M.S. in Physical Sciences
Emphasis in Earth Science


The graduate earth science emphasis is designed to provide a broad, flexible, and interdisciplinary background in earth, environmental, and geological sciences. It is especially well-suited for candidates with career goals in government service, teaching, and/or industry. It can also prepare one for entry into doctoral study.

Admission Requirements

The minimum expected undergraduate preparation in earth science is course work equivalent to the BSE degree with certification in earth/space science, or a BA or BS degree with an earth science, geography, geology, or physical science major. Deficiencies in course background may be addressed concurrent with degree program course work.

Degree Requirements

Students are required to either 1) complete a minimum of 30 credit hours including a thesis (a maximum of 8 hours may be research and thesis combined), or 2) complete a minimum of 32 credit hours including a research project (a maximum of 6 hours may be research). Students must complete at least 15 hours of courses in earth science (ES or GO courses) exclusive of the thesis or research project. At least six hours of graduate credit must be taken from the following allied sciences: biology, chemistry, computer science, geography, mathematics, or physics.

Graduate Committee

Each individual who is pursuing a graduate degree in earth science must have his/her work approved and supervised by a graduate committee. This graduate committee is appointed by the recommendation of the department, and is generally chaired by the student's research advisor. A student's graduate committee must approve the program of study, including the outline of the research topic. Before the degree is awarded, the committee will examine the candidate orally over the thesis or research report and related topics.

Presentation of Research

A student is expected to present his/her research at a professional scientific conference or meeting. The presentation may take the form of a poster display, oral lecture, field-trip guide, workshop or other suitable format.

Return to Earth Science graduate program.
Date of publication 2004