Program Overview
Introduction to the Online Master's in Geological Sciences
The online Master of Science in Geological Sciences non-thesis program provides geology graduates and those from related STEM disciplines with advanced/applied training and experiences through a wide range of topics in Earth Sciences. Students have several options for pursuing a Geological Sciences M.S., including on-campus and online programs.
Program Options
- On-campus students can pursue either a thesis or non-thesis option.
- The online master's degree is a non-thesis program.
Master's Degree Requirements
A master's degree requires at least six letter-graded graduate-level courses and the completion of a master's thesis. One of the six courses must be Geology 5050, Statistical Methods in Geology, which is required of all graduate students.
General Information
General information for prospective and beginning graduate students is available in the Ohio University Graduate Catalog. Additional information on undergraduate curricula and courses is available in the Ohio University Undergraduate Catalog. The student is responsible for knowing graduate regulations and for complying with current procedures.
Finding an Advisor
Applicants should contact one or more professors about their research and the possibility of working together. As a first step, applicants can email or call those professors whose research they find interesting. These professors will reply in kind and can answer questions about their own work, as well as questions concerning the graduate program.
Application Process
The application process includes writing a letter of intent, which should clearly identify the professor with whom a mutual agreement has been made. The professor can act as an advocate for the applicant, which will greatly increase his or her standing among applicants.
About Advising
The Earth and Environmental Geosciences Department places the highest emphasis on graduate student advising. Advisors work individually with their students, overseeing coursework and research. Advisors assist with professional development, including written and verbal communication skills, attention to detail, critical analysis, and if needed, encouragement regarding work habits.
Role of an Advisor
An advisor:
- Helps graduate students plan their coursework.
- Supervises and assists graduate student research.
- Helps a student prepare a poster or presentation for a geology convention.
- Assists with applying for research and travel grants.
- Serves as both a writing coach and editor for theses and scientific papers.
- Gives general advice and counsel when graduate school problems arise.
- Works with the Graduate Chair and student concerning teaching assignments, office space, and computers.
- Provides guidance about job hunting as graduation approaches.
M.S. Thesis Requirements
An advisor helps pick a specific research question to be addressed. The overall topic will be within the advisor's research interests, but the specific problem is defined in cooperation with the advisee. The advisor:
- Oversees the writing of a thesis proposal during a student's first year.
- Helps pick members of the student's thesis committee and coaches students as they prepare a verbal presentation to the committee of a research plan.
- Shows an advisee how to pursue their chosen research, including data collection in the field and lab.
- Coaches an advisee on data analysis and interpretation.
- Acts as a writing coach and editor during the writing of a thesis.
- Assists with preparation of a thesis defense, a verbal presentation to the committee and department of a student's research findings.
Careers with a Geological Sciences Graduate Degree
The M.S. degree in Geological Sciences is the degree-level most often sought by employers in Geological Sciences. Excellent opportunities can be found in both energy and environmental fields, as well as careers within or related to geology, including government, scientific communication, education, and consulting.