COURSE CURRICULUM

The Master of Science degree in Geology requires students to complete a total of 32 credit hours, combining foundational courses, additional program requirements, and a culminating research experience. The program begins with an orientation course, Geology Graduate Student Orientation, which introduces students to the expectations, resources, and professional standards of graduate-level study in the Earth sciences. Alongside this, students take Writing in the Earth Sciences, a course designed to develop advanced scientific writing skills, ensuring that students can effectively communicate research findings in academic, professional, and public contexts. Beyond these foundational courses, students complete 24 credit hours of additional program requirements. These requirements typically involve coursework, laboratory work, and field experiences that provide in-depth knowledge in environmental research, geohazards, crustal processes, climate change, paleoecology, and natural resource studies. Students have the flexibility to tailor these courses to align with their specific research interests and career goals, building expertise in both theoretical and applied aspects of geology. The program culminates with Thesis I, a six-credit research project where students conduct original scientific investigation under the supervision of faculty mentors. This experience allows students to apply advanced analytical, methodological, and technical skills, contributing new knowledge to the field and demonstrating proficiency in research design, data collection, and scholarly writing. Overall, the program integrates foundational skills, specialized knowledge, and practical research experience, preparing graduates for careers in environmental consulting, academia, government agencies, and industry, as well as providing strong preparation for doctoral studies. By completing these requirements, students emerge as scientifically literate, research-capable, and professionally prepared geologists ready to address complex challenges in the Earth sciences.