Geology

Students studying for a Master of Science in Geology degree learn advanced theory and applications of earth materials, structures and/or processes while completing a directed research thesis.

Thesis projects for this degree address diverse topics ranging from:

• exploration for natural resources, including metals, petroleum and water;
• addressing problems associated with human impacts on the environment; and
• investigating earth’s history to understand the evolution of life and global climate change.

Our Faculty

The Department of Geology and Environmental Science faculty maintain research programs to study topics as diverse as:

• ground water
• pollution impacts
• microbe-mineral interactions
• environmental change
• biodiversity
• remote sensing of buried structures

External funding and alumni support allow faculty to support student research. The faculty provides a broad-based education focused on both academic and applied aspects of the geological and environmental sciences.

Admission Requirements

• Three letters of recommendation
• Statement of purpose

Full 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.

Application Deadline

Applications to the master's degree program in Geology are accepted on a rolling basis.

Additional Information

Hands-on Research

Graduate student tuition waivers and paid assistantships are awarded on a competitive basis.

Geology and environmental science students apply state-of-art field and laboratory techniques to study geologic and environmental issues in Ohio and around the world. Students use modern equipment in the field for computer mapping, and in the laboratory for studying the chemical, mineralogical, magnetic, biologic, and physical properties of rock, sediment and water samples. Many courses have a component that involves a practical problem that is examined using field and laboratory methods. 

Field trips throughout Ohio and to locations such as the Bahamas, Rocky Mountains, and Adirondacks expose students to a wide range of geology.

M.S. thesis research projects allow students to explore topics of interest in great depth, and with the guidance of a faculty mentor.

Real-World Experience

Geology and environmental science students gain the skills necessary to compete in the workforce or continue in a graduate program. Students are provided opportunities through research-orientated courses, paid laboratory assistantships and summer internships to gain practical professional experience. Summer Field Camp in South Dakota and Wyoming further provides students practical experience in geology.

Research studies by students and faculty have been applied to solving local environmental issues such as:

• the effects of dam removal along the Cuyahoga River;
• monitoring ground water flow and contamination;
• mapping resources in Metro Parks; and
• laboratory analyses for local industries.

Geology Student Organizations

Interact with other geology students and professionals in the field through organizations such as:

• Geology Club
• Student chapter of the Association of American Petroleum Geologists

Assistantship/Scholarship Information

Not all departments offer graduate assistantships. Students should inquire with the department directly to determine assistantship availability.

Financial Aid Information

Paying for college is a vital part of the education process. It is important to be informed of the many sources of aid available. Student loans are available to degree-seeking graduate students. Information on student loans can be found through the Office of Student Financial Aid. The Office of Student Financial Aid is located in Simmons Hall.

Tuition and Fees

Current tuition and fees schedules can be found through the Office of Student Accounts.