Master of Science in Geology
Graduate study in geology leads to the master of science. The graduate program is oriented toward providing a sound practical background in preparation for employment in industry or government service or further academic pursuits. The curriculum provides broad training in geology with the opportunity for specialization through electives, directed studies, and thesis or capstone research.
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Admission into the master's program requires a bachelor's degree in geology (or related Earth science discipline) from an accredited institution with 40 semester hours in geology, an acceptable undergraduate grade-point average, satisfactory scores on the Graduate Record Examination general test, and three letters of recommendation. Undergraduate course deficiencies may be made up during the student's first year in the degree program.
The thesis option M.S. degree in geology requires a minimum of 30 semester hours and completion of a thesis. The 30 hours include the following:
- 21 hours of graduate-level geology courses (including GEOL 7100- Geocommunication);
- 3-5 hours of approved 6000- or 7000-level geology or supportive electives (no more than 3 hours of which can be GEOL 7930-Directed Study); and
- 4-6 hours of thesis.
Students electing the non-thesis option must complete a minimum of 40 semester hours and a capstone project. The 40 hours include the following:
- 36 hours of graduate-level geology courses (including GEOL 7100- Geocommunication); and
- 4 hrs of approved 6000- or 7000-level geology or approved electives, all or a portion of which may be GEOL 7930-Directed Study or GEOL 7980- Capstone Project.
Both degree options require the following:
- satisfactory completion of a summer field course or comparable field experience prior to beginning the second year of residence and
- demonstrated working knowledge of a computer language or computer-based geographic information system (G.I.S.) before graduation.