Program Objectives and Description
The graduate program in the geological sciences is designed to develop professional geoscientists with the ability to conduct original and meaningful scientific research using an integrative, multi-disciplinary approach. Students and faculty work together to tailor coursework to meet individual needs, interests, and goals. Coursework and thesis research prepare students for professional employment in geoscience careers in geotechnical and environmental consulting; local, state, and federal government agencies involved in natural resource and hazard planning; the oil, gas, geothermal, and mineral resources industries; community college or high school teaching; and other careers in which scientific research skills are critical. In addition, the program serves as a foundation for doctoral graduate studies in the geosciences or professional studies in environmental law, business, and other fields. More information about the program is available on the department website: https://www.geology.cwu.edu/dept/programs/grad/
Admission Requirements
Students with a wide variety of backgrounds in science, mathematics, and engineering are eligible for admission to the MS program in geological sciences. Incoming students are expected to meet the requirements of the graduate school and have a solid background in science and mathematics that they wish to apply to the Earth sciences. If English is a secondary language, students must score 550 or above on the TOEFL examination.
Application Deadlines
Applications and all supporting materials (a statement of purpose, official transcripts, and three letters of recommendation) are due by February 1 for priority consideration for fall quarter entrance.
Program Requirements
The MS degree requires a minimum of 60 credits of graduate study, including 15-21 credits towards thesis research. The core program consists of GEOL 501, Current Topics in Geology, and GEOL 502, Regional Geology of the Pacific Northwest in fall quarter and GEOL 503, Introductory Graduate Research Methods in winter quarter for first year students. In addition, six quarters of enrollment in GEOL 504, the graduate seminar, are required. The rest of the course of study is designed in consultation with the thesis advisor and committee. Undergraduate courses at the 100-300 level deemed necessary to achieve the goals of the student’s program may not count toward the graduate degree.
Students must have a three-member graduate committee, selected in consultation with the advisor; two members must be from the geological sciences department. The committee reviews and approves the student’s thesis research proposal as well as the student’s completed thesis. The final thesis is presented both orally and in written form.
Normal completion of the Master of Science program requires two academic years.
Program Learner Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:
- design and implement an original research project that involves a literature review, data- gathering and/or modeling strategy, data analysis and interpretation, and placement of the new work in context of previous work;
- present and interpret results of original research, both orally and in writing, using standard formats and conventions; and
- critically read and synthesize the work of other scientists, including the published literature and oral presentations.