The Department of Geology faculty members educate future geoscientists through innovative teaching practices and opportunities for significant graduate student participation in cutting-edge research. Five Master of Science specializations: Geology, Earth Science, Geophysics, Engineering Geology, and Environmental Geology share the common goal of preparing students for today’s diverse geoscience careers in the public and private sector, or for continued Ph.D. study. The focus of The Department of Geology is national prominence in the area of environmental change research.

The Department’s Terrestrial Records of Environmental Change (TREC) research initiative encompasses the study of both natural and human-induced environmental change. TREC research covers such diverse but related topics as: hydrogeology; paleoclimate reconstruction in the U.S., Africa, and Pacific; climate change; glacial geology; modern siliciclastic and carbonate sedimentology; geomorphology; and geochemistry. In these areas of research, graduate students develop problem-solving skills as they create new knowledge and address topics of societal relevance. To complete their research, students routinely spend considerable time in the field and in state-of-the-science analytical and computer laboratories, thereby developing the skills required of professional earth scientists. Active research programs are maintained by external funding from the National Science Foundation, Environmental Protection Agency, and regional and statewide agencies. The Department’s earth science education research also enhances graduate student training. Many graduate classes are structured around the use of group or individual semester-long, research projects allowing for a deeper understanding of the theory and practical applications of many geoscience subjects.

Each applicant is required to submit;

• an admission application form by going to http://www.uakron.edu/gradsch/forms.php and applying online
• official college/university transcripts.

It is highly recommended that students also submit;

• three letters of recommendation and
• graduate assistantship application form to the graduate school.

The academic background of each incoming graduate student will be reviewed during the student’s first semester by a faculty committee (3 members) to determine whether background deficiencies exist for his/her planned program of study and to remedy any deficiencies. The admissions standards for the five M.S. degree specializations are listed below.

Geology
The minimal background for admission without deficiency should include a six-credit geology field camp course and equivalents to courses in mineralogy, petrology, structural geology, sedimentology/stratigraphy, and any two upper level geology courses. Students should have completed the equivalent of a minimum of six semester courses in introductory chemistry, physics, biology, calculus or equivalents; including at least one semester of calculus, physics and chemistry.

Earth Science
Equivalents of the current geology courses for the University’s B.A. in geology are required.

Geophysics
Equivalents of the geology, cognate science and mathematics requirements for the University’s B.S. in geophysics are required.

Engineering Geology
This program is for the graduate engineer and geologist who wishes to broaden expertise in the other field. The entering student who has some deficiencies in either engineering or geology may have to satisfy one or more of the following requirements while proceeding with graduate studies. A committee of engineering geology faculty will determine appropriate coursework on an individual basis.

3370:101 Introductory Physical Geology 4;

3370:210 Geomorphology 3;

3370:350 Structural Geology 4;

3450:221,2,3 Analytical Geometry Calculus I, II, III 12;

4300:201 Statics 3;

4300:202 Introduction to Mechanics of Solids 3;

4300:313 Soil Mechanics 3;

4300:314 Geotechnical Engineering 3

Environmental Geology
Equivalents of the University’s B.S. degree in natural science (biology, chemistry, geology, mathematics, or physics) or engineering, plus the equivalent of the University’s minor in geology and Geology Field Camp I an II are required.

Earth and environmental sciences affect every Ohioan, whether it is the air that they breathe, the water that they drink, the resources (gas, coal, stone, minerals) that they consume, the green space that they use for leisure, or the soil that they live on. In northeast Ohio, the coexistence of industrialization with residence requires thoughtful examination of our relationship to the natural world. The M.S. program in Geology contributes to the region and state by producing skilled scientists capable of addressing these many issues. Through a variety of professional capacities, alumni of our program advise on, direct, and carry out activities that allow wise decisions on development, environmental cleanup, and resource extraction. The majority of our M.S. graduates have gone on to careers in environmental assessment & remediation, resource management/development, environmental protection, geotechnical design, and education in the state of Ohio. This directly supports the state economy and the well-being of our citizens. In addition, the Department contributes to the state by receiving external grants that are used to address local and state concerns, and to support graduate students.

Students undertake the graduate program with many different objectives in mind. For some, the only desire is to broaden their knowledge of the science. Others find that the graduate degree is an important qualification for obtaining employment, or advancing in their organization. The Department of Geology assists graduate students in being well qualified for employment in both the public and private sectors, as well as in continuing their education in Ph.D. programs. Whether the graduate seeks employment in the private sector, education, or the government, the Department provides information about currently available jobs. Our objective is to help the student make use of their skills in a way that best suits their desires and capabilities. Additionally, lecturers from both the public and private sectors who discuss their own professional geoscience careers are routinely brought to campus for our seminar series. Current job lists are posted in the department and circulated by email to the geology students. As a professional development and networking strategy, all graduate students are strongly encouraged to present their research results at professional geoscience meetings. Between 1990 and 2004 a total of 117 students have graduated with an M.S. degree, and 93% percent of them now have a career in the geosciences. Half of the completed U.S. graduate students now working in the geosciences are doing so in Ohio.