Geology - MS
Download as PDF
About this Degree
The Master of Science degree in Geology requires original research in a specific area or areas of the geosciences. The successful candidate must demonstrate a breadth of understanding in the geosciences, as well as a depth of understanding in the chosen areas of emphases. Potential students must show an ability to do creative research. This research should be carried out during a significant period of time. Thus, each successful MS candidate will produce a significant piece of original research, presented in a written thesis and defended in an oral examination. This work should be of such scope and quality that may lead to at least one peer-reviewed publication.
Program Contacts:
Tammy Rittenour, PhD
Professor, Graduate Director
Kelly Bradbury, PhD, PEG
Professional Practice Associate Professor, Graduate Program Coordinator
Program Description
The department offers advanced study and research opportunities leading to the MS degree in Geology. Although many research specialties require advanced courses selected primarily from Geosciences offerings, additional courses may be selected from other departments on campus, such as Biology; Civil and Environmental Engineering; Mathematics and Statistics; Plants, Soils, and Climate; and departments within the Quinney College of Agriculture and Natural Resources.
Specializations available for the MS in Geosciences: Geomorphology and Earth Surface Processes, Geophysics, Hydrogeology, Petrology and Geochemistry, Sedimentology and Paleoecology, Structure and Tectonics, and Climate Adaptation Science.
Admission Requirements for this Program
Admission requirements can be found on the USU School of Graduate Studies website (gradschool.usu.edu/admissions/policies) and the Department of Geosciences ‘Apply to our Program’ page: https://qanr.usu.edu/geo/graduate-program/future-graduates
Students may need to complete specific undergraduate coursework to prepare them for their graduate program. Seven preparatory core undergraduate courses are recommended by the Department of Geosciences: Physical Geology, Minerals and Rocks (Earth Materials, Mineralogy), Earth through Time (Historical Geology), Sedimentation and Stratigraphy, Geomorphology, Structural Geology, and Field Methods or experience. Graduate students are generally expected to have taken a minimum of four of the seven core courses, including a field course; however, this depends on each student’s background and planned research topic.
Decisions about any exceptions to these potential prerequisites in a student’s graduate program are made by a student's Advisory Committee in their first meeting, and in consultation with the Graduate Director.
Students are expected to be admitted to the Graduate program as matriculated students before taking coursework leading to the degree.
Additional information about the MS Geoscience program may be obtained by contacting the Department of Geosciences or by visiting the program website at https://qanr.usu.edu/geo/graduate-program/degree-and-information.
