Program Overview

Geology — MS

The master of science in geology is a graduate program designed to provide students with a sound practical background in preparation for employment in industry or government service, or further academic pursuits. The curriculum offers broad training in geology with opportunities for specialization through electives, directed studies, and thesis or capstone research.

Admission Requirements

Admission into the master's program requires:

• A bachelor's degree in geology (or related Earth science discipline) from an accredited institution
• 40 semester hours in geology
• An acceptable undergraduate GPA
• Satisfactory scores on the Graduate Record Examination General Test
• Three letters of recommendation Undergraduate course deficiencies may be made up during the student's first year in the degree program.

Program Requirements

The program offers two options: thesis and non-thesis.

Thesis Option

The thesis option MS degree in geology requires a minimum of 30 semester hours and completion of a thesis. The 30 hours include:

• GEOL 7100: Geocommunication (3 hours)
• GEOL 7990: Research and Thesis (4-6 hours)
• Graduate-level Geology Courses (18 hours)
• Approved 6000- or 7000-level Geology or Supportive Electives (5-3 hours)
  • No more than 3 hours of which can be GEOL 7930-Directed Study

Non-Thesis Option

The non-thesis option requires a minimum of 40 semester hours and a capstone project. The 40 hours include:

• GEOL 7100: Geocommunication (3 hours)
• Graduate-level Geology Courses (33 hours)
• Approved 6000- or 7000-level Geology or Approved Electives (4 hours)
  • All or a portion of which may be GEOL 7930-Directed Study or GEOL 7980-Capstone Project

Additional Requirements

Both degree options require:

1. Satisfactory completion of a summer field course or comparable field experience prior to beginning the second year of residence
2. Demonstrated working knowledge of a computer language or computer-based geographic information system (G.I.S.) before graduation