Geology, MS, Mini-Thesis Option

Location(s): Alpine

Degree Requirements (opens a new window) |

The Geology Program emphasizes lab examination of samples, diagrams and maps, and also use of computer applications to analyze geologic data. Field experience is also fundamental and requires students to use critical thinking skills and classroom information in order to describe and explain a geologic problem.

The Mini-thesis Option prepares students for employment as a professional geologist. This option requires 36 hours of 5000-level Geology courses. A mini-thesis, usually a one-semester project, must be written, successfully defended, and a comprehensive oral exam (involving the entire Geology faculty and faculty from other disciplines from whom courses were taken) must be taken and passed

Program Requirements

Required Core Courses: 36 Credits

GEOL 5101 - Graduate Seminar Credit Hours: 1
GEOL 5334 - Geological Methodology Credit Hours: 3
GEOL 5306 - Advanced Structural Methods Credit Hours: 3 *
GEOL 5332 - Dynamic Stratigraphy Credit Hours: 3 *
GEOL 5308 - Advanced Igneous Petrology Credit Hours: 3 **
GEOL 5317 - Aqueous Geochemistry Credit Hours: 3 **
GEOL 5402 - Interdisciplinary GIS Credit Hours: 4 **
GEOL 5403 - Advanced GIS Credit Hours: 4 **
GEOL 5320 - Advanced Paleontology Credit Hours: 3 ***
GEOL 5322 - Stratigraphic Analysis Credit Hours: 3 ***
GEOL 5326 - Carbonate Petrology Credit Hours: 3 ***
GEOL 5328 - Advanced Sedimentation Credit Hours: 3 ***
Minimum of 22 hrs additional GEOL grad coursework

Notes:

* GEOL 5306 OR GEOL 5332

** GEOL 5308 , GEOL 5317 , GEOL 5402 , GEOL 5403 or Analytic Instrumentation

***GEOL 5320 , GEOL 5322 , GEOL 5326 , or GEOL 5328

A written mini-thesis must be presented orally and succesfully defended. MS mini-thesis defense includes a comprehansive oral exam which must also be successfully completed.

Total Hours: 36

Required Core Courses: 36