Courses

The Master of Science in Geology program requires 30 semester hours of graduate credit work, which comprises 6 hours of thesis credit and 24 hours of course credit.  All graduate students are required to take graduate seminar (GEOL 551).

The 24 hours of course credit must include a minimum of 15 hours of graduate credit courses in geology. In addition, course level requirements for graduate work require 12 hours of 500-level courses, at least 9 of which must be in geology. Supportive graduate courses in a related field such as biology, chemistry, computer science, mathematics, petroleum engineering, physics, or statistics are encouraged.

Thesis

The written thesis requirement includes a successful oral defense of the thesis research. Prior to completion of the thesis research a written thesis proposal is required. The proposal also includes an oral defense. The thesis is required for all students except under extraordinary circumstances. If the thesis requirement is waived, permission of the Director of the School of Geosciences and substitution of suitable course work of not less than 12 semester hours are required.