Program Overview

Master's of Science in Geology

At a Glance

Degree Type: Master of Science Location: Bellingham, face to face Total Credits: 45 to 48

Program Information

Western Washington University offers a Master's program in Geology that aims to prepare students for professional employment in geoscience careers in the Pacific Northwest and beyond or for continuing graduate studies at the doctoral level. The program specializes in:

• structure/tectonics
• petrology
• volcanology
• geomorphology
• geophysics
• hydrogeology and environmental/engineering geology
• geothermal energy
• sedimentology
• planetary geology
• geoscience education

This program normally leads to employment in consulting firms; in local, state, or federal government resource-based or planning agencies; and in teaching at community colleges or at a secondary level. The degree also serves as a foundation for graduate studies beyond the M.S. level, and for those interested in pursuing related careers, such as environmental law, natural resource management, or policy. The Department encourages an integrative, multi-disciplinary approach.

Goals

The M.S. program produces professional geoscientists with the ability to conduct original and meaningful scientific research. Graduates possess a broad grounding in geosciences and sophistication in their area of concentration.

Geology Graduate Student Research

Examples of current research projects include:

• Brendan Garvey's work on providing a recent snapshot of Mt. Baker’s crustal scale magma storage system
• Jenna Chaffeur's hypothesis testing on the North Olympic Fault Zone's behavior as a single fault system capable of hosting large, potentially destructive earthquakes

Application Requirements

To apply, all applicants must:

• Complete the Graduate School's application and pay the $100 application fee
• Upload an unofficial transcript from each institution attended
• Provide additional application materials as specified below
• International Applicants must review the requirements for information regarding Degree Equivalency, English Language Proficiency, and student VISA requirements

Additional Application Requirements

• Three (3) Letters of Reference
• A written statement of purpose (1-2 pages) addressing:
  1. The geology specialization of interest
  2. Experiences/personal qualities that will help in pursuing a graduate research project at WWU
  3. How the M.S. degree fits into career goals
  4. Goals related to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion
• The statement should indicate preferred faculty or research associate adviser(s) within the department

Assessment, Student Learning Outcomes

The program assesses student learning outcomes to ensure graduates meet the program's goals and objectives.