Geology, M.S.

Core Requirements (6 Credit Hours)

• GEO 6970 Geographic Research Design Credit Hours: 3 (Proposed as EVR 6970 Research Design Credit Hours: 3)
• GLY 6739 Selected Topics in Geology Credit Hours: 1-4 taken as History of Geology 1960-2015 Credit hours: 3 (Proposed as GLY 6105)

Electives (18 Credit Hours Minimum)

Structured coursework, of which at least ten hours must be at 6000 level, selected with the advisor from the following list, or other course as approved by the Graduate Director:

• GLY 5932 Selected Topics in Geology Credit Hours: 1-4

• Taken as - Physical Principles of Groundwater Flow (3 Credit Hours for this program)

• GLY 6246 General Geochemistry Credit Hours: 3
• GLY 6255 Tracer Geochemistry Credit Hours: 3
• GLY 6285C Analytical Techniques in Geology Credit Hours: 3
• GLY 6475C Principles of Applied Geophysics Credit Hours: 4
• GLY 6575C Coastal Sedimentation Credit Hours: 3
• GLY 6739 Selected Topics in Geology Credit Hours: 1-4
• GLY 6824 Ecohydrology Credit Hours: 3
• GLY 6828 Ground-Water Geochemistry Credit Hours: 3
• GLY 6836 Numerical Modeling of Hydrogeologic Systems Credit Hours: 3
• GLY 6905 Independent Study Credit Hours: 1-19

Thesis Option (6 Credit Hours Minimum)

• GLY 6971 Thesis: Master’s Credit Hours: 2-19 (6 credits for this program)

Professional Science Masters (PSM) Degree Option (6 Credit Hours Minimum)

Students interested in pursuing the Professional Science Masters Option can take one of two tracks following approval from the internship coordinator.

• Professional Geologist-led Internship – Students enrolled in this track are typically supervised by a licensed Professional Geologist (PG) and must submit an Internship Project Report approved by the supervising PG. The student must then present the results of their project at an evening public meeting hosted by the Geology Alumni Society.
• Faculty-led Internship – Students enrolled in this track are typically supervised by School of Geosciences Faculty and must submit an Internship Project Report approved by the supervising faculty member. The student must then present the results of their project publically, typically at the meeting hosted by the Geology Alumni Society.

• GLY 6739 Selected Topics in Geology Credit Hours: 1-4

• Taken as:

  Introduction to Professional Geoscience Credit(s): 3

• GLY 6492 Hydrogeology Internship Project Credit Hours: 3

Comprehensive Exam

For students in the thesis option, the thesis defense serves as the comprehensive exam.

For students in the Professional Science Master’s Degree option, the comprehensive exit exam is based on coursework and an internship project. Before the exam, the student must submit an Internship Project Report approved by the supervising PG. The internship committee determines the format of the exam. Normally, it is an oral examination following the student’s presentation of the results of the internship project to the hydrogeology internship committee.

Other Information:

Curriculum is customized within the degree requirements for the student’s area of research interest. The Program of Study is determined via consultation between the student, his/her primary advisor and his/her student advisory committee. Other pertinent information regarding graduate study is contained in the Department’s Graduate Student Handbook, which is available upon request.

All degree candidates are required to maintain satisfactory academic progress at all times. Satisfactory academic progress in this major is defined as progress in course and thesis work. Evidence of academic progress includes timely completion of departmental requirements such as selecting a primary advisor, forming a student advisory committee, completion of any prerequisites or deficiencies, timely progress toward completion of the thesis, maintaining a satisfactory GPA, defending a thesis proposal, and making a public presentation. A schedule for meeting these requirements is contained in the Department’s Graduate Student Handbook.