COURSE CURRICULUM

The Master of Science in Environmental Geology is designed to provide students with advanced knowledge and practical skills in the study of earth systems and human impacts on the environment. Admission to the program requires equivalents of a University B.S. degree in natural sciences—such as biology, chemistry, geology, mathematics, or physics—or in engineering, as well as the equivalent of a minor in geology and completion of Geology Field Camp I and II. The program requires a minimum of 30 graduate credit hours, including at least 10 credits at the 600 level, with limitations of no more than two credits in research problems and six credits in thesis research. Students are expected to complete a proficiency exam during their first semester, and those who demonstrate deficiencies may be required to take additional or remedial coursework as recommended by the examining committee. Core requirements include GEOL 680 Seminar in Geology and GEOL 699 Master’s Thesis, totaling 8 credits. For Environmental Geology students, up to eight credits may be chosen from related disciplines such as engineering, biology, or geography with approval from a geology advisor, allowing for interdisciplinary study. This program prepares graduates for careers in environmental consulting, research, and resource management by combining a strong foundation in geological principles with applied, real-world problem-solving skills to address complex environmental challenges.