COURSE CURRICULUM

The Master of Science (MS) in Earth, Environmental and Physical Sciences (EEPS) at Wichita State University is a flexible graduate program designed to prepare students for advanced scientific careers in geology, environmental science, physics, and related interdisciplinary fields. The program emphasizes strong training in research methodology, scientific reasoning, and problem-solving while allowing students to tailor their studies based on career goals in research, industry, government, or education. A key academic requirement is the completion of at least 18 credit hours of 700–800 level coursework, including core required courses such as EEPS 700 (Technical Sessions, taken twice for 2 credit hours) and EEPS 702 (Research Methods), which develop essential skills in scientific communication, analytical thinking, and research design. Beyond these core requirements, students choose one of three pathways: thesis, internship, or nonthesis. The thesis option is recommended for those planning to pursue a PhD or research-intensive careers and requires up to 6 credit hours of thesis work (EEPS 890), a formal research proposal, and a public oral defense of findings. The internship option focuses on applied, real-world experience through industry or government-based projects, requiring up to 6 credit hours of EEPS 889 along with a written report and oral presentation. The nonthesis option offers two plans: Plan A, which requires 36 credit hours with no research component and is suited for broader professional preparation; and Plan B, which includes a small research component (up to 3 credit hours) under faculty supervision along with a final report. Across all options, students complete additional graduate-level coursework (19–31 credit hours depending on the track) drawn from disciplines such as geology, chemistry, biology, physics, anthropology, mathematics, and statistics, reinforcing the program’s interdisciplinary nature. Overall, the EEPS MS program provides a customizable academic structure that balances core scientific training with specialized study and practical experience, enabling graduates to adapt to diverse scientific and professional pathways.