Geology, MS, Thesis Option

Location(s): Alpine

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 Thesis Option prepares students for employment as a professional geologist and for future graduate research at the PhD level.

MS Geology Student Learning Outcomes (SLO)

The student will be able to apply diverse bodies of Geologic information in the area of advanced sedimentary geology.
The student will be able to apply diverse bodies of Geologic information in the areas of advanced igneous/metamorphic processes, structure and tectonics.
The student will be able to apply diverse bodies of Geologic information to field and lab research and techniques.
The student will be able to communicate diverse bodies of Geologic information through the standard scientific format of an oral presentation based on a written paper.

Program Requirements

Required Core Courses: 20 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 ***
GEOL 6301 - Thesis Proposal Credit Hours: 3
GEOL 6302 - Thesis Defense Credit Hours: 3

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

Restrictive Electives in: 10 Credits

GEOL - GEOL courses at 5000 level Credit Hours: 10 *

Notes:

* minimum of 10 hrs additional GEOL grad coursework

Total Hours: 30

Required Core Courses: 20

Restrictive Electives in: 10

Degree completion requires a thesis to be proposed, written, and successfully defended. The thesis defense includes a comprehensive oral exam which must also be successfully completed.