REQUIREMENTS
No fixed curriculum is prescribed for the M.S. degree. Instead, a course and research program that is consistent with the student's background and professional objectives are developed by the student and his or her faculty advisory committee. The graduate program assumes a basic undergraduate foundation in the geosciences. Students lacking such a background may be required to complete certain subjects at the undergraduate level before or during their graduate program. Master's candidates in either Geology or Geophysics must complete or have completed two-semester (or equivalent) courses in calculus, physics, and chemistry.
A minimum of ten courses (numbered 300 or above), approved by the student's faculty advisory committee, must be completed in addition to a research thesis for graduation. Graduate level multidisciplinary Earth Systems Seminars are offered annually by the Department on different topics. Beginning graduate students are required to take the Earth Systems Seminar. A maximum of two thesis courses (GE 801) are allowed for M.S. thesis credit. Normally, no more than one Reading and Research course (GE 798 or GE 799) may be applied toward the minimum course requirement. All students are required to maintain at least a 3.0 average in Departmental courses, as well as in all undergraduate courses (0-299) in the other sciences and mathematics. Passing a comprehensive oral examination is required of each student. Three copies of the thesis are required upon completion of the research—two unbound copies are presented to the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences and one bound copy to the Department.
APPLICATION INFORMATION
Applicants to the Master of Science degree program generally fall into one of the following categories: (1) students well-prepared in geology or geophysics with courses in mathematics, physics, chemistry, and/or biology who are interested in broadening their experience at the M.S. degree level before employment or doctoral studies elsewhere; (2) students well-prepared in mathematics or one of the natural sciences other than geology or geophysics and who wish to use the M.S. degree program to transfer into the earth sciences.
In addition to the normal application forms, applicants should submit transcripts, letters of recommendation, a personal evaluation of the strengths and weaknesses of their undergraduate education (including course and non-course experience), and their graduate study interests and current post-degree plans. Graduate Record Exam (general) scores are required, and we encourage a subject GRE in the applicant's undergraduate area of concentration. Applications may be made at any time, but, to be assured of consideration for September admission, they should be received by May 1. Applications from those applying for financial aid and assistantships for September should be completed by January 2. Later applications will be considered for financial aid if funding is available. Applications are submitted online.