGE students should enroll in the 500-level section.
- Matriculated undergraduate student at É«ÖÐÉ«.
- Junior standing or higher.
- Meet major specific requirements per the É«ÖÐÉ« Catalog for the degree (Link to each BA in Catalog).
- É«ÖÐÉ« ES&P GPA of 3.0.
- Meet É«ÖÐÉ« eligibility for Graduate Studies.
Submit the following to Gary.Hytrek@csulb.edu by the application deadline (June 1 for Fall, Nov 1 for Spring)
- Program Application form.
- Unofficial Transcripts from É«ÖÐÉ« and all universities/colleges where major-specific prerequisite courses were completed.
- The name and email of two referees, one of whom must be a É«ÖÐÉ« Geography or ES&P faculty member.
- Personal statement (approx. 2 pages) in which you address your research interests in Geography; your professional or personal goals in seeking a graduate degree; how your research interests relate to our core strengths and faculty expertise; and any special skills you have which you hope to build on in graduate studies.
- Writing Sample: Please submit a paper, report, or project that you feel best showcases your research and writing abilities and potential. Links to other material, if any, may be embedded in your document.
- Current resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV). 
November 1st (spring semester enrollment)
June 1st (for fall semester enrollment)
Admitted Students can learn more by visiting Beach EDGE
Students in the ES&P B.A. EDGE Program may select up to 12 units from a list of electives to be double counted and applied toward the M.A. degree. For split level (400/500) elective classes, EDGE students should enroll in the 500-level section for the elective to count. These 12 units must be completed in residence at É«ÖÐÉ«. GEOG 596 and/or 696 may be taken with senior status and Graduate Advisor consent. Courses excluded from double-counting include GEOG 600-level seminars (GEOG 600, GEOG 640, GEOG 650, GEOG 666 and GEOG 680), GEOG 696, and GEOG 698 thesis units. These courses will be taken once EDGE students are matriculated into the graduate program. Depending on the nature of the thesis research, a thesis Chair/Committee may recommend specific or additional methods courses.
The following is a sample roadmap for a fall ES&P B.A. EDGE admitted student. Spring Admits will require additional advising. The ES&P BA and the ES&P BS to the geography M.A. is expected to require 4+1.5 years (5.5 years).
| 4-year ES&P BA | Semester 1* | Semester 2 | Summer | Semester 3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
ES&P BA 120 units of which up to 12 count toward the M.A. Degree. ES&P BS 120 units of which up to 12 count toward the M.A. Degree. | GEOG 596 offered fall only GEOG Seminar GEOG Methods ** and/or GEOG elective as needed 6-13 units as needed | GEOG 696 offered spring only GEOG Seminar GEOG Methods and/or GEOG elective as needed
6-13 units as needed) | Fieldwork Data Collection Data analysis | GEOG 696 (for spring admits) GEOG 698 (6 units)
GRADUATION |
*Pathway for Fall admits
**Depending on the nature of the thesis research a thesis Chair/Committee may recommend an additional methods course
