Program Overview

Introduction to the Master of Science in Geology

The Master of Science in Geology at Bowling Green State University is a comprehensive program designed to equip students with the expertise to decode billions of years of planetary history and prepare them for impactful careers at the intersection of science, industry, and environmental stewardship.

Program Overview

BGSU has a well-earned national reputation as one of the best geology schools in the U.S., giving its graduates a clear edge in the job market. The School of Earth, Environment and Society is internationally recognized for its:

• Outstanding faculty
• State-of-the-art laboratory facilities and equipment
• Rigorous curriculum
• Extensive field work and research opportunities
• Use of the latest geospatial technology tools to address wide-ranging geological and environmental problems

Career Opportunities

Geologists working in research, education, and industry are at the forefront of addressing some of society's most pressing challenges, including:

• Locating and effectively managing increasingly scarce natural resources
• Identifying safe locations for infrastructure development
• Understanding and mitigating natural disasters
• Remediating environmental contamination and restoring damaged ecosystems
• Studying climate change through the Earth's geological record

Program Requirements

The master's degree in geology is designed to give students a foundation of knowledge in geology and related fields. Students must complete a minimum of 30 credit hours and maintain a 3.0 GPA. Upon graduation, students can:

• Explain broad ideas and concepts in several aspects of geology, and in-depth ideas and concepts in an area of specialization
• Design and conduct an original geoscience research project, using appropriate scientific methods, sampling, and analytical methodologies
• Defend and communicate the results and interpretations of an original research project

Required Courses

Sample courses include:

• Advanced Field Geology
• Economic Geology
• Environmental Geophysics
• Groundwater Hydrology
• Paleoclimate
• Sedimentary Environments
• Surface Water Hydrogeology
• Volcanology

Admission Information

The M.S. in geology at BGSU is open to applicants who successfully complete an undergraduate degree in geology or a related area. Students with undergraduate degrees outside of geology/earth science are encouraged to apply but will be required to demonstrate competence by completing Advanced Field Geology (a six-hour, summer field camp) or choosing one course from each of the area competencies (earth materials, surface
ear surface processes, and deep earth processes). Applicants must also submit:

• BGSU Graduate College online application
• Transcripts from all colleges attended
• Three letters of reference
• Short statement of purpose (including area of geology research interest)
• GRE scores can be submitted but are not required

Research and Teaching Assistantships

Qualified students with a 3.0+ GPA can obtain financial support as they work toward their master's degree in geology in the form of teaching or research assistantships (up to four semesters). These include living stipends and tuition scholarships. Summer assistantships may also be available. Graduate student research projects may also be supported by external funding sources.

Geospatial Technology Certificate

The geospatial technology certificate program at BGSU provides valuable skills that are increasingly in high demand across multiple industries. The graduate certificate equips students with a strong theoretical foundation in geospatial technology while providing hands-on experience in GIS, remote sensing, and GPS applications.

Accreditation

Bowling Green State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. BGSU has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 01/01/1916. The most recent reaffirmation of accreditation was received, with the next reaffirmation of accreditation scheduled. Questions should be directed to the Office of Institutional Effectiveness.