Graduate Program Information


Graduate Studies in Tectonics

Program
      Interests embraced by the faculty within the field of tectonics range from modern to Paleozoic plate interactions, to the development of cratonal basins far from plate margins. Data from many fields of Geology, including Geochemistry, Geophysics, Marine Geology, Paleontology, Petrology, Sedimentology, and Structural Geology, are being brought together in an attempt to understand tectonic processes and to unravel tectonic history, especially of regions around the Pacific Rim. The diversity of interests of the geologists involved and their field orientation are perhaps the program's most notable features.

Academic Content of Program

      A Master's degree in Geology may be attained by submitting a successfully completed program of 30 well-chosen units to the Department of Geology at San José State University. A recommended program of courses at the graduate level includes: 
 
 

Course
Units
Sedimentary Basins..........................................................................
4
Structural Geology...............................................................................
Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology...............................................
Sedimentary Petrology.......................................................................
Seminar (on a topic in tectonics and/or geophysics)......................
Research..............................................................................................
Thesis...................................................................................................
Electives (chosen with advisor's approval)......................................

 
 
Faculty      Area of Expertise

David W. Andersen

     Sedimentology

Emmanuel Gabet

     Sediment Transport Processes and Landscape Evolution

Ellen P. Metzger

     Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology, Geochemistry

Robert B. Miller

     Structural Geology, Tectonics, and Structural Petrology

Johathan S. Miller

     Igneous Petrology, Tectonics, and Isotope Geochemistry

Donald L. Reed

     Marine Geology, Geophysics, and Tectonics

Richard L. Sedlock

     Structural Geology, Petrology, and Tectonics