master of science in earth science

Master of Science in Earth Science

The master's program in Earth Science trains students for careers in industry and government.
It also provides preparation for those who wish to do further graduate study.
Graduates typically find employment in the environmental, hydrogeological,
engineering geology, energy, or mineral industries.
Students are encouraged to participate in basic research under the direction of departmental faculty.

Requirements for admission Graduate student handbook

Thesis Option Research Project Option

Master's in Earth Science: Requirements for Admission to the Program

Students must fulfill the requirements for admission to the Graduate College.
Possession of a degree from an accredited college or university.
Undergraduate grade point average of 2.75 or higher (on a 4 point scale).

Additional requirements for admission to the Master of Science in Earth Science Program:
15 credit hours of Earth Science*, including a course in Field Geology.
8 credit hours of Chemistry*, including at least one lab course.
8 credit hours of Physics*, including at least one lab course.
*All courses must be at or above the 200-level.
Applicants lacking up to six credit hours of the above requirements may be admitted conditionally but must remove the deficiency as soon as possible.

Master's in Earth Science: Degree Requirements

Thesis Option (Option 1) Research Project Option (Option 2)

24 credit hours of courses at the 300 and 400 level**
6 credit hours for ESCI 499: Master's Thesis in Earth Science
Oral presentation and defense of Thesis
TOTAL 30 credit hours
30 credit hours of courses at the 300 and 400 level**
3 credit hours for ESCI 498: Master's Research Project in Earth Science
Oral presentation and defense of Research Project
TOTAL 33 credit hours

**For students admitted to Master's programs prior to the Fall 1997 semester, the majority of courses applied to the Master's degree must be 400-level; a limited number of appropriate 300-level courses are applicable.
For students admitted to Master's programs for the Fall 1997 semester and thereafter, all graduate credits will be at the 400-level, except for a limited number of 300-level courses specifically approved for graduate degree credits. Students may apply up to three of these 300-level courses, to a maximum of ten credit hours, to fulfill program requirements.

Financial Assistance:

A limited number of teaching and graduate research assistantships as well as tuition waivers are available. Contact the program office for additional information.

Graduate Student Handbook

Contact the Graduate Advisor
Karen S. Bartels, Ph.D.
773-442-6052

Graduate College Home Page | Earth Science Department Home Page | Northeastern Illinois University Home Page

Thesis Option (Option 1)	Research Project Option (Option 2)
24 credit hours of courses at the 300 and 400 level 6 credit hours for ESCI 499: Master's Thesis in Earth Science Oral presentation and defense of Thesis TOTAL 30 credit hours**	30 credit hours of courses at the 300 and 400 level 3 credit hours for ESCI 498: Master's Research Project in Earth Science Oral presentation and defense of Research Project TOTAL 33 credit hours**