The Department of Geosciences offers a Master of Science in Geosciences with tracks in professional sciences and thesis research. This program appeals to undergraduates with a wide range of backgrounds beyond traditional Geosciences disciplines. The multi-disciplinary nature of the program offers opportunities to develop new skillsets in geospatial sciences (Geographic Information Systems, remote sensing, spatial analysis) and environmental geosystems (hydrogeology and watershed systems) that complement/enhance undergraduates experiences and backgrounds. Over the years we have had many students successfully completing the program with degrees in anthropology, physics, business, archeology, biology, computer science, and others.

The Master of Science in Geosciences requires completion of a minimum of 36 semester hours which usually translates into four semesters. Most classes are either late afternoon or in the evenings to accommodate working professionals. Additionally, the Department of Geosciences has some funding opportunities for Research Graduate Assistants, Teaching Graduate Assistants, and hourly workers.

The demand for professional with skillset in geospatial sciences (Geographic Information Systems, remote sensing, and spatial analysis) and environmental geosystems (hydrogeology and watershed systems) is high, and job growth is expected to rise up to 25 percent in coming years.

Students in Geosciences choose from two tracks: professional science (pre-professional internship track) or thesis research (traditional thesis-based research track). Admission to the Geosciences master's program is open to all students with undergraduate degrees in the geosciences or related fields who meet the admission requirements of the M.S. degree program.

The Geosciences master’s program prepares students for careers in local, state, and federal government agencies; private industry; the non-profit sector; and academic positions supporting spatially related projects and research. This graduate concentration provides training for students seeking careers in the high-demand geosciences job market, as well as working professionals seeking advanced training or movement into managerial positions. Examples of some professions boosted by this master's degree:

Anthropologist
Archaeologist
Engineering geologist
Environmentalist
Environmental engineer
Geochemist
Geologist
Geophysicist
GIS professional
Historian
Oceanographer
Paleontologist
Petroleum geologist
Political scientist
Professor
Seismologist
Teacher