The Master of Science in Geosciences, Plan A program provides best-practice preparation for employment in major fields of the geoscience professions. This is a normative working degree for many energy, environmental, natural resource, regulatory, and other professionals. Each graduate student follows a custom-tailored program of coursework and research developed with their advisor and graduate committee and documented in their thesis. Strengths of the program include diverse scientific specializations, an interdisciplinary approach to addressing earth resource education, professional preparation, global research interests, field research, and close student/faculty working relationships.

Faculty in the department advise M.S. students in the wide range of subdisciplines represented within the department, including geophysics, economic geology, environmental geology, geochemistry, geochronology, geodynamics, geomorphology, hydrogeology, igneous and metamorphic petrology, petroleum geology, sedimentology, sedimentary petrology, seismology, paleoclimatology, glaciology, stratigraphy, structural geology, and tectonics. Students work with their advisor and graduate committee to identify a curriculum specific to their academic needs and goals. Prospective students should contact appropriate faculty advisors in the department to discuss their interests and develop a program plan.

Effective Fall 2019

A minimum of 30 semester credit hours are required to complete this program.

At least 16 credits must be at the graduate level (500-level or higher).

At least 15 credits in courses numbered 500-581, 600-681, or 700-781 are required and should be selected in consultation with the student’s advisor.

Up to 6 of the 30 credits may be for GEOL 699 Thesis.

With permission of the advisor and committee, 300- or 400-level course credits may be applied to the degree.

Completion and successful oral defense of a thesis is a degree requirement.