The Master of Science degree in Geology is offered in the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences.
This degree in geology teaches a solid, interdisciplinary background in the sciences. Students use a foundation in biology, chemistry, physics, and math to understand earth systems and earth processes. Geology encompasses the study of earth material (rocks, sediment, soil, petroleum) as well as the relationships between material, oceans, atmosphere, their interaction with biologic life, and their changes through time.
You’ll work closely with a three-person faculty advisory committee to complete your degree and research. We offer a thesis and a non-thesis option.
Understanding the requirements
Both options require at least 18 credit hours of non-research course work in geology and at least 3 credit hours in courses approved for graduate credit from allied sciences, mathematics, or the environmental program of the School of Public and Environmental Affairs.
You can take up to 6 credit hours of 400-level courses approved for graduate credit with the approval of the graduate advisor.
Thesis option
- completion of 30 credit hours
- 6 credit hours required of GEOL-G810 Research (your thesis)
Non-thesis option
- completion of 36 credit hours,
- 3 credit hours required of a research project taken as GEOL-G700 Geologic Problems