Program Overview
Geosciences, MS
Degree Awarded:
Master of Science in Geosciences
Chairperson:
Brian Phillips, Earth and Space Sciences Building 255
Graduate Program Director:
Joel Hurowitz, Earth and Space Sciences Building 220
Academic Programs Coordinator:
Rene Andersen
Department Website:
As the core discipline examining Earth’s natural processes and materials, Geosciences boasts unparalleled diversity. Spurred by urgent scientific and social questions, ranging from environmental concerns to the origin and evolution of the planet itself, the Geosciences are experiencing remarkable growth, with excellent career opportunities. The Geosciences encompass many disciplines including geology, geochemistry, and geophysics, and its interdisciplinary nature fosters natural links not only with chemistry and physics, but also with environmental science, materials science, engineering, biology, and health fields. Developments in technology and new innovative approaches have transformed graduate study in many areas within Geosciences, and students participate in research utilizing state-of-the-art instrumentation and facilities.
Graduate students may choose among degree programs with emphasis in different areas in Geosciences. Ph.D. and M.S. thesis-based programs are offered with concentrations in areas including seismology and tectonics, mineral and rock physics, crystal chemistry, geochemistry, petrology, sedimentary geology, planetary geosciences, and hydrogeology (described in more detail below). Also offered is an M.A. in Teaching Earth Science, which leads to provisional certification for teaching earth science in secondary schools of New York State.
Admission Requirements
- A bachelor’s degree in one of the earth or space sciences or in biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, or engineering.
- A minimum average of B for all undergraduate coursework and a B average for courses in the sciences.
- Acceptance by both the Department and the Graduate School.
Please note that Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Test scores will not be considered or accepted in application materials. In special cases, a student not meeting requirements A and B may be admitted on a conditional basis. Upon admission, the student will be informed of the requirements that must be satisfied for termination of this status.
Degree Requirements
Requirements for the MS Degree with Thesis in Geosciences
- The MS in Geosciences with thesis is typically a nonterminal degree completed by some students before seeking PhD candidacy.
- All requirements for the MS degree must be completed within a period of three years after entry.
- There are no residence or language requirements.
Course Requirements
- Students must successfully complete a program of 30 graduate credits, including a minimum of 18 credits in approved academic courses.
- A student must achieve a 3.0 overall grade point average in all graduate courses taken at Stony Brook to receive a degree.
MS Thesis
- The MS thesis is the document that summarizes the individual research carried out by the student, under faculty advisement.
- The document must satisfy Graduate School and the thesis committee requirements.
- The MS thesis defense consists of a short public presentation of the major results of the thesis.
- This is followed by a closed examination.
- Final acceptance of the thesis is indicated when all committee members have signed the thesis signature page.
- Students will register for GEO 590 or 599 while undertaking thesis research.
Requirements for the MS Degree with Concentration in Earth and Space Science
- The non thesis MS with a concentration in Earth and Space Science requires a total of 31 credits.
- Of these 31 credits, 30 credits must be from courses with the ESS designator or other approved graduate courses in the fields of astronomy, atmospheric sciences or geosciences.
- Individual course programs will be developed for each student in consultation with the Earth Science education advisor based on the student’s academic background and intended goals.
All students are required to complete
- ESS 501 - Foundations of Earth Science (3 credits)
- ESS 610 - Capstone Project in Earth and Space Sciences (1 credit)
Requirements for the MS Degree with Concentration in Hydrogeology
- The non-thesis MS with a concentration in Hydrogeology requires a total of 30 credits.
- Of these 30 credits, at least 21 credits must be in the required and approved courses and at least six credits must be in approved research.
- A minimum overall grade point average of B is required.
Category A
- 4 courses for 12 credits
- GEO 515 - Geohydrology (3 credits)
- AMS 562 - Introduction to Scientific Programming in C (3 credits)
- GEO 526 - Low-Temperature Geochemistry (3 credits)
- GEO 519 - Geochemistry of Natural Waters (3 credits)
Category B
- Choice of one course for 3 credits, as determined by the program
- AMS 576 Statistical Methods for Social Scientists
- EST 588 Technical Communication for Management and Engineering
Category C
- Up to three courses for 9 credits
- GEO 573 - Physics of Rocks (3 credits)
- GEO 521 - Isotope and Trace Element Geology (3 credits)
- GEO 524 - Organic Contaminant Hydrology (3 credits) OR
- MAR 524 - Organic Contaminant Hydrology (3 credits)
- EST 593 - Risk Assessment and Hazard Management (3 credits)
- EST 596 - Simulation Models for Environmental Waste Management
- EST 595 - Principles of Environmental Systems Analysis (3 credits)
- EST 597 - Waste Management: Systems and Principles (3 credits)
- CEY 503 - Environmental Law
- CEY 509 - Man, Environment, and Health
Research
- In addition to formal coursework, the curriculum for the M.S. with concentration in Hydrogeology includes a minimum of six credits of research, either GEO 590 or GEO 599, after consultation with the appropriate professor.
- This research is to be carried out over a period of two or more semesters, and will be designed through a mutual consultation between the student and one or more members of the participating faculty.
- The purpose of the research is to give the student experience at solving hydrogeological problems.
- It may utilize field, laboratory, or theoretical approaches.
- The program of research will culminate in a written report to be approved by three designated faculty.
