M.S. Concentrations
The Department of Geosciences offers graduate programs leading to the Master of Science degree in Geoscience with the following concentrations:
On-Campus Programs
Broadcast Meteorology Concentration (Non-Thesis)
Concentration designed for students intending to pursue meteorology careers in media. This non-thesis master’s degree combines meteorology coursework with the Practicum in Broadcast Meteorology sequence. A research project presentation and a written and oral comprehensive examination are required.
Professional Meteorology/Climatology Concentration (Thesis)
Thesis-based concentration intended to prepare students for forecasting careers or further graduate study. Thesis defense/comprehensive exam is required.
Geology Concentration (Thesis)
Thesis-based concentration intended to to prepare students for careers in professional geology or further graduate study. Thesis defense/comprehensive exam is required.
Geography Concentration (Thesis)
Thesis-based concentration appropriate for students interested in studying the spatial distribution of cultural and physical features across the Earth’s surface. It can be tailored toward specific interests in either human or physical geography. Thesis defense/comprehensive exam is required.
Geospatial Sciences Concentration (Thesis)
Thesis-based program designed to prepare students to use geospatial technologies to provide insight into Earth and atmospheric processes. Thesis defense/comprehensive exam is required.
Environmental Geosciences Concentration (Thesis)
Thesis-based program intended for students interested in a broader cross-section of the geosciences. Thesis defense/comprehensive exam is required.
Geospatial and Remote Sensing Minor
The Geospatial and Remote Sensing (GRS) minor is a cross-disciplinary program that allows students from any major to develop and enhance their geospatial skills. Students will learn important theoretical concepts associated with geographic information systems and remote sensing sciences, and they will acquire the ability to use these methods to solve spatial problems.
Program Requirements for Geospatial and Remote Sensing Minor
Distance Education Programs
Master of Science in Geosciences with a concentration in Applied Meteorology (Non-Thesis)
Prepare yourself to forecast the next big winter storm or warn the public of an impending tornado by completing advanced meteorological training in remote sensing, severe weather, GIS, and more. Includes a four to five day campus visit.
Master of Science in Geosciences with a concentration in Environmental Geosciences (Non-Thesis)
Diversify your knowledge of the earth sciences by studying advanced courses in content areas such as climate change, GIS, meteorology, and more. Includes a face-to-face field study experience.
Graduate Student Support
Geography
Full time-time and half-time teaching assistantships are often available for graduate students. Full-time TA's teach two or three lab sections per week; half-time TA's usually teach one lab section and assist in one other. Departmental TA's usually last for two years and include a tuition waiver. Research assistantships are also often available to graduate students. RA's are usually required to teach labs in addition to working on a research project. The amount of the monthly RA stipend is dependent on a particular project and grant.
Geology
Full time and half-time teaching assistantships are often available for graduate students. Full-time teaching assistants teach two or three lab sections (in introductory geology or in the student's specialty) per week; half-time teaching assistants usually teach one lab section and assist in one other. Departmental TA's usually last for two years and include a tuition waiver. Research assistants are usually required to teach labs in addition to working on a research project. The amount of the monthly research assistant stipend is dependent on a particular project and grant.
Geospatial Sciences
Full time-time and half-time teaching assistantships are often available for graduate students. Full-time TA's teach two or three lab sections per week; half-time TA's usually teach one lab section and assist in one other. Departmental TA's usually last for two years and include a tuition waiver. Research assistantships are also often available to graduate students. RA's are usually required to teach labs in addition to working on a research project. The amount of the monthly RA stipend is dependent on a particular project and grant.
Meteorology
BMP & PMP: Full-time and half-time teaching assistantships are often available for graduate students. Full-time TA's teach two or three lab sections per week; half-time TA's usually teach one lab section and assist in one other. Departmental TA's usually last for two years and include a tuition waiver. Research assistantships are also often available to graduate students. RA's may be required to teach labs in addition to working on a research project.
For more information on the graduate program in the Department of Geosciences contact Andrew Mercer, Graduate Coordinator.