Geological Sciences, MS

Program Overview

Students engage in research projects, coursework, and a thesis, preparing them for careers in various fields, including geochemistry, field geology, and planetary geology. The program is eligible for an OPT extension for international students and offers opportunities in sectors such as remote sensing and environmental consulting.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

• Program Description: This program explores the processes and dynamics of Earth and other solar system bodies.
• Objectives: The program provides fundamental graduate training in geology, encouraging students to cross subject boundaries and pursue new understandings of Earth and the solar system.

Outline:

• Structure: The program includes 30 credit hours and a thesis.
• Coursework:
• Required Core (1 credit hour):
SES 502 Exploring SESE Research
• Electives or Research (22 credit hours):
Students can choose from various electives or conduct research.

Careers:

• Potential Career Paths: Graduates are prepared for careers in geochemistry, field geology, geomorphology, structure and tectonics, mineralogy and petrology, geophysics, planetary geology, hydrology, volcanology, Earth observation and remote sensing, and related areas.
• Opportunities and Outcomes: Graduates are highly sought after in sectors like remote sensing, natural resource management, data science, economic geology, environmental consulting, hazard and risk assessment, and more.

Other:

• The program is offered in-person at the Tempe campus.
• Students with a bachelor's degree in any field from a regionally accredited institution are eligible to apply.
• The minimum GPA requirement is 3.00 in the last 60 hours of the first bachelor's degree program.
• Required application materials include transcripts, a statement of purpose, three letters of recommendation, and proof of English proficiency for non-native English speakers.