COURSE CURRICULUM

The Master of Science (M.S.) in Earth Sciences with a Geology option at UNH is a graduate program designed to provide advanced training in the physical processes, materials, and history of the Earth, preparing students for professional and research careers in geoscience, environmental consulting, natural resource industries, and doctoral study. Students may pursue either a thesis option requiring at least 30 graduate credits or a non-thesis option requiring at least 34 credits that includes a directed research project and both written and oral presentations of results. All students begin with core program requirements such as ESCI 997 Seminar in Earth Sciences and ESCI 998 Proposal Development, typically completed in the first year to develop research skills, scientific communication, and a focused academic plan. The Geology concentration emphasizes a strong foundation in Earth materials and dynamic Earth processes through selection of at least three advanced graduate courses from a range of specialized topics. These include ESCI 826 Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology, ESCI 834 Global Geophysics, ESCI 841 Geochemistry, ESCI 845 Isotope Geochemistry, ESCI 854 Sedimentology, ESCI 856 Geotectonics, ESCI 859 Geological Oceanography, and ESCI 862 Glacial Geology. Together, these courses provide a deep understanding of rock formation, tectonic activity, sedimentary systems, climate history, and geophysical structure of the Earth. Students complete either a 6-credit Master’s Thesis (ESCI 899), involving original research and an oral defense, or a 2-credit Directed Research project (ESCI 898), which includes applied investigation and presentation of findings. Additional electives can be selected from Earth Sciences or related fields such as environmental engineering, chemistry, natural resources, mathematics, statistics, and computer science, allowing interdisciplinary specialization. Overall, the program combines rigorous coursework, research training, and analytical skill development to prepare graduates for careers in geology, environmental assessment, energy and mineral industries, hazard analysis, and advanced scientific research.