COURSE CURRICULUM

The thesis option in the Master of Science in Earth Sciences program requires students to complete at least four one-term courses, each with a 0.50 unit weight. Among these, EARTH 695 (Earth MSc Seminar Proposal) is mandatory, providing students with the opportunity to develop and present their research proposal under faculty guidance. All courses must be at the 600 level or higher within the EARTH designation, ensuring advanced, graduate-level instruction in relevant topics such as groundwater hydrology, geochemistry, geophysics, or environmental geoscience. With approval, students may count one 400-level undergraduate course toward their course requirements, particularly if it complements their research focus. In some cases, additional undergraduate courses may be required as prerequisites to meet the background necessary for successful completion of graduate-level courses. These prerequisites do not count toward the minimum credit requirement but are essential for ensuring academic preparedness. The coursework, combined with the research-intensive thesis component, is designed to build deep expertise in earth and environmental sciences, while allowing students to tailor their studies to specific interests such as sustainable mining, climate-related geohazards, or hydrogeological systems. This structure ensures a strong foundation for academic or professional careers focused on understanding and managing Earth’s dynamic systems.