Geosciences, M.S.

The Master of Science in Geosciences at Middle Tennessee State University equips students for diverse careers in earth sciences, environmental consulting, geospatial and data science, natural resource management, and more across industry, government, and academia. The program requires a minimum of 36 semester hours, typically completed over four semesters, and offers two tracks: Professional Science and Thesis Research.

Program Tracks

• Professional Science Track: This two-year program blends business and science coursework with a professional internship as the capstone experience. It includes 9 credit hours of business classes, 3 credit hours of statistics, 3 credit hours of professional internship experience, and 21 credit hours of Geosciences-specific courses.
• Thesis Research Track: This track centers on the investigation of a scientific research problem. Under faculty mentorship, students define a research question, collect and analyze data, and present their findings both in writing and orally.

Career Opportunities

The Geosciences master's program prepares students for careers in local, state, and federal government agencies; private industry; the non-profit sector; and academic positions supporting spatially related projects and research. Examples of professions boosted by this master's degree include:

• Anthropologist
• Archaeologist
• Engineering geologist
• Environmentalist
• Environmental engineer
• Geochemist
• Geologist
• Geophysicist
• GIS professional
• Historian
• Oceanographer
• Paleontologist
• Petroleum geologist
• Political scientist
• Professor
• Seismologist
• Teacher

Employers of MTSU Alumni

Many MTSU graduates with Geosciences degrees are employed with environmental and geospatial consulting firms, government agencies, and energy and mining companies. Places that our graduates have found work include:

• Tennessee Department of Transportation
• Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation
• Tennessee Valley Authority
• Nashville Metro Planning Department
• Wiser Consultants
• Maine Department of Transportation

Admission Requirements

Admission to the Master of Science in Geosciences requires:

1. An earned bachelor's degree from an accredited university or college with a major in geosciences, environmental sciences, or related areas.
2. Basic competency in word processing, electronic mail, library retrieval systems, presentation graphics, spreadsheets, and databases.

Application Procedures

Applicants must:

1. Submit application with the appropriate application fee.
2. Submit official transcripts from all collegiate institutions attended.
3. Submit three letters of reference.
4. Submit an official Graduate Record Examination (GRE) report. A composite GRE score of 286 is expected for consideration for unconditional admission.

Degree Requirements

The Master of Science in Geosciences requires completion of 36-39 (thesis option) or 36 (non-thesis option) semester hours. All students must satisfactorily complete either a pre-professional internship (3 credit hours) or a thesis (6-9 credit hours).

Curriculum

Professional Sciences Track (36 hours)

• Business Core (15 hours): Includes courses such as Accounting and Legal Issues for Managers, Managerial Communication, Internship Program, Leadership and Motivation, and Probabilistic and Statistical Reasoning.
• Geosciences Courses (21 hours): Includes required courses like Geosciences Colloquium and Quantitative Methods in Geosciences, and electives from a wide range of geosciences and related fields.

Thesis Research Track (36-39 hours)

• Required Geosciences Courses (5 hours): Includes Geosciences Colloquium and Quantitative Methods in Geosciences.
• Electives (25 hours): Students select from a broad range of geosciences and related courses.
• Thesis Research (6-9 hours): Students conduct original research under faculty supervision, culminating in a thesis defense.

Faculty

The Department of Geosciences is composed of experienced faculty members, including:

• Dr. Jeremy W. Aber, Associate Professor
• Dr. Mark Abolins, Professor
• Dr. Warner Cribb, Professor
• Dr. Racha El Kadiri, Associate Professor
• Dr. Alisa Hass, Associate Professor
• Zada Law, Director, Geospatial Research Center
• Dr. Henrique Momm, Professor
• Todd Moore, Professor
• Brittany Price, Assistant Professor

Information

For more details about the Department of Geosciences, its facilities, and programs, please refer to the department's full website.

Outline:

The Master of Science in Geosciences at Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) offers two tracks: professional sciences and thesis research. The professional sciences track combines business management with geospatial and environmental sciences. This track prepares students for managerial positions within geosciences and culminates with a professional internship. The thesis research track involves the investigation of a scientific research problem and concludes with an oral thesis defense. Both tracks develop skills in geospatial sciences, advanced data analysis, and environmental geosystems. The program emphasizes experiential learning through internships, research projects, and field courses.

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Careers:

Graduates of the Geosciences program at MTSU are qualified for diverse career paths in local, state, and federal government agencies; private industry; non-profit organizations; and academia. They are well-prepared for positions in fields such as environmental consulting, GIS, geology, geophysics, hydrology, and environmental management. The program's emphasis on geospatial and data analysis skills makes graduates highly sought after in the job market.

Middle Tennessee State University

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Overview:

Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) is a large university with a small-town feel, located in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. It is known for its affordability, strong academic programs, and vibrant campus life. MTSU is a public university with a diverse student body, including a significant number of first-generation students.

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Services Offered:

MTSU offers a wide range of services to its students, including:

Financial Aid:

83% of students receive financial aid, with over $230 million in assistance available.

Campus Improvements:

The university has invested $1.5 billion in recent campus improvements and renovations.

Academic Support:

MTSU provides academic advising, tutoring, and other support services to help students succeed.

Student Life:

The university offers a variety of student organizations, clubs, and activities to enhance the campus experience.

Career Services:

MTSU provides career counseling, job placement assistance, and internship opportunities.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

MTSU boasts a vibrant campus life with a strong sense of community. Students can enjoy:

Large Campus with Small-Town Feel:

MTSU's 515-acre campus offers a scenic, park-like setting while maintaining a close-knit atmosphere.

Active Student Organizations:

Students can join over 200 student organizations and clubs, catering to diverse interests.

Athletics:

MTSU has 17 Division I sports teams, providing opportunities for both participation and spectator enjoyment.

Campus Events:

The university hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including concerts, lectures, and sporting events.

Student Union:

The Student Union serves as a central hub for students, offering dining, a bookstore, a game room, a theater, and more.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Affordability:

MTSU offers the lowest tuition among Tennessee's three largest universities, making it a highly affordable option.

Strong Academic Programs:

MTSU offers over 300 undergraduate and graduate majors and concentrations, including highly ranked programs in areas like Industrial and Organizational Psychology and Audio Engineering.

Diverse Student Body:

MTSU is home to a diverse student population, including a significant number of first-generation students.

Vibrant Campus Life:

The university offers a wide range of student organizations, clubs, and activities, fostering a strong sense of community.

Career Opportunities:

MTSU provides career counseling, job placement assistance, and internship opportunities to help students prepare for their future careers.

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Academic Programs:

MTSU offers a wide range of academic programs across eight colleges, including:

Arts and Sciences:

Offers majors in fields like biology, chemistry, English, history, and mathematics.

Business:

Offers majors in accounting, finance, marketing, and management.

Education:

Offers majors in elementary education, secondary education, and special education.

Engineering and Technology:

Offers majors in computer science, electrical engineering, and mechanical engineering.

Fine Arts:

Offers majors in music, theater, and art.

Health and Human Sciences:

Offers majors in nursing, health sciences, and human development.

Liberal Arts:

Offers majors in communication, journalism, and political science.

University College:

Offers a variety of general studies programs and interdisciplinary majors.

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Other:

• MTSU is the number 1 producer of college graduates in the greater Nashville area.
• MTSU is home to the first public Honors College in Tennessee.
• MTSU has more than two dozen Fulbright scholars.
• MTSU students, alumni, faculty, and staff have won 47 Grammy Awards since 2001.
• MTSU is known for its flexible programs that emphasize real-world projects and soft skills development.