Master of Science Degree (in Geosciences) Degree Program

The general requirements for the M.S. degree are those of the Graduate School. In addition, the following are required (items 1-3 are normally satisfied as part of the candidate’s undergraduate studies):

  1. A full year course in two of the following: biology, chemistry, physics.
  2. A full year course of college mathematics or statistics, beyond the precalculus level, appropriate to the student’s course of study.
  3. Six weeks of field training, field experience, or equivalent course work.
  4. Participation in each semester of residence in GEO-SCI 701 Professional Seminar and at least one oral presentation of research results in this seminar.
  5. An incoming candidate is given a diagnostic interview and assigned a temporary adviser. The candidate should then propose a guidance committee of three graduate faculty, for appointment by the Graduate Program Director. The program of study must be approved by the guidance committee. The committee conducts a semesterly review of the candidate’s program and progress.
  6. A candidate may elect a program with or without a thesis. The former is appropriate for those with strongly focused research interests, and the latter for those wishing to emphasize breadth of geological or interdisciplinary knowledge. The thesis track requires the appointment of a thesis committee of three graduate faculty approved by the Graduate Program Director and the Dean of the Graduate School. The thesis track also requires writing a thesis proposal that is approved by the Student Thesis Committee.  The departmental requirement for M.S. thesis credits is 1-10. Candidates choosing a non-thesis program must have faculty approval. They will also take a General Examination and complete a research project. The content of the General Examination and the number of examiners will reflect the candidate’s choice of program. Further details are contained in the geosciences graduate student manual available in the department.