Master of Science degrees in the Department of Earth Sciences are primarily thesis-based (Plan A). The department requires students pass a Comprehensive Exam, undertake research, and write and defend a Dissertation. Students are expected to develop a solid curricular foundation in geography, geology or geobiology. All graduate students in the Earth Sciences Department are required to take the Graduate Program Seminar (ERTH 594, 2 credits) in the fall of their first year. Because of the diverse and interdisciplinary fields represented by the department, there is no universal required core curriculum aside from the first-year seminar. Additional coursework is tailored in consultation with the adviser and graduate committee. Coursework in disciplines outside the department may be encouraged to support and enhance specific research areas in the Earth Sciences. In some cases, coursework may be required to make up prior deficiencies in academic training. M.Sc. students are required to complete 30 credits, including a mix of dissertation credits and graduate-level coursework.

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