Earth Sciences (M.S.)

Program Overview

The Earth Sciences Master's program at the University of New Hampshire provides students with a comprehensive foundation in Earth sciences, emphasizing geospatial analysis, climate analysis, and Earth system modeling. The program offers a flexible curriculum with core courses and electives, allowing students to specialize in their areas of interest. Graduates are prepared for careers in research, education, government, industry, and non-profit organizations, where they can contribute to the understanding and management of Earth's systems.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

• Overview: The Earth Sciences Master's program at the University of New Hampshire is designed for students with diverse interests in atmospheric sciences, hydrology, geochemistry, geology, and oceanography, with a particular emphasis on geospatial analysis of Earth systems, regional climate analysis of ocean and atmosphere, instrumental records of Earth processes, Earth observing systems and interpretation, modeling of Earth processes and changes, quantitative analysis of Earth system dynamics, and other interdisciplinary topics related to the Earth sciences.
• Objectives: The program aims to provide students with:
• A foundation of knowledge in Earth sciences, resulting in expertise and understanding of the topics in the student's specialty.
• Basic knowledge of how Earth science processes interact with other related disciplines.
• Specialized knowledge of a field within Earth sciences sufficient to conduct substantive supervised research.
• Skills in identifying and applying qualitative and quantitative methodologies typically used in Earth sciences research.
• Ability to critically read and synthesize published research in Earth sciences and related fields.
• Expertise in framing empirical research and/or theory guided by prior knowledge.
• Proficiency in implementing rigorous studies using appropriate methods, measures, and techniques.
• Skills in critically evaluating and systematically analyzing data to reach appropriate findings and interpretations.
• Ability to structure coherent arguments that rigorously present and evaluate evidence to support claims.
• Skills in reviewing and cogently synthesizing relevant literature.
• Proficiency in writing at a level and in a style of English consistent with that found in leading academic journals.
• Understanding and proper use of styles of citing, referencing, and formatting found in leading academic journals.
• Ability to clearly convey research findings through oral presentations supported by appropriate digital media.
• Skills in cogently summarizing research and its significance to non-specialist audiences.
• Preparation in creating manuscripts that meet the standards of academic and research journals and responding appropriately to recommendations for revision.
• Development of collaboration, leadership, and teamwork skills.
• Ability to create a welcoming environment that is supportive, inclusive, and equitable.
• Skills in making effective contributions to university, community, and professional service.
• Proficiency in communicating effectively to groups in a lecture format.

Outline:

• Content and Structure: The program consists of 30-34 graduate credits, including a core curriculum and elective courses.
• Core Curriculum: Students select three core courses from two core areas: methods and disciplinary courses.
• Elective Courses: Additional electives are selected from graduate-level courses in the department and/or from graduate-level courses in related disciplines outside the department (e.g., civil and environmental engineering, natural resources, chemistry, mathematics and statistics, and computer science).
• Course Schedule:
• First Year:
• Fall: Core Curriculum 1 Course (4 credits), Elective I Course (3-4 credits), ESCI 997 Seminar in Earth Sciences (1 credit)
• Spring: Core Curriculum 2 Course (4 credits), Elective 2 Course (3-4 credits), ESCI 998 Proposal Development (1 credit)
• Second Year:

Assessment:

• Thesis Option: Students must complete a master's thesis (6 credits) and give an oral presentation of the results.

Careers:

• Career Paths: Graduates of the program can pursue careers in various fields, including:
• Research
• Education
• Government
• Industry
• Non-profit organizations
• Opportunities: Graduates may have opportunities to:
• Conduct research in Earth sciences
• Teach Earth sciences at the college or university level
• Work as environmental consultants
• Work in government agencies involved in Earth science policy and regulation