Earth Sciences, M.S.

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Program Overview

The Department of Earth, Environmental, and Geographical Sciences offers a Master of Science in Earth Sciences degree with opportunities for study and research in the areas of geology, hydrology, atmospheric science, surface processes, environmental science, remote sensing, and geospatial analysis. Graduate students have access to faculty with a broad range of expertise, as well as access to extensive field, laboratory, and computing facilities. Graduates of the Course-Only MS option will be prepared for careers such as environmental consultants, geologists in the energy and mining industries, regulators and applied practitioners in some government agencies, and Earth Sciences teachers in secondary schools. The Research option prepares graduates for these careers as well as careers in research labs or most government agencies, and for admission to geology, hydrology, atmospheric sciences, Earth sciences, and environmental sciences Ph.D. programs and interdisciplinary Ph.D. programs such as UNC Charlotte’s Infrastructure and Environmental Systems (INES) program.

College of Humanities and earth and social sciences

Program Contact

Brian Magi, Ph.D.

Associate Professor of Atmospheric Sciences, Earth Sciences M.S. Graduate Program Director

Brian.Magi@charlotte.edu

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Find out more about the M.S. in Earth Sciences program and learn if it is a good fit for you by speaking with Program Director, Brian Magi.

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Earth Sciences, M.S. at a Glance

Students choose one of two paths to pursue an MS Earth Sciences: 1) The Course-Only option that centers on class work, or 2) The Research option that emphasizes Earth Sciences research methods. Both develop core knowledge and skills necessary for practice in Earth Sciences professions or for preparation for PhD programs. For the Course-Only option, students work to complete coursework from a wide range of graduate level course options, and the capstone is a Comprehensive Exam that itself is based on the completed coursework. For the Research option, students work on coursework and, with the guidance of a faculty mentor and subject-expert, on a research project focused on a topic in geology, hydrology, atmospheric science, remote sensing, spatial analysis, or environmental science. The capstone is a Master's Thesis or Project based on the research the student undertakes. Either option can be completed in four semesters of full-time study.

credit hours

30 Credit Hours

early entry

Options available

format

Thesis and Non-Thesis Options

GRE scores

not required

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Already a 49er? Early Entry Option Available

Exceptional undergraduate students in UNC Charlotte’s Earth Sciences program may apply to the Early Entry Program to begin work toward a Earth Sciences M.S. graduate degree before completion of the bachelor’s degree.

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