The geosciences aim to increase our understanding of the composition and evolution of the Earth, including its fundamental role in creating the natural environment that humans inhabit. As such, this broad field addresses problems that will likely constitute some of the premier challenges for humankind in the 21st century, given the need to feed a rapidly growing world population, the continuously increasing per capita demand for natural resources, and the associated impacts such as climate change and the vast spectrum of more regional environmental impacts.

The Earth and Environmental Sciences Thesis Research, MS requires a minimum of 30 credit hours and a cumulative grade point average of 3.000. Details about program requirements can be found below.

See Curriculum Requirements and Recommended Plan of Study below.

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Curriculum Requirements

Applicants pursue a thesis program for a Master of Science degree. To be acceptable, the thesis must contain an original contribution to knowledge and be in form and of literary quality worthy of publication. Students must form a thesis committee and present a prospectus that will serve as a guideline for their thesis before the start of their fourth semester. In addition to the thesis, 24 semester hours of course work at the 6000-9000 level are required. Those expecting to continue into a Ph.D. program can either finish their Master degree or pass a Ph.D. qualifying exam before their fifth semester. 

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Recommended Plan of Study

This is an example of plan of study for the MS in Earth and Environmental Sciences Thesis Research encompassing all requirements for the program. Students are responsible for reviewing university, school, and program requirements, along with prerequisites and the sequencing of courses in coordination with their program advisor.

Plan of Study Grid

Year 1
Fall		Credit Hours
Select three Masters Electives		9
	Credit Hours	9
Spring
Select three Masters Electives		9
	Credit Hours	9
Year 2
Fall
Select one EENS Masters Elective		3
EENS 9980	Masters Research	3
Thesis Committee Formation and Prospectus		0
	Credit Hours	6
Spring
Select one EENS Masters Elective		3
EENS 9980	Masters Research	3
Thesis *
	Credit Hours	6
	Total Credit Hours	30

*

To be acceptable, the thesis must contain an original contribution to knowledge and be in form and of literary quality worthy of publication. Students must form a thesis committee and present a prospectus that will serve as a guideline for their thesis before the start of their fourth semester. 

^{Program String and Field of Study: SEMS_GR, EENM}

For more information, contact the School of Science and Engineering.