Master of Arts in Geology

Wayne State's Master of Arts (M.A.) in Geology provides students with specialized training in the geological and environmental aspects of this discipline. The M.A. has two degree options: coursework-only (Plan C) or coursework with a capstone essay (Plan B).

Students receiving this degree will be especially prepared to work in a capacity that deals with or provides solutions to environmental problems in which the intimate relationship between the environment and earth science is an important factor. Students with an M.A. will be prepared for positions in the fields of environmental and geotechnical consulting and the M.A. provides a stepping stone to career advancement in these fields.

The master's degree program involves the rigorous, in-depth study of major concepts pertaining to the earth and the techniques used to study them. Admission into the program assumes a firm foundation in the basic and elemental concepts of geology.

Geology program requirements and curriculum

The Master of Arts in Geology is offered as Plan B (master's essay) or Plan C (coursework), both requiring 32 credits.

• The Plan B (master's essay) option is similar to the Master of Science thesis option in that students work with a particular faculty mentor to write a four-credit capstone research essay, but the essay option is less research-intensive than the Master of Science thesis.
• The Plan C (coursework only) option does not require a thesis or an essay and all 32 credits must be completed as graduate coursework. The coursework-only option is ideal for professionals who wish to advance their careers by gaining valuable education and training in advanced topics related to geology and environmental science.

Many of our graduate courses are offered in multiple formats (e.g., online) to accommodate working professionals.

Funding

Many of our graduate students are fully or partially self-funded. Some of our M.S. graduate students are supported by graduate research assistantships (GRA), which are funded by faculty research grants. GRA positions are given by individual faculty members and are typically decided on after all of the applications have been received. There is no separate application for GRA positions, however, we recommend contacting the specific faculty members with whom you wish to work to find out if they have any funded positions in their research group.

The environmental science and geology department currently has one graduate teaching assistantship (GTA). There is no separate application for the GTA, but if you have an interest in teaching and would like to be considered, please detail your interest and qualifications in your application for admission.

There are a few scholarships available from the Graduate School that can also help cover tuition costs.