COURSE CURRICULUM

The Master of Science (M.S.) in Earth Sciences with a Geochemical Systems specialization at UNH is a graduate program designed to develop advanced expertise in the chemical processes that govern Earth’s materials and environments. Students can choose either a thesis option requiring at least 30 graduate credits or a non-thesis option requiring at least 34 credits that includes directed research and both written and oral presentation of results. All students begin with foundational training through core program requirements such as ESCI 997 Seminar in Earth Sciences and ESCI 998 Proposal Development, typically completed in the first year to build research direction and scientific communication skills. The Geochemical Systems concentration emphasizes understanding chemical interactions across Earth systems, and students must complete two advanced courses from a selected group that includes ESCI 841 Geochemistry, ESCI 845 Isotope Geochemistry, ESCI 847 Aqueous Geochemistry, ESCI 852 Chemical Oceanography, ESCI 860 Paleoceanography, ESCI 865 Paleoclimatology, and NR 844 Biogeochemistry. These courses provide deep insight into chemical processes affecting rocks, water, oceans, and climate systems over time. In addition, students must take one quantitative or analytical methods course such as ESCI 801 Quantitative Methods in Earth Sciences, ESCI 820 Ocean Measurements Lab, ESCI 864 Spectral Analysis of Geophysical Time Series Data, ESCI 877 GIS for Earth & Environmental Sciences, or ESCI 878 Remote Sensing Earth & Environmental Sciences, ensuring strong technical skills in data analysis and Earth system modeling. The degree culminates in either a 6-credit master’s thesis or a 2-credit directed research project, both requiring original research and formal presentation. Elective courses allow further specialization across Earth sciences and related fields such as chemistry, environmental science, mathematics, computer science, and engineering. Overall, the program prepares students for careers in environmental consulting, geochemistry, climate research, resource management, or further doctoral study by combining theoretical knowledge, quantitative methods, and applied research experience in Earth system science.