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Geology - M.S.

The Master of Science degree in Geology provides qualified students the opportunity for advanced study in a wide variety of geologic fields. Focus areas include environmental research (water, surface and subsurface processes; geohazards; and natural resources), as well as evolution of earth's systems research (climate change, paleoecology and evolution, crustal processes).

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Program Information for Geology - M.S.

Learning Outcomes

Learning Outcomes

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

  1. Show in-depth comprehension of several areas, including both basic and applied aspects of geology/earth sciences.
  2. Formulate testable scientific hypotheses and carry out independent research using appropriate field, experimental, analytical and/or computational methods.
  3. Describe, synthesize and interpret the results of a scientific investigation and understand its broader applications.

Admissions for Geology - M.S.

Admissions

For more information about graduate admissions, visit the graduate admission website. For more information on international admissions, visit the international admission website.

Admission Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university
  • Minimum 2.750 undergraduate GPA on a 4.000-point scale
  • Official transcript(s)
  • Goal statement
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • English language proficiency - all international students must provide proof of English language proficiency (unless they meet specific exceptions to waive) by earning one of the following:1
    • Minimum 79 TOEFL iBT score
    • Minimum 6.5 IELTS score
    • Minimum 58 PTE score
    • Minimum 110 DET score
1

International applicants who do not meet the above test scores may be considered for conditional admission.

Application Deadlines

  • Fall Semester
    • Priority deadline: January 15
      Applications submitted by this deadline will receive the strongest consideration for admission.

Coursework

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Program Requirements

Major Requirements

Major Requirements
ESCI 60084GEOLOGY GRADUATE STUDENT ORIENTATION 1
ESCI 60087WRITING IN THE EARTH SCIENCES 1
Additional Program Requirements 124
Culminating Requirement
ESCI 60199THESIS I 26
Minimum Total Credit Hours:32
1

Students must complete 9 credit hours at the 60000-level.

2

Upon the completion of the thesis proposal defense, the student registers for 6 credit hours of ESCI 60199. Thereafter, the student must be continuously registered in ESCI 60299 until all degree requirements are met.

Graduation Requirements
Minimum Major GPA Minimum Overall GPA
3.000
  • Students must participate in required orientation and colloquia.
  • Students must accept and publicly defend thesis that incorporates the results of a program of original geologic research.
  • All students will have a fundamental knowledge and understanding of earth materials by the end of the second year in the program. This will be fulfilled by a lecture and lab course in Earth Materials or an equivalent course related to mineralogy and/or petrology as determined by the graduate coordinator.
  • No more than one-half of a graduate student’s coursework may be taken in 50000-level courses.
  • Grades below C are not counted toward completion of requirements for the degree.
Program Delivery

Program Delivery

  • Delivery:
    • In person
  • Location:
    • ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ Campus

Examples of Possible Careers and Salaries for Geology - M.S.

Atmospheric, earth, marine, and space sciences teachers, postsecondary

1.9%

slower than the average

13,100

number of jobs

$94,520

potential earnings

Geological and hydrologic technicians

5.5%

faster than the average

19,000

number of jobs

$50,630

potential earnings

Geoscientists, except hydrologists and geographers

4.9%

about as fast as the average

31,800

number of jobs

$93,580

potential earnings

Hydrologists

5.3%

faster than the average

7,000

number of jobs

$84,040

potential earnings

Natural sciences managers

4.8%

about as fast as the average

71,400

number of jobs

$137,940

potential earnings

Notice: Career Information Source
* Source of occupation titles and labor data comes from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' . Data comprises projected percent change in employment over the next 10 years; nation-wide employment numbers; and the yearly median wage at which half of the workers in the occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less.

Facts & Figures

Discover the story behind the numbers. A snapshot of ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ State's enrollment data, student success, academic excellence and more. Explore the stats that showcase our impact and growth.

What about my enrollment status?

The Department of Earth Sciences requires all Department and University funded students to be enrolled full-time (at least 8 credits) during the academic year. Students who are not funded by the department are recommended to be enrolled full-time to ensure that they make continued progress toward their degree and to save on tuition and fees by shortening their time to degree.

For additional enrollment requirements consult the .

Where can I go to get the Dissertation style guide and the necessary forms I will need as I progress through the program?

The KSU College of Arts & Sciences Style Guide and Instructions for Formatting Theses and Dissertations is available in the main Earth Sciences office. You can also access these materials from this website, or at the appropriate page in the Arts and Sciences website. Libraries and Media Services also provides to help you complete the process

How will the composition of my committee change as I progress toward my degree?

The candidacy examination committee consists of three members of the earth sciences graduate faculty: the advisor, the minor advisor, and one general earth sciences examiner. All members of the committee must have the appropriate graduate faculty rank as described in the departmental handbook. The dissertation committee, which evaluates the student's dissertation proposal, consists of the candidacy examination committee, plus an outside member who may be from another department on campus or another institution if approved by the Graduate College.

What specific coursework must be taken to satisfy the Ph.D. requirements?

Students must take a specific amount of coursework in their minor area. Beyond this, the only specific requirement that must be completed prior to graduation is a dissertation and certain amount of credit hours above the M.S. or B.S. respectively. Specific coursework necessary to prepare the candidate for the dissertation work will be selected on a case-by-case basis in consultation with the faculty advisor and the members of the examination committee.

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