Mar 28, 2024  
Ohio University Graduate Catalog 2015-2017 
    
Ohio University Graduate Catalog 2015-2017 [Archived Catalog]

Geological Sciences - MS


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Degree Title: Master of Science

Program Name and Number: Geological Sciences - MS3321

Department/Unit: Department of Geological Sciences

Delivery Mode: Athens Campus

Program Mission: The mission of the Department of Geological Sciences is to provide students with an introduction to problem solving, critical thinking, and basic concepts using the earth sciences to show how modern observations can be extended into deep time. We prepare our undergraduate majors with a solid foundation in the discipline for use in their subsequent life, work, or advanced studies and impart to our graduate students a high level of knowledge, skills, and professionalism that enable them to advance their careers by integrating courses with forefront research into the processes that formed and now modify the Earth.

Program Learning Objectives:

  • Students will interpret, analyze, discuss, and critique scientific papers about geological problems and their thesis research.
  • Students will write a research proposal to investigate and solve a geological problem.
  • Students will apply different geological methods to solve a geological problem in their thesis research
  • Students will analyze, discuss, and formulate conclusions about their thesis research and to write them in a scientific format.

Program Overview:  The Master of Science in Geological Sciences program combines graded coursework and thesis research to train students in advanced geological and scientific analysis.  Students conduct research in collaboration with a faculty advisor in one of three research clusters: solid earth and planetary dynamics, sedimentary geology and paleobiology, and environmental and surficial processes.  Thesis research trains students in all stages of scientific investigation including hypothesis generation, data collection and analysis, interpreting research data, and presenting those results in a written thesis and oral presentation.  Students are also trained in grantsmanship and encouraged to participate in scientific meetings.  The MS program is designed to train and prepare students to be successful in continuing into a PhD program or obtaining positions in the industry, government, or consulting sectors.

Opportunities for Graduates: The M.S. Degree in Geological Sciences is the degree-level most often sought by employers in Geological Sciences. Excellent opportunities are can be found in both energy and environmental fields as well as government and teaching positions.

Link to Program: http://www.ohio.edu/cas/geology/grad/index.cfm

Link to Program Handbook: Contact the current graduate chairperson, currently Dr. Alycia Stigall (stigall@ohio.edu)

Graduation Requirements:

  1. Earn a minimum of 30 semester hours
  2. Complete six letter-graded graduate courses.  These courses must include GEOL 5050 and a minimum of three other courses in Geological Sciences
  3. Maintain a GPA at or above 3.00
  4. Successfully complete and orally defend a thesis research proposal
  5. Successfully complete a research thesis with an oral defense
  6. Time to completion is expected to be 2 academic years for full time students

Admission Requirements: Applicants are expected to have a bachelor’s degree in geology, environmental geology, earth sciences, or closely related degree from an accredited institution or equivalent. A curriculum vitae or resume, a statement of research interests, and three letters of recommendation are required. International student should have a TOEFL score of 80 (IBT) or IELTS of 6.5 across all bands. A faculty member willing to advise the student is required for admission.

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