|
|
Fall 2025 Graduate Catalog
Geosciences, MS
|
|
Degree Awarded: Master of Science in Geosciences
Chairperson: Brian Phillips, Earth and Space Sciences Building 255, (631) 632-6853
Graduate Program Director: Joel Hurowitz, Earth and Space Sciences Building 220, (631) 632-5355
Academic Programs Coordinator: Rene Andersen (631) 632-8554
As the core discipline examining Earth’s natural processes and materials, Geosciences boasts unparalleled diversity. Spurred by urgent scientific and social questions, ranging from environmental concerns to the origin and evolution of the planet itself, the Geosciences are experiencing remarkable growth, with excellent career opportunities. The Geosciences encompass many disciplines including geology, geochemistry, and geophysics, and its interdisciplinary nature fosters natural links not only with chemistry and physics, but also with environmental science, materials science, engineering, biology, and health fields. Developments in technology and new innovative approaches have transformed graduate study in many areas within Geosciences, and students participate in research utilizing state-of-the-art instrumentation and facilities.
Graduate students may choose among degree programs with emphasis in different areas in Geosciences. Ph.D. and M.S. thesis-based programs are offered with concentrations in areas including seismology and tectonics, mineral and rock physics, crystal chemistry, geochemistry, petrology, sedimentary geology, planetary geosciences, and hydrogeology (described in more detail below). Also offered is an M.A. in Teaching Earth Science, which leads to provisional certification for teaching earth science in secondary schools of New York State.
|
Admission Requirements
Application Website For admission to the Graduate Program in Geosciences, the following, in addition to the Graduate School requirements, are required: - A bachelor’s degree in one of the earth or space sciences or in biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, or engineering.
- A minimum average of B for all undergraduate coursework and a B average for courses in the sciences.
- Acceptance by both the Department and the Graduate School.
Please note that Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Test scores will not be considered or accepted in application materials. In special cases, a student not meeting requirements A and B may be admitted on a conditional basis. Upon admission, the student will be informed of the requirements that must be satisfied for termination of this status. The Department of Geosciences offers programs leading to the MAT, MS, and PhD degrees in the Geosciences. The Master of Arts in Teaching degree in Earth Science is a non-thesis degree for which all requirements can be completed in three semesters. The MS degree with concentration in Hydrogeology is a non-thesis MS with most courses offered at times appropriate for working professionals. **NOT accepting applications into this program for 2025 - 26 Academic Year** The MS degree with a concentration in Earth and Space Sciences is a nonthesis program for New York State teachers who have initial certification but need a Master’s degree to become fully certified, and to become certified in Earth Science. There are no other residence or language requirements. **NOT accepting applications into this program for 2025 - 26 Academic Year** The MS degree in Geosciences with thesis is typically not a terminal degree. Many students seeking PhD candidacy first earn an MS degree. Students become candidates for the PhD in Geosciences by completing preparatory work leading to successful completion of the PhD preliminary examination. Students are urged to obtain a more detailed description of procedures from the Geosciences Graduate Handbook. Final responsibility for adhering to degree requirements and meeting all deadlines rests solely with the student. Requirements for the MS Degree with Thesis in Geosciences
The MS in Geosciences with thesis is typically a nonterminal degree completed by some students before seeking PhD candidacy. All requirements for the MS degree must be completed within a period of three years after entry. There are no residence or language requirements. Course Requirements
Students must successfully complete a program of 30 graduate credits, including a minimum of 18 credits in approved academic courses. Astudent must achieve a 3.0 overall grade point average in all graduate courses taken at Stony Brook to receive a degree. MS Thesis
The MS thesis is the document that summarizes the individual research carried out by the student, under faculty advisement. The document must satisfy Graduate School and the thesis committee requirements. The MS thesis defense consists of a short public presentation of the major results of the thesis. This is followed by a closed examination. Final acceptance of the thesis is indicated when all committee members have signed the thesis signature page. Students will register for GEO 590 or 599 while undertaking thesis research. Requirements for the MS Degree with Concentration in Earth and Space Science
The non thesis MS with a concentration in Earth and Space Science requires a total of 31 credits. Of these 31 credits, 30 credits must be from courses with the ESS designator or other approved graduate courses in the fields of astronomy, atmospheric sciences or geosciences. Individual course programs will be developed for each student in consultation with the Earth Science education advisor based on the student’s academic background and intended goals All students are required to complete
Requirements for the MS Degree with Concentration in Hydrogeology
The non-thesis MS with a concentration in Hydrogeology requires a total of 30 credits. Of these 30 credits, at least 21 credits must be in the required and approved courses and at least six credits must be in approved research. A minimum overall grade point average of B is required.Students are required to complete the four core courses in category A; one course from category B (if a student is deficient in either writing or communication skills, computer programming, or statistics); and one, two, or three courses from category C. There are no residence or language requirements. Category A
4 courses for 12 credits Category B
Choice of one course for 3 credits, as determined by the program - AMS 576 Statistical Methods for Social Scientists
- EST 588 Technical Communication for Management and Engineering
Category C
Up to three courses for 9 credits Research
n addition to formal coursework, the curriculum for the M.S. with concentration in Hydrogeology includes a minimum of six credits of research,either GEO 590 or GEO 599 , after consultation with the appropriate professor. This research is to be carried out over a period of two or more semesters, and will be designed through a mutual consultation between the student and one or more members of the participating faculty. The purpose of the research is to give the student experience at solving hydrogeological problems. It may utilize field, laboratory, or theoretical approaches. The program of research will culminate in a written report to be approved by three designated faculty. |
|
|