The Department of Geosciences offers a flexible Master of Science (M.S.) in Geosciences. You can focus on Geography or Geology, and you can also choose from thesis or non-thesis options. All students must complete 30 hours of graduate-level courses. Thesis students will use six "thesis hours" to reach 30 total hours. In addition, the following core courses are required for the respective options:

Core Courses for Thesis Option

• GSCI 800 Scientific Writing in Geosciences (3 Credit Hours)
• GSCI 899 Thesis (6 Credit Hours)

Core Courses for Non-Thesis Option

• GSCI 685 Geosciences Research Design & Professional Skills (3 Credit Hours)

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Applying to the Geosciences Master's Program

The faculty in the Department of Geosciences will begin reviewing applications for the following fall semester in February. So, you should have all of your application materials submitted to the Graduate School prior to January 30. It is recommended that you send your materials prior to the first of the year to ensure that everything arrives on time. Spring admissions are rare, and you should contact Department faculty to determine the feasibility of a spring admission. The FHSU Graduate School requires you to submit an official transcript of your undergraduate degree(s), and you must show a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5. In addition, the following items are required by the Department of Geosciences:

• A personal statement or statement of purpose (i.e., What are your career goals and how will the FHSU graduate program help you achieve those?)
• Two letters of recommendation
• GRE Score

More details about the M.S. degree can be found in the Geosciences Guide to the Graduate Program. For further information, please contact our graduate coordinator, Dr. Laura Wilson.