Earth Sciences: Geology (M.S.)

This option is for students with interests in petrology, mineralogy, structural geology, tectonics, geophysics, sedimentology, glacial geology, paleoclimate, glaciology, hydrogeology, stratigraphy, paleontology, low- or high-temperature geochemistry, and isotope geochemistry, both those seeking a broad background in geology and also for those wishing to study one area in depth.

Admission Requirements

An applicant to the M.S. program is expected to have demonstrated competency in the following college courses: one year each of calculus and chemistry and two semesters of physics and/or biology. In addition, the applicant is expected to have an undergraduate degree or equivalent in geology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, computer science, engineering, or the biological sciences. Students lacking some background in a particular area may be admitted provided they are prepared to complete courses, without graduate credit, in which they may be deficient. The program of study a student wishes to follow and the student's undergraduate major determine the level of preparation necessary. The preparation of each student is determined before the beginning of the first semester in residence in order to plan the course of study. Each entering student is assigned an academic adviser to assist in planning a program of study.

Degree Requirements

Thesis Option

Students in the thesis option must satisfactorily complete at least 30 graduate credits, which include the core curriculum, a master's thesis (6 credits), and give an oral presentation of the results.

Non-Thesis Option

Students in the non-­thesis option must satisfactorily complete at least 34 graduate credits, which includes the core curriculum, a directed research project (2 credits), and a written and oral presentation of that research.

Geology

The core curriculum for the option in geology normally includes:

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Additional electives are to be selected from graduate level courses in the department and/or from graduate level courses  in related disciplines outside of the department (e.g., civil and environmental engineering, natural resources, chemistry, mathematics and statistics, and computer science). More detailed information is available from the department. 

Sample Degree Plan

This sample degree plan serves as a general guide; students collaborate with their academic advisor to develop a personalized degree plan to meet their academic goals and program requirements.

This graduate program is approved to be taken on an accelerated basis in articulation with certain undergraduate degree programs.

General Accelerated Master's policy, note that some programs have additional requirements (e.g. higher grade expectations) compared to the policy.

Please see the Graduate School website and contact the department directly for more information.

Program Learning Outcomes

Students graduating with a MS in Earth Sciences: Geology should achieve the following learning outcomes:

Core Knowledge

• Demonstrate a foundation of knowledge in Geology that results in expertise in at least one of the following:
• Solid Earth Processes: An understanding of geology, geophysics, or petrology at a range of timescales, focused on, for example, the structure of the Earth, plate tectonic reconstructions, seismology and earthquake hazards, magmatic, volcanic, or metamorphic processes, or other studies that allow for the reconstruction of geologic, geophysical, or petrologic processes at a range of spatial and time scales.
• Earth Surface Processes: An understanding of surficial processes and their manifestations in the geologic record at a range of timescales, focused on, for example, sedimentology, glacial geology, paleontology, geomorphology and landscape evolution, limnology, and paleoclimatology.
• Demonstrate basic knowledge of how the processes within each of these fields interact with other related disciplines.
• Demonstrate specialized knowledge of a field within geology or geophysics sufficient to conduct substantive supervised research.

Research Methods and Analysis

• Identify and demonstrate knowledge of a range of qualitative and quantitative methodologies typically used in geological research.
• Discover and critically read published research in the Earth sciences and related fields of mathematics, statistics, physics, chemistry, and biology.
• Frame empirical research and/or theory guided by prior knowledge.
• Implement a rigorous study using appropriate methods, measures and techniques.
• Critically evaluate and systematically analyze data to reach appropriate findings and interpretations.

Scholarly Communication

• Structure a coherent argument that rigorously presents and evaluates evidence to support claims.
• Review and cogently synthesize relevant literature.
• Write at a level and in a style of English consistent with that found in leading academic journals.
• Understand and properly use styles of citing, referencing, and formatting found in leading academic journals.
• Clearly convey research findings through oral presentation supported by appropriate digital media.
• Cogently summarize research and its significance to non-specialist audiences.

Professionalism and Pedagogy

• Prepare manuscripts that meet the standards of academic and research journals and respond appropriately to recommendations for revision.
• Demonstrate collaboration, leadership and teamwork.
• Create a welcoming environment that is supportive, inclusive and equitable.
• Make effective contributions to university, community and professional service.
• Communicate effectively to groups in a lecture format.