Geology - Master of Arts, Master of Science

Miami University

Internationally prominent research at all levels of geology and environmental earth science

Graduate programs in Geology include a non-thesis, coursework-based M.A., a research thesis-based M.S., and a research-intensive Ph.D. culminating in a dissertation that typically comprises published, and/or submitted journal articles.

Related Careers

Education Administrator (postsecondary)
Archeologist

Curriculum and Courses

GLG 647
GLG 710
Electives selected from 500- to 700-level GLG course offerings

M.A. program

The Master of Arts degree is a non-thesis program requiring 30 credit hours of coursework, at least 15 hours of which must be in geology and at least 12 of those hours at the 600 level or above. Students may select up to 15 credit hours of coursework in cognate disciplines, with the approval of their committee. Students must pass an oral examination prior to receipt of the degree. Of the courses in geology at least 4 must be taken from different faculty.

Student Learning Outcomes

Students will describe the major theories and research methods, including the sources they are based on, within several areas of the geosciences and related fields.
Students will demonstrate proficiency with the use of tools, technologies and methods common to the geosciences and with the application of the scientific method to geoscience problem solving.
Students will demonstrate ability to communicate effectively through written and verbal means within several areas of the geosciences and related fields as well as a broader audience.

The M.S. program requires a minimum of 30 credit hours consisting of 24 hours of course work of which four courses must be taken from different faculty, plus 6 semester hours of credit for thesis. There is no single prescribed curriculum for all graduate students. Course programs are developed by consultation between students and their graduate-study committees in line with the students' needs and interest. All M.S. degree candidates present an oral thesis proposal before the end of the second semester of residence. A final oral defense of thesis research is held after the thesis is completed. There is no language requirement for the M.S. degree.

Student Learning Outcomes

Students will describe the major theories and research methods, including the sources they are based on, within several areas of the geosciences and related fields
Students will demonstrate an in-depth knowledge in the student's area of specialization by describing current limits of theory, knowledge and/or practice in the specialty and by explaining the full range of challenges associated with their specialty.
Students will design and conduct an original geosciences research project, with sufficient data, analytical methodologies, illustrated results, and logical interpretations
Students will demonstrate ability to communicate effectively through written and verbal means within their area of specialization and to a broader audience.