Master of Science in Geology

The Master of Science (MS) curriculum is designed to develop new understanding through research and creativity. Students have the option to pursue a thesis or non-thesis Master of Science degree. Skills obtained by graduates from this degree program include knowing how to:

  • place geological information into a context that is meaningful to land and environment stewardship and civil infrastructure stakeholders;
  • assess risk and vulnerability from geological hazards and make realistic evaluations about quality and quantity of Earth resources;
  • determine whether geological data could be indicative of a potential subsurface target of interest;
  • recommend the suitability of a given type of geological data to address a given geoscience problem;
  • suggest generalizations about fundamental Earth structures and processes from incomplete and possibly inaccurate geological information;
  • combine geological and geophysical data to build an integrative model whose value exceed the sum of its components;
  • prepare an oral presentation, and respond to questions, in which geological information is described and interpreted, and from which conclusions are drawn;
  • prepare a well-written and well-structured written document that contains sound reasoning and defensible conclusions based on geological principles;
  • access and learn to use commercial software packages that process, display and manipulate geological data;
  • access and learn to use basic geological field and laboratory equipment;
  • execute a test of a geological research hypothesis using basic principles, data, and techniques; and
  • understand the basic principles of scientific uncertainty as it relates to geological hypothesis testing.

Steps to Fulfill a Masters Program