MS in Geological Sciences
The Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences (EES) offers a master of science program in geological sciences. If you are interested in doing research with EES faculty, please contact them to check about availability prior to applying for this program.
The program is intended to be two years in duration and has a strong emphasis on both coursework and research.
Students have the option to focus their MS degree more strongly on either research (“Plan A”) or coursework (“Plan B”). Students typically complete at least four or five formal graduate courses, including at least two courses from two different specializations and at least two courses from their advisor’s sequence. See the graduate courses page for a full listing of courses.
Students are also engaged in research during both years in the program, including computational work, laboratory experiments, and fieldwork, depending on the research project. Successful completion of the program also requires producing a written thesis and passing an oral thesis defense (Plan A) or an essay and a comprehensive oral examination (Plan B). Some students also serve as teaching assistants during the program.
For more details on the program, please see page 18 of the EES Graduate Student Handbook (PDF).
Undergraduate students already pursuing a major in EES can apply for the 5th Year Master’s Program. Students in this program typically continue their senior thesis research with their academic advisor. Graduate courses taken during the time of the undergraduate degree that are not required for the undergraduate degree program may be applied toward the master’s degree.