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

Geological Sciences - MS (Non-Thesis)


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Degree Title: Master of Science (Non-Thesis option)

Program Name and Number: Geological Sciences - MS3324

Department/Unit: Department of Geological Sciences

Delivery Mode: Athens Campus

Terms of Entry: Fall (w/o financial aid) | 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 reports about geologic issues.
  • Apply different geological methods to collect data and solve geological problems.
  • Produce high quality written and oral responses to multifaceted questions about geologic issues.

Program Overview:  The M.S. Degree (Non-Thesis Option) in Geological Sciences is designed for students who are planning to enter the geology workforce, but are not planning to pursue career paths that require a Ph.D., such as those in academia.  The non-thesis option provides geology graduates and those from related STEM disciplines with advanced/applied training and experiences that will enhance their marketability as the next generation of practicing geoscientists and allied professionals.

Opportunities for Graduates: The M.S. Degree in Geological Sciences is the degree-level most often sought by employers in Geological Sciences. The M.S. non-thesis option is designed to provide students with rigorous advanced training in analytical skills, tools, and concepts to enhance their employability in careers within or related to geology, including government, scientific communication, education, and consulting.

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 34 semester hours
  2. Students must complete a minimum of 8 letter-graded courses, totaling at least 30 credit hours.At least 22 hours of coursework must be completed in GEOL, including GEOL 5050
  3. Complete 2 credits of colloquium (GEOL 6921).
  4. Complete 2 credits of Research Seminary (GEO 6902)
  5. Maintain a GPA at or above 3.00
  6. Successfully pass a written comprehensive exam designed to assess synthesis of knowledge developed during the course of study
  7. Time to completion is expected to be 2 to 3 semesters for full time students

Culminating Experience: Successful completion of a written comprehensive exam designed to assess synthesis of knowledge developed during the course of study

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, all application materials must be submitted by April 1 for Fall or September 1 for Spring entry.

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