M.S. Thesis OptionsOption One: Research ThesisMinimum requirements for graduation:

• 24 course credits
• 6 research credits (Geol697)
• 2 credits of Geol699- Geology Colloquium
• Original research Thesis

Supervision:

• Graduate Advisor
• Research Committee (3 members)

Goal:

• To prepare students for future Ph.D. studies or employment in geological research. The Thesis option is an intensive experience, involving more focused coursework and a relatively open-ended, and challenging project.

Option Two: Professional StudiesMinimum requirements for graduation:

• 33 course credits
• 6 research credits (Geol692)
• 2 credits of Geol699- Geology Colloquium
• 1 semester-long Project with a sharp deadline

Supervision:

• Faculty Advisor

Goal:

• The Professional Studies option is designed to simulate the work of professional geologists. Projects must be completed within a specified time frame, but they may be carried out in conjunction with off-campus work.

M.S. Course Selection:Breath requirement:To encourage diversification, graduate-level courses from at least five different faculty (Geology or non-Geology) must be taken.Level of courses:All coursework applied towards the degree must be at graduate level (400 or higher). No more than 40% of the courses may be at the 400-level (upper division undergraduate course). Option 1 - A maximum of 12 credits of 400-level courses Option 2- A maximum of 16 credits of 400-level coursesUndergrad PrerequisitesM.S. students must have completed or intend to complete the equivalent of science and mathematics courses required for the Geology B.S. at WVU. If a student did not take these courses, they will normally be required to make them up while at WVU.

• Geology 101,102: Physical Geology (4 credits)
• Geology 103,104: Historical Geology (4 credits)
• Geology 284: Mineralogy (3 credits)
• Geology 285: Petrology (3 credits)
• Geology 311: Stratigraphy/Sedimentation (3 credits)
• Geology 341: Structural Geology (3 credits)
• Geology 404: Geology Field Camp (6 credits)
• Statistics 111 (3 credits)
• Mathematics (6 credits)
  • Math 115 and 116 OR two advanced statistics classes (Stat 215, Stat 231, or Stat 331)
• Chemistry (6 credits): Chem 110 and 111 OR Chem 115 and 116
• Physics (6 credits): Phys 101 and 102 OR Phys 111 and 112

Qualified students from non-geology backgrounds are encouraged to apply, but they will be required to remediate their geoscience background. Contact the admissions chair for details.

Minimum Grades and Course LoadMinimum GPA for M.S. degree3.0A minimum course load for TA's and RA's9-12 credit hours 

AdvisingNew students meet with an Advising Committees before the first week of classes in order to develop a Plan of Study. Each student is assigned a tentative Advisor. Option II students retain their Advising Committee and Advisor for the duration of their residency. Option I students adopt a Research Committee and Advisor that replaces the role of the Advising Committee by the end of their first year in residency.