Mar 29, 2024  
Ohio University Graduate Catalog 2017-19 
    
Ohio University Graduate Catalog 2017-19 [Archived Catalog]

Geological Sciences - MS (Thesis)


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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

Terms of Entry: Fall | Spring (w/o financial aid) | Summer (w/o financial aid)

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 and 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:  Graduates will be able to:

  • Interpret, analyze, discuss, and critique scientific papers about geological problems and research techniques.
  • Identify geological problems, formulate hypotheses to address geologic problems, and generate high quality written proposals for investigating geologic questions.
  • Apply different geological methods to collect data and solve geological problems.
  • Analyze, discuss, and formulate conclusions about geologic data to solve geological research questions.
  • Produce high quality written analyses of data, results, interpretations, and conclusions in a scientific format.
  • Present and defend original scientific research in oral, poster, and written formats.

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: Most information is distributed within the department website http://www.ohio.edu/cas/geology/grad/index.cfm For a PDF of version of the most recent handbook, contact the current graduate chairperson, currently Dr. Daniel Hembree (hembree@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

Culminating Experience: Successful completion and defense of a thesis

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 one- to two-page statement that describes their interest in both the field of geological sciences and our graduate program, and three letters of recommendation are required. To receive full consideration for funding decisions, all application materials must be submitted by February 1. A faculty member willing to advise the applicant is required for admission.

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