MA Degree Program

Program objectives are the attainment and development of depth of the Earth Sciences knowledge, and the ability to apply this knowledge to student’s career development, in at least one of the following areas: (1) geography; (2) geology; (3) archaeology; (4) environmental sciences; (5) interdisciplinary studies. Students pursuing an MS degree may not apply to switch to the MA degree until their third year in the Earth Sciences program.

Admission Standards and Procedures

All prospective students must meet the minimum requirements for admission to the program as stipulated by The Graduate School (LINK). Meeting the minimum department standards does not entitle an applicant to admission. Meeting such standards only insures consideration of the application.

• Application Deadlines are November 1^st for consideration for Spring Semester Admission, and January 31^st for Fall Semester admission.  Decisions for both Spring and Fall semesters are made usually within 30 days after each respective deadline.  Early completion of applications is strongly suggested.

• Applicants must have a satisfactory academic record (equivalent to 32 credit hours) work in one or more of our core areas of geology, geography, archaeology, or environmental sciences.  Applicants deficient in undergraduate coursework, if admitted will be required to take course work to have deficiencies removed without graduate credit.  

• Applicants must have a minimum of a cumulative 2.75 or equivalent GPA for consideration for admission.

• All applications require copies of official transcripts, three letters of recommendation, a personal statement of research interests, and a writing sample. The GRE (Graduate Record Exam) is not required. 

• The department does not waive any fees whatsoever associated with applying to the University or the Graduate Program.

• International students, in addition to the above requirements, must also demonstrate English proficiency as per Graduate School requirements (Link). Students must have the following minimum scores on one of the four following exams:

• • TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language), 550 on paper, 80 internet version
  • IELTS (International English Language Testing System), 6.5
  • PTE (Pearson Test of English), 59
  • Duolingo English Test, 110

• Applicants whose highest degree is from a foreign university are required to have their credentials evaluated by any credentialing agency listed on the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services web site (www.naces.org).

• International Applicants have additional requirements beyond the scope of the department and are urged to consult information provided online by the Graduate School (Link).

• Although the deadline for Spring Semester admission is November 1^st of each cycle, International Applicants considering a Spring Semester start date should complete their applications at least 30 days prior to the deadline to ensure that visa, and other requirements can be completed in a timely manner. 

Program Requirements

1. Students may be required to make up deficiencies as determined by the student’s advisory committee.
2. Completion of ESCI 7000 , and at least one of the following: ESCI 6515 , ESCI 6521 , ESCI 7301 , ESCI 7310 , or ESCI 7801 . Additionally, other courses within Earth Sciences and/or outside the department as approved by the advisory committee to total a minimum of 36 graduate credits.
3. Satisfactory completion of 3 credit hours of ESCI 6700 - Earth Science Internship  or ESCI 7990 - Research/Earth Science .
4. A minimum of 70% of the total required hours must be 7000 courses. No more than a total of 12 hours of workshop courses and independent study courses may be applied to a Master’s degree.
5. Successful completion of a written Comprehensive Examination. 
6. Successful completion of a public oral presentation regarding professional experience or internship as it links to the earth sciences.