Department of Geosciences - Graduate Program

Geosciences offers graduate study for the Master of Science along two different tracks, geology and geography.

MS in Geosciences - Geology

This program of study has two possible emphases--one for the professional geologist and the other for the earth science teacher. The former prepares the student for a career in industry or in government surveys, or provides preparation for Ph.D. work at another institution. The latter prepares the student to teach geology and other earth science courses at the secondary or college level. The geology track is flexible. The student and advisor will select appropriate electives based on the area of emphasis such as environmental geology, stratigraphy, vertebrate paleontology, geophysics, petroleum geology, etc.

MS in Geosciences - Geography

This program of study is intended primarily as a degree for preparation for an advanced professional position. The program is extremely flexible, emphasizing two focus areas: Environmental Science and Geographic Information Systems. The environmental science focus area is intended for students interested in professional employment as environmental analysts and scientists, who may have baccalaureate degrees in a related field such as Geography, Geology, Biology, Agriculture, or General Science. The Geographic Information Systems (GIS) focus area is designed to provide the advanced technical and theoretical course work necessary towards becoming a GIS professional. In conjunction with geospatial courses provided by the Geosciences Department, students take a variety of graduate level classes in other departments, emphasizing technical, theoretical and applied aspects. This degree is intended to provide current students with advanced GIS course work, as well as the professional in the community. In addition to the general admission requirements for graduate study as stated in the Graduate School section of this catalog, the student entering the Master of Science curriculum must have completed the equivalent course of study required by the department for a bachelor of science. Students who lack the appropriate undergraduate training will be required to make up their deficiencies.