Master of Science: Environmental and Urban Geosciences

Admissions Requirements

1. Completion of an undergraduate degree with a major in a geosciences field (such as environmental studies, geography or geology) and a grade-point average of at least 3.0 (A = 4.0) overall, as well as in the major.
2. A satisfactory score on the Graduate Record Examination (combined Verbal and Quantitative test score of 1000 or higher; Analytical Writing score 4.0 or higher). Lower scores may be accepted in certain cases.

Graduate Assistantships

Core Curriculum

                                               Hours
 GEOG 5544   Geo-Computation Methods for Earth  
               and Environmental Sciences          3
 GEOG 5595   Graduate Seminar I                    1
  /GEOL 5595
 GEOG 5597   Graduate Seminar II                   3
  /GEOL 5597
 GEOG 5599   Research and Thesis                 3-6
  /GEOL 5599

Emphasis Areas

Environmental Geography and Geographic Information Science

            
                                               Hours
 GEOG 5502  Environmental Remote Sensing           3
 GEOG 5506  Global Environmental Change            3 
 GEOG 5507  Advanced Geographic
              Information Science                  3

Based on student interest and departmental research priorities, students may also take courses in such areas as biogeography, climatology, ecosystem management, hydrology, and quaternary environments.

Environmental Geology

                                               Hours
 GEOL 5551  Geotechnics                            4
 GEOL 5570  Hydrogeology                           3
 One of the following:
  GEOL 5531  X-ray Methods in Geosciences 
  -and- GEOL 5532 ICPMS Applications             4
  GEOL 5535  Aqueous Geochemistry                  3
  GEOL 5541  Environmental Geophysics              3

Urban and Cultural Geography

                                               Hours
 GEOG 5503  History and Philosophy of Geography    3   
 GEOG 5507  Advanced Geographic
              Information Science                  3
 GEOG 5509  Urban Geography                        3

Other coursework may include appropriate geography courses, as well as related departmental courses and cognate courses in other departments.

Requirements for Retention

1. For newly admitted graduate students, elimination of all undergraduate deficiencies (if any) in the undergraduate major and its supporting prerequisites is required upon or before the completion of the first 12 hours of coursework for graduate credit. No graduate credit can be given for undergraduate courses taken to remove deficiencies.
2. All students are required to pass a qualifying examination administered by the department during their first year.
3. A 3.0 (B) average or better must be maintained in all graduate coursework. In addition, a 3.0 (B) average and a satisfactory balance of grades must be maintained in the approved program of study, or the student will be subject to either probationary status or dismissal from the program.

Requirements for Graduation

1. Formal acceptance of a planned program of study and research is required by the department and the graduate officer of the College. Such a program must comprise at least 30 graduate credit hours (approved by the supervisory committee), including 3 to 6 hours of thesis credit, and completion of the core curriculum and emphasis area requirements. No more than 40 percent of the program may be 300- to 400-level courses, and at least 18 credit hours must be at the 5500 level or above.
2. A formal written thesis is required of all students, and its format must be in accordance with guidelines of School of Graduate Studies.
3. A final examination is required, including oral examination of thesis research and related coursework.
4. Satisfactory compliance with all applicable requirements of the School of Graduate Studies is required, including continuous enrollment and residency.