Duluth campus

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Duluth Campus

Geological Sciences M.S.

D Earth & Environmental Sci
Swenson College of Science and Engineering
Link to a list of faculty for this program.
Contact Information
Department of Geological Sciences, University of Minnesota Duluth, 229 Heller Hall, 1114 Kirby Drive, Duluth, MN 55812 (218-726-7239; fax: 218-726-7218)
  • Program Type: Master's
  • Requirements for this program are current for Fall 2015
  • Length of program in credits: 31
  • This program does not require summer semesters for timely completion.
  • Degree: Master of Science
Along with the program-specific requirements listed below, please read the General Information section of this website for requirements that apply to all major fields.
The master of science program in geological sciences includes areas of economic geology, geophysics, glacial geology and geomorphology, hydrogeology, igneous and metamorphic petrology, isotope and aqueous geochemistry, limnogeology, paleoclimatology, planetary geology, sedimentology and stratigraphy, surface processes, and structure-tectonics. Several of these areas are strengthened by collaboration with the Large Lakes Observatory, the Natural Resources Research Institute, and the Precambrian Research Center.
Program Delivery
  • via classroom (the majority of instruction is face-to-face)
Prerequisites for Admission
The preferred undergraduate GPA for admittance to the program is 3.00.
A four-year B.S. degree in geology or a related field in engineering, basic science, or mathematics is required.
Other requirements to be completed before admission:
Most candidates will have completed a bachelor's degree in geology, geophysics, or a related field. However, students with degrees in fields such as chemistry, physics, or biology are encouraged to apply. At least one year of study in calculus, chemistry, and physics is required. Field camp and/or undergraduate research experience is recommended.
Applicants must submit their test score(s) from the following:
  • GRE
International applicants must submit score(s) from one of the following tests:
  • TOEFL
    • Internet Based - Total Score: 79
    • Internet Based - Writing Score: 21
    • Internet Based - Reading Score: 19
    • Paper Based - Total Score: 550
  • IELTS
    • Total Score: 6.5
  • MELAB
    • Final score: 80
The preferred English language test is Test of English as Foreign Language.
Key to test abbreviations (GRE, TOEFL, IELTS, MELAB).
For an online application or for more information about graduate education admissions, see the General Information section of this website.
Program Requirements
Plan A: Plan A requires 15 major credits, 6 credits outside the major, and 10 thesis credits. The final exam is oral.
Plan B: Plan B requires 31 major credits and up to credits outside the major. The final exam is written.
This program may be completed with a minor.
Use of 4xxx courses toward program requirements is permitted under certain conditions with adviser approval.
A minimum GPA of 3.00 is required for students to remain in good standing.
At least 1 semesters must be completed before filing a Degree Program Form.
The master of science degree is offered under Plan A (thesis) and Plan B (non-thesis). Courses are selected with approval of the student's adviser and the director of graduate studies. All courses must be at the 4xxx, 5xxx, or 8xxx level, however no more than 9 credits at the 4xxx level may apply. For Plan A, a candidacy exam that involves the oral defense of a written thesis research proposal during the second semester of residency is required. For Plan B, a written candidacy exam during the second semester is required. Plan B including three Plan B papers.
Plan A or Plan B
Plan A
EES 8200 - Professional Issues in Earth and Environmental Science (1.0 cr)
EES 8777 - Thesis Credit: Master's (1.0-10.0 cr)
Required GEOL coursework
No more than 9 credits of 4xxx level courses may be accepted.
Take 14 or more credit(s) from the following:
· GEOL 4xxx
· GEOL 5xxx
· GEOL 8xxx
Related Field
In order to reach the minimum 31 credits, course(s) may be from GEOL coursework or another related field.
or Plan B
No more than 9 credits of 4xxx level courses may be accepted.
Required GEOL Coursework
Take 31 or more credit(s) from the following:
· GEOL 4xxx
· GEOL 5xxx
· GEOL 8xxx
 
More program views..
View college catalog(s):
· Swenson College of Science and Engineering

View future requirement(s):
· Fall 2020
· Fall 2019
· Fall 2016

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EES 8200 - Professional Issues in Earth and Environmental Science
Credits: 1.0 [max 1.0]
Grading Basis: S-N or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
Introduces the incoming graduate student in geological sciences to professional practice, standards and ethics, including peer review, proposal writing, ethical problems, the purpose of a university. prereq: Graduate student or instructor consent, credit will not be granted if already received for GEOL 8200
EES 8777 - Thesis Credit: Master's
Credits: 1.0 -10.0 [max 10.0]
Grading Basis: No Grade
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
(No description) prereq: Max 10 cr total required (Plan A only); max 10 credits between GEOL 8777 and EES 8777
EES 8200 - Professional Issues in Earth and Environmental Science
Credits: 1.0 [max 1.0]
Grading Basis: S-N or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
Introduces the incoming graduate student in geological sciences to professional practice, standards and ethics, including peer review, proposal writing, ethical problems, the purpose of a university. prereq: Graduate student or instructor consent, credit will not be granted if already received for GEOL 8200