Graduate Programs

Our graduate programs are part of the Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP), allowing students from the Western US states and territories to pay in-state tuition.

The MA Applied Anthropology program is currently undergoing transition from a pilot to a permanent program and is not accepting applications during this process due to curriculum changes pending approval. This process is expected to be completed during 2020. We anticipate that the next group of students will be accepted for the program beginning Fall 2021 (applications open starting October, 2020). Please contact the graduate coordinator, Rebecca Robertson (rer3@humboldt.edu), with any questions. A rig­or­ous yet flex­i­ble pro­gram designed to pre­pare stu­dents for in-demand careers in today’s pub­lic and pri­vate sec­tor job mar­ket, teach­ing at the col­lege level or for fur­ther study at a Ph.D. pro­gram.

Degree: Master of Arts

Application Deadlines:

Program approval pending. Application information is not available at this time, please contact the Program Coordinator for further information.

Anthropology Website »

Program Coordinator
Rebecca Robertson
rebecca.robertson@humboldt.edu
(707) 826-4372

About the Program

The MA in Applied Anthropology is a lim­ited res­i­dency degree pro­gram, including a five-week Summer Institute held on the HSU campus. The remaining 35 required units of course­work are completed via online dis­tance learning, allowing for maximum flexibility. Students have the option of com­plet­ing the pro­gram part-time or full-time.

Those with a focus in archae­ol­ogy are also pre­pared for eli­gi­bil­ity to become Registered Professional Archaeologists. Students complete research related to archaeology (cultural resources management, museum studies, bioarchaeology), biological anthropology (forensics, primate ecology and conservation, evolutionary medicine, human ecology and communication), or cultural anthropology (development, public health, ethnography, media, medical anthropology).

Possible Careers

Archaeologist
Advertising Executive
Advocate
Archivist
Case Manager
College Faculty
Cultural Resource Manager
Forensic Anthropologist

Lab Manager
Law Enforcement
Museum Curator
Non-Profit Manager
Primatologist
Program Developer
Research Analyst/Associate

Graduate students in the Biology program at Humboldt State University pursue investigations with an emphasis in the laboratory, forests, marine habitats, or a variety of other settings.

Degree: Master of Science

Application Deadlines:

Fall: October 1 – February 28

Biological Sciences Website »

Program Coordinator
Paul Bourdeau
peb112@humboldt.edu
(707) 826-3600

About the Program

Our campus is surrounded by ancient redwood forests, fir and pine forests, nearby marine and freshwater habitats, and is within easy driving distance of many national, state, and regional parks. Students study living processes at all levels, from cellular-molecular to ecosystems. Our program features diverse faculty committed to mentorship, an emphasis on hands-on learning, and excellent facilities, including a marine laboratory, an ocean-going research vessel, a biotechnology laboratory, museums, and scanning and transmission electron microscopes.

Possible Careers

Aquatic Biologist
Biologist
Biotechnologist
Conservation Officer
Environmental Educator
Environmental Planner
Environmental Scientist
Lab Manager
Life Scientist
Plant Ecologist
Plant Geneticist
Plant Physiologist
Marine Biologist
Marine Educator
Microbiologist (public health)

The MBA program is a one-year program, designed for students from disciplines other than business administration such as biology, engineering, art, psychology, and natural resources.

Degree: Master of Business Administration

Application Deadlines:
Fall: October 1 – February 1

Business Website »

Program Coordinator
Dr. Joshua Zender
joshua.zender@humboldt.edu
(707) 826-6026
Office: SH 125

About the Program

The MBA curriculum at Humboldt State University provides students with the tools for solving problems and making decisions within the framework of a strategic plan. The MBA is designed not only to impart the traditional knowledge of accounting, economics, finance, management, and marketing but also to equip graduates with the foundation for effective team building, quantitative and qualitative decision making, and creative problem solving. The MBA provides a solid qualification in business management for those who either seek a new job, want to improve their career prospects, or are interested in setting up a business of their own.

Possible Careers

Accountant
Advertising Manager
Auditor
Branch Manager
Budget Analyst
Chief Executive
Entrepreneur
Financial Planner
Hotel/Motel Manager
Market Researcher
Project Director
Researcher
Sales Manager
Statistical Analyst
Tax Preparer

Degree: Master of Arts

Application Deadlines:

Fall: October 1 – February 1
Spring: August 1 – December 1

English Website »

Program Coordinator
Dr. Janet Winston
winston@humboldt.edu
(707) 826-3913
Office: FH 213

About the Program

The Master of Arts in English program at Humboldt State University has an emphasis on Applied English Studies. With a focus on professional development, the program expands opportunities for K-12 teachers and prepares students for Ph.D. programs and jobs in college teaching as well as publishing, editing, professional writing, librarianship, digital scholarship, and teaching English abroad. Students learn how to communicate effectively with diverse communities in print and digital media, honing skills in critical reading, writing, teaching, research, and digital humanities. Working with faculty and in a supportive cohort of emerging writers and scholars, students apply learning in real-world settings.

Possible Careers

Archivist/Curator
Art Center Director
Art Therapist
College Faculty
Copywriter
Creative Director
Editor (Book, Film, Media)
Freelance Writer
Interpreter/Translator
Journalist
Librarian
Poet/Playwright/Novelist
Publisher
Speechwriter
Technical Writer

This program is part of the Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP), allowing graduate students from the Western US states and territories to pay in-state tuition.

Environmental Systems at Humboldt State University is an interdisciplinary Master of Science program that helps students better understand and shape the complex systems that underpin our society.

Degree: Master of Science

Application Deadlines:
Fall: October 1 – February 1

Environmental Systems on CNRS »

Program Coordinator
Dr. Margaret Lang
CNRSmast@humboldt.edu
(707) 826-3256

Degree Options: Energy Technology & Policy, Environmental Resources Engineering, Geology Member Western Regional Graduate Program

About the Program

Each of the three focus area options listed below provide a solid scientific foundation for careers in scholarship or practice and opportunities to work on unique applications of systems thinking with peers and mentors during your graduate education at Humboldt State.

Energy Technology & Policy

The Energy Technology & Policy (ETaP) option is an interdisciplinary program for students interested in issues ranging from renewable energy engineering to climate change mitigation and from international development to energy policy in California. The program offers a rigorous curriculum for students who are interested to make a difference in these important areas of work.

Environmental Systems Website »

Environmental Resources Engineering

The Environmental Resources Engineering (ERE) option emphasizes the application of engineering skills to planning, design, and management problems involving environmental resources. Three general areas of research activity are available in the program: Water Quality, Water Resources and Renewable Energy Resources.

Environmental Systems Website »

Geology

The Geology option is a small graduate program emphasizing basic research, revolving around thesis research done with a mentor. Research focuses on geologic analysis or modeling and measurement of geomorphic processes with particular emphasis on neotectonics, uplift, and seismic hazard or hillslope erosion, sediment transport, and channel stability.

Geology Website »

Possible Careers

Climate Policy Analyst
Energy Consultant
Energy Technology Analyst
Environmental Analyst
Environmental Engineer
Environmental Scientist
Geologist
Hydrologist
Policy Analyst
Research Engineer
Science Journalist
Seismic Interpreter
Soils Engineer
Sustainability Researcher
Water Resource Engineer

This program is part of the Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP), allowing graduate students from the Western US states and territories to pay in-state tuition.

The Master of Science program offers advanced study in Kinesiology to prepare graduate students for doctoral and professional programs and careers in the promotion of physical activity.

Degree: Master of Science

Application Deadlines:
Fall: October 1 – February 1

Kinesiology Website »

Program Coordinator
Dr. Taylor Bloedon
kinsgrad@humboldt.edu
(707) 826-5967
Office: KA 326

About the Program

The program incorporates the theoretical, scientific, and practical knowledge in exercise, health, nutrition, sport, and physical activity as applied in preventive, clinical, educational, military, recreational, and commercial settings. The curriculum and coursework in the Kinesiology M.S. degree program is designed to meet the mission of preparing students to be leaders in the fields of physical activity, health, and disease prevention and treatment.

Possible Careers

Adaptive Phys Ed Teacher
Athletic Director
Camp/Program Director
Coach/Assistant Coach
Corporate Fitness Director
Exercise Physiologist
Movement Science Scholar
Movement Specialist
Occupational Therapist
Physical Education Teacher
Physical Therapist
Professional Athlete
Recreation Leader
Safety Coordinator
Stress Test Technician

The Natural Resources Graduate Program includes four options (one of which must be specified on the application). The options are Environmental Science & Management, Fisheries, Forestry Watershed & Wildland Sciences, and Wildlife.

Degree: Master of Science

Application Deadlines:

Spring: September 30
Fall: Open October 1, deadline February 1

Natural Resources Website »

Program Coordinator
Erin Kelly
eck107@humboldt.edu
(707) 826-4150
Office: FR 210

Degree Options: Environmental Sciences & Management; Fisheries; Forestry, Watershed & Wildland Sciences; Wildlife (see below for links)

About the Program

The graduate program in Natural Resources is designed to provide students with the knowledge and experience necessary to address natural resource problems and to carry out scientific investigations including design, implementation, and evaluation of research in their specific area of study. While it is designed to provide and in-depth understanding of the student’s particular area of emphasis, it is also intended to develop an appreciation for the interdisciplinary character of natural resource problems. Each candidate for the degree is required to consult with an appropriate faculty committee and to prepare an individualized program of study which must be approved by that committee.

Environmental & Science Management (ESM)

The Environmental Science & Management (ESM) graduate program is oriented toward environmental analysis and land use planning; environmental science, particularly ecological restoration, renewable energy, and energy policy; recreational use of natural resources; and geospatial analysis of environmental and natural resource-related topics.

Visit Website »

Fisheries

The Fisheries program is designed primarily to produce graduates who can assess, develop, and manage fish habitats, populations, and commercial and recreational fisheries. The program is broad enough to allow students to prepare themselves for work in additional areas such as water pollution ecology and fish culture.

Visit Website »

Forestry, Watershed & Wildland Sciences

The graduate program in Forest, Watershed, & Wildland Sciences is oriented toward generating a greater understanding of the ecology and management of forests, rangelands, and the soils and watersheds that support them. Graduate research topics include forest ecology, fire science, forest growth and dynamics, forest operations analysis, watershed processes, rangeland ecology soil science, and integrative analyses across these areas.

Visit Website »

Wildlife

The Wildlife graduate program focuses on the conservation, management, ecology, behavior, and habitat requirements of wildlife species. Research projects emphasize the application of science to addressing issues in wildlife conservation and management.

Visit Website »

Possible Careers

Agricultural Mgmt. Specialist
Animal/Aquatic Biologist
Environmental Specialist
Fish & Wildlife Researcher
Fisheries/Wildlife Biologist
Fish Hatchery Manager
Forest Ecologist
Forestry Technician
Habitat Restoration Spec.
Hydrologist
Marine Biologist
Soil Scientist
Wastewater Manager
Watershed Restoration Spec.
Wildlife Consultant

This program is part of the Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP), allowing graduate students from the Western US states and territories to pay in-state tuition.

Degree: Master of Arts

Application Deadlines:

Academic Research - March 1
Counseling February - 1
School Psychology PPS - February 17

Psychology Website »

Program Coordinator
Chris Snyder
cms56@humboldt.edu
(707) 826-5264
Office: BSS 410

Degree Options: Academic Research; Counseling; School Psychology (see below for links)

About the Program

The Psychology department at Humboldt State University has three graduate programs that lead to a Master's degree in Psychology: Academic Research, Counseling and School Psychology. A number of facilities and department resources support each of these programs. In addition to school and community based settings and resources that provide students with hands-on training experience, we have our HSU Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) and our Psychology Test Library.

Academic Research

The Academic Research program offers a two year Master's degree program with a focus of study in one of four Options: Behavior Analysis, Neuroscience, Developmental, and Social/Cognitive.

Psychology Website »

Counseling

The Counseling program is a 5 semester program that emphasizes a solid foundation in clinical theory and research, along with extensive training in clinical skills. Supervised fieldwork/practica are a required part of the program, including experience working directly with clients in HSU’s Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS).

Psychology Website »

School Psychology

The School Psychology program is fully accredited by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. At program completion students are recommended to the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC) for a Pupil Personnel Services Credential with an authorization to practice as a school psychologist.

Psychology Website »

Possible Careers

Behavioral Counselor
Child Protection Worker
Family Services Worker
Group Home Coordinator
Health Project Coordinator
Human Services Specialist
Institutional Researcher
Marriage & Family Therapist
Organizational Psychologist
Policy Analyst
Rehabilitation Counselor
Research Analyst/Associate
School Psychologist
Survey Researcher
Youth Counselor

The Master’s Degree in Public Sociology opens up a diverse and powerful array of resources for students to cater their experience to their interests and goals.

Degree: Master of Arts

Application Deadlines:
Fall: October 1 – March 1
Spring: August 1 – November 1

Sociology Website »

Program Coordinator
Dr. Anthony Silvaggio
anthony.silvaggio@humboldt.edu
(707) 826-3142
Office: BSS 532

Degree Options: Teaching Sociology; Practicing Sociology (see below for details)

About the Program

Students become part of a network of activists and scholars that are passionate about turning their sociological imaginations into social action. Students learn about community organizing, performing evaluative research, grant writing, social movements, teaching at the college level, academic research, crime and justice, and much more. Graduates enter the non-profit, public or private workforce with the ability to think critically about social forces, and how to solve social problems through research and/or action.

Teaching Sociology

The Teaching Sociology emphasis introduces students to pedagogy and theories of learning, while providing experience with college classroom teaching. Students explore issues unique to sociology classrooms, while developing approaches effective for education across multiple settings.

Practicing Sociology

The Practicing Sociology emphasis prepares students for professional positions in research, business, government, non-profit organizations and activist organizations. Students complete hands-on research with a community partner to develop research and networking skills.

Possible Careers

Advocate/Activist
College Faculty
Community Organizer
Diversity/Inclusion Manager
Education Researcher
Family Services Specialist
Immigration Specialist
Institutional Researcher
Non-Profit Administrator
Policy Analyst
Public Opinion Analyst
Research Analyst/Associate
Social Worker
Survey Researcher
Youth Counselor

This program is part of the Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP), allowing graduate students from the Western US states and territories to pay in-state tuition.

Degree: Master of Arts

Application Deadlines:

Fall: February 15

Environment & Community Website »

Program Coordinator
Dr. Mark Baker
j.mark.baker@humboldt.edu
(707) 826-3907
Office: FH 140

Degree Options: Environment & Community

About the Program

The graduate program in Environment & Community at Humboldt State University is a two-year interdisciplinary Master of Arts in Social Science. The mission of the Environment & Community program is to prepare students to understand the relationship between communities and their environment, to analyze environment-community issues at different scales, and to act effectively in situations where values and interests diverge.

Possible Careers

College Faculty
Community Organizer
Conservation Agent
Development Director
Education Director
Env. Program Director
Environmental Educator
Environmental Specialist
Executive Director
Non-Profit Administrator
Outreach Coordinator
Planner
Program Coordinator
Research Analyst/Associate
Sustainability Coordinator

This program is part of the Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP), allowing graduate students from the Western US states and territories to pay in-state tuition.

The MSW program offers a full-time, two-year course of study and an advanced standing one-year program for candidates with an accredited undergraduate degree in social work.

Degree: Master of Social Work

Application Deadlines:

On Campus Fall: January 31
Online Spring: August 31

Social Work Website »

Program Coordinator
Marissa O'Neill
marissa.oneil@humboldt.edu
(707) 826-4564
Office: BSS 544

About the Program

The mission of the Master of Social Work (MSW) program is to prepare students for advanced generalist social work practice responsive to the challenges and resources present in rural areas in general and indigenous communities in particular, and to present local historical and contemporary social issues within a global perspective. The faculty value an educational approach that emphasizes critical reflection, ethical behavior, the development of human potential, and peaceful resolution of conflicts. The Department supports progressive practice that is based on peace, justice, risk taking, inclusiveness, partnership, relationships, and a belief in the uniqueness of each student's own professional goals and vision. The graduate social work program at Humboldt State is fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.

A 3.5 year part-time MSW program is also offered as well as a 2 year part-time advanced standing MSW program through online course work. More information »

Possible Careers

Adoption Caseworker
Case Manager
Clergy Member
Substance Use Counselor
Eligibility Worker
Child & Family Social Worker
Criminal Justice Soc. Worker
Group Home Counselor
Psychiatric Social Worker
Research Analyst/Associate
Residence Counselor
School Social Worker
Social Service Director
Social Work Supervisor
Special Education Teacher

How to Apply

Graduate Students

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