怀俄明大学

The ultimate goal of our MS programs in Geology is to produce students who have the capacity to develop and perform research at the cutting edge of the geological sciences as professionals in industry and in the government. We also expect MS students in Geology and Geophysics to have well developed skills in scientific communication and be able to converse effectively both to peers and to the general public. The Department of Geology and Geophysics has developed the following specific goals for its MS program:

• Students in the MS program will receive a quality graduate education, including specialized technical training in a core discipline that is current, relevant, practical, and personal.
• MS students who graduate with appropriate grades will be able to compete successfully for admission to PhD programs at graduate schools worldwide.
• MS students who graduate with appropriate grades will be well prepared for entry-level positions as professionals within their, and other related, disciplines.

The primary mission of our MS program is to provide a quality educational experience that prepares men and women to enter careers in geology and related fields. Within a few years following graduation, our graduates should be able to:

• GG-OB1: Use cutting-edge knowledge of, and technical skills in a chosen core discipline as part of an academic and/or professional career in the Earth Sciences.
• GG-OB2: Apply scientific and technical knowledge to specific tasks and problems.
• GG-OB3: Cultivate the specific scientific and technical skills that will allow them effectively to serve their employers and to enhance their own career development.
• GG-OB4: Develop increased capacity in the skills of independent learning and research, creative and critical thinking, problem definition, and problem solving.
• GG-OB5: Develop enhanced numerical skills and computer literacy as part of a graduate program designed to deliver a current and relevant knowledge of their discipline.
• GG-OB6: Communicate effectively and professionally through oral, written, and graphical means and to participate effectively in their workplace and in individual and team-related activities.
• GG-OB7: Have the broad general education and an integrated knowledge needed to appreciate the role of Earth Sciences in the societal context and appreciate the importance of ethics in the practice of the profession.

The MS degree requires successful completion of 26 credits of course work and 4 hours of thesis credit for a total of 30 hours (minimum). A master’s thesis is required. Master’s students have six calendar years to complete the degree. A master’s committee consists of three faculty members (minimum), including one external department member.

Required courses: Fundamental of Research (GEOL 5020) first semester in residence, 2 semesters (1 credit/sem) of Distinguished Lecture Series, and the 1 credit Rocky Mountain field trip.

First semester: Student and advisor meet to identify any background deficiencies. Deficiency coursework must be completed with a grade of B or better early in the student’s graduate residence.

Second Semester: Oral qualifying examination, committee set up and program filed using MS Program of Study document. See links below for format.