Geology, MS

Administrative Unit

This program is administered by the Office of Graduate Studies through the Department of Geosciences, College of Arts and Sciences.

Objectives

To capitalize on the world-class geology of West Texas as an outstanding natural laboratory for developing critical observational and interpretive skills.
To achieve mastery of the fundamentals in Geology at a professional level.
To provide a broad background for students who wish to pursue a career in any of the geoscience fields.
To prepare graduates for high quality, independent research in their chosen fields.
To prepare graduates to enter doctoral programs in the geosciences.

Admission Requirements

Regular graduate admission standards apply. In addition, students are expected to have completed a standard undergraduate geology curriculum or related field similar to those required for an undergraduate degree UT Permian Basin, as set forth in theUndergraduate Catalog.Students who present academic credentials lacking any of these core geology courses may be required to complete them as "leveling" courses at the discretion of the students MS Committee in addition to their graduate coursework.

Regular Admission

Bachelor's Degree in geosciences or closely related field from an accredited college or university.
Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better for all undergraduate work, no exceptions. (The overall GPA for international transcripts will be converted and reviewed by graduate program head.)
One-page statement of interests in graduate education in the geosciences and related interdisciplinary fields.
Two letters of recommendation from the applicant's most recent academic advisor, professor, or current supervisor at their place of employment.

Conditional Admission

Bachelor's Degree in geosciences or related field from an accredited college or university
Cumulative GPA of 3.0 - 2.75 or a 3.0 - 2.75 in the last 60 credit hours (The overall GPA for international transcripts will be converted and reviewed by graduate program head.)
One-page statement of interests in graduate education in the geosciences or related interdisciplinary fields.
Two letters of recommendation, one letter from the applicants most recent academic advisor, and one letter from the applicant's supervisor at their current place of employment.
At least one year of work experience in the geosciences or the related interdisciplinary field they are interested in pursuing.
In rare circumstances, an applicant with GPA below 2.75 may be considered if they have substantial work experience (three or more years) in the geosciences or the related interdisciplinary field they are interested in pursuing.
Other evidence deemed appropriate by the graduate program head.

Options

The program leading to a Master of Science degree in Geology requires a minimum of 30 sch, of graduate level courses in geology. The curriculum of courses selected by each student, in consultation with the graduate faculty committee to enable them to develop their professional interests and achieve their career goals. In the first semester the student selects an advisor, who together with the student will choose a graduate committee in accordance with the regulations of the Graduate Studies Office. The student should also decide, with the approval of the graduate committee, the proposed option for their MS degree.

The Thesis Optionrequires a minimum of 30 sch of graduate coursework in the geosciences. Students must take at least 6 sch of original research (GEOL 6399 Masters Thesis) that results in a written thesis. The completed thesis must be acceptable to the candidate's graduate committee and written in an acceptable style as recommended by the Thesis Advisor. The thesis must also conform to rules established by the Graduate Studies Office at UT Permian Basin. After final approval of the thesis by the graduate committee, the student must present a seminar on the thesis and defend its conclusions orally to the general faculty and representatives of the Graduate Studies Office. Copies of the approval thesis must be submitted to the Graduate Studies Office before the degree is conferred. A Thesis student may transfer to the Non-Thesis option provided that they fulfill all the requirements needed for that option.

The Non-Thesis Option requires students to complete a minimum of 30 sch of graduate level courses in geosciences. A Non-Thesis student may transfer to the Thesis option provided that they fulfill all the requirements needed for that option.

Accelerated Master's Program (AMP)

The Geology Accelerated Master's Program (AMP) allows academically qualified students to complete their bachelor's and master's degrees in an accelerated timeline, graduating sooner than in traditional separate consecutive programs. Qualified undergraduate students will be able to complete a portion of the required graduate coursework for the geology master's degree while studying for their geology bachelor's degree. Upon completion of all undergraduate degree requirements, the student is admitted to the geology graduate program, where the remaining master's degree requirements will be fulfilled.

Geology AMP Requirements

(In addition to general AMP requirements)

Before joining the program, students must meet with both their undergraduate advisor and graduate program head to determine their eligibility and discuss their options.
Cumulative GPA of 3.0 and 3.25 in undergraduate major.
A minimum graduate GPA of 3.0 must be maintained for continuation in the program.
Students must discuss their options with their undergraduate advisor and AMP coordinator before enrolling in classes each semester. Final decision on which courses to take and how many hours to complete each semester will be determined with the student's academic advisors based on factors like transfer credit, academic history, courses offered, etc.

Geology AMP Withdrawal and Dismissal Policies

(In addition to general AMP withdrawal and dismissal policies)

A student may withdraw from the program at any time by informing the graduate program head, Office of Graduate Studies, and Registrar in writing.
AMP students who earn less than a B in a graduate course will be put on probation for one semester. If they earn less than a B for a second time, they will be dismissed from the program.