The diversity of problems that the geoscientist is tasked with solving in today’s world requires training beyond an undergraduate degree, but it may not require the research typically associated with a master’s thesis.
To meet this need, the Geological Sciences Department launched a professional, non-thesis M.S. degree in Geological Sciences designed for students who are planning to enter the geology workforce, but are not planning to pursue career paths that require a Ph.D.
The non-thesis master’s degree provides geology graduates and others from related STEM disciplines with advanced, applied training and experiences that will enhance their marketability as the next generation of practicing geoscientists and allied professionals.
The M.S. is the degree-level most often sought by employers in the geosciences. Excellent opportunities are available for student with this degree in the energy, environmental, government, and nonprofit sectors.
The M.S. non-thesis degree requires eight 4-unit graduate courses in geology or other approved disciplines and completion of a comprehensive final examination. The non-thesis option provides the flexibility to allow students to design an accelerated program of coursework in as little as one academic year, though students also may take courses over two years.
Students can choose from three areas of focus:
- Applied Geology Focus
- Geology with a Focus on Business
- Geology with a Communications Focus
For more information, contact the Geological Sciences Graduate Chair, Dr. Dan Hembree.
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