College of Arts and Sciences | CAS Search | CAS-ITGeography - Geology

Course Descriptions

For a full listing of the of courses offered, please visit the University Graduate catalog.

Advising & Admission Requirements

Degree Requirements:

The department has a focused graduate program, offering a Masters degree in the field of hydrogeology.  A masters degree can be obtained through two routes: the original research thesis option and the non-thesis option.  The requirements for each type of degree are listed below.

Thesis Option Requirements

  • 32 Credit Hours
  • 15 hours of required courses
  • 4-6 thesis research

Non Thesis Option Requirements

  • 32 credit hours
  • 15 hours of required courses
  • Comprehensive Exams

Course Work

The program of study that leads to a Masters in Hydrogeology involves a series of required courses as well as electives. Courses taken at other institutions may constitute fulfillment of some of the degree requirements. For both the thesis and non-thesis degree options, a total of 32 credit hours is required for graduation.

Required Courses

Elective Courses

Admission Requirements:

Unconditional admission to the program requires students to have completed a baccalaureate degree in geology or earth science that includes the course work listed below.  Students with degrees  from other natural sciences and engineering may apply, and course deficiencies will be determined from transcript evaluation.

  • Chemistry (2 semesters)
  • Physics (2 semesters)
  • Calculus (2 semesters)
  • Physical Geology
  • Historical Geology
  • Petrology
  • Sedimentology/Stratigraphy
  • Mineralogy
  • Structural Geology
  • Geomorphology or Glacial Geology
  • Geology Field Camp

Graduate Assistantship Requirements:

There are also minimum standards for receiving a Graduate Assistantship.  You must have a undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) or a combined GRE score greater than 1000.