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Geology - M.S.

Dive deeper into the forces shaping our planet with Kent State’s M.S. in Geology, where you will explore everything from climate change and natural resources to geohazards and Earth system evolution. Through hands-on research and specialized study, you will build the advanced skills needed to tackle real-world environmental challenges and pursue careers in consulting, resource management or beyond.

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Master's Degree in Geology

Kent State University's Master of Science in Geology provides students with advanced knowledge and research skills in the study of Earth's processes, materials, and history. The program offers specialized coursework and hands-on research opportunities in areas such as hydrogeology, environmental geology, geochemistry, and tectonics. With a focus on both theoretical understanding and practical application, the M.S. in Geology prepares students for careers in environmental consulting, resource management, and governmental agencies, or for further academic pursuits. Graduates are equipped to address complex geological challenges and contribute to advancements in Earth sciences.

Program Information for Geology - M.S.

Program Description

Full Description

The Master of Science degree in Geology provides qualified students the opportunity for advanced study in a wide variety of geologic fields. Focus areas include environmental research (water, surface and subsurface processes; geohazards; and natural resources), as well as evolution of earth's systems research (climate change, paleoecology and evolution, crustal processes).

Admissions for Geology - M.S.

For more information about graduate admissions, visit the graduate admission website. For more information on international admissions, visit the international admission website.

Admission Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university
  • Minimum 2.750 undergraduate GPA on a 4.000-point scale
  • Official transcript(s)
  • Goal statement
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • English language proficiency - all international students must provide proof of English language proficiency (unless they meet specific exceptions to waive) by earning one of the following:1
    • Minimum 79 TOEFL iBT score
    • Minimum 6.5 IELTS score
    • Minimum 58 PTE score
    • Minimum 110 DET score
1

International applicants who do not meet the above test scores may be considered for conditional admission.

Application Deadlines

  • Fall Semester
    • Priority deadline: January 15

Applications submitted by this deadline will receive the strongest consideration for admission.

Learning Outcomes

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

  1. Show in-depth comprehension of several areas, including both basic and applied aspects of geology/earth sciences.
  2. Formulate testable scientific hypotheses and carry out independent research using appropriate field, experimental, analytical and/or computational methods.
  3. Describe, synthesize and interpret the results of a scientific investigation and understand its broader applications.

Coursework

On This Page

Program Requirements

Major Requirements

Major Requirements
ESCI 60084GEOLOGY GRADUATE STUDENT ORIENTATION 1
ESCI 60086FIELD METHODS IN THE EARTH SCIENCES 1
ESCI 60291SEMINAR: WRITING IN THE EARTH SCIENCES 1
ESCI 60591SEMINAR: DATA ANALYSIS AND PRESENTATION 1
Earth Sciences (ESCI) Graduate Electives (50000 level or higher) 122
Culminating Requirement
ESCI 60199THESIS I 26
Minimum Total Credit Hours:32
1

Students must complete minimum 8 credit hours at or above the 60000 level.

2

Upon the completion of the thesis proposal defense, students must register for ESCI 60199 each semester and, if necessary, for ESCI 60299 thereafter, until all thesis requirements have been met. Credit hours for ESCI 60299 do not count toward the degree.

Graduation Requirements
Minimum Major GPA Minimum Overall GPA
3.000
  • Students must participate in required orientation and colloquia.
  • Students must accept and publicly defend thesis that incorporates the results of a program of original geologic research.
  • All students will have a fundamental knowledge and understanding of earth materials by the end of the second year in the program. This will be fulfilled by a lecture and lab course in Earth materials or an equivalent course related to mineralogy and/or petrology as determined by the graduate coordinator.
  • No more than one-half of a graduate student’s coursework may be taken in 50000-level courses.
  • Grades below C are not counted toward completion of requirements for the degree.
Program Delivery

  • Delivery:
    • In person
  • Location:
    • Kent Campus

Important Dates

There are several deadlines (including those for applying for graduation, completing the thesis/dissertation defense, and presentation of thesis/dissertation to the Office of Graduate Affairs, College Sciences and Humanities) that must be met in order to graduate in a timely fashion. If the student applies for graduation in one term and is delayed in finishing the work, it is necessary to file a re-application in the Office of Graduate Affairs, College of Sciences and Humanities during the term in which graduation is anticipated.

Additional Resources

View our list of forms and downloads.

Frequently Asked Questions

What options do I have when selecting formal coursework to fit my course of study?

The department requires a certain amount of formal coursework. Keep in mind that in addition to the formal courses offered in the department, you have the following options available to help you develop the skills you need:

  • You can take courses at the University of Akron, Cleveland State University, and Youngstown State University through the Memorandum of Understanding, without transfer.
  • You can take courses in allied fields.
Can I pursue two Masters degrees simultaneously or sequentially at KSU?

Yes you can, please contact your advisor for more information.

Where can I go to get the thesis style guide and the necessary forms I will need as I progress through the program?

The KSU College of Sciences and Humanities Style Guide and Instructions for Formatting Theses and Dissertations (updated Fall 2015) is available in the main Earth Sciences office. You can also access these materials from this website (see above), or at the appropriate page in the Sciences and Humanities website. Libraries and Media Services also provides guidelines for preparing your thesis or dissertation to help you complete the process.

How much time do I have to complete my degree?

See the University policy for degree completion.

Application for extension of time limits

What about my enrollment status?

The Department of Earth Sciences requires all Department and University funded students to be enrolled full-time (at least 8 credits) during the academic year. Students who are not funded by the department are recommended to be enrolled full-time to ensure that they make continued progress toward their degree and to save on tuition and fees by shortening their time to degree.

For additional enrollment requirements consult the University Graduate Catalog.

Examples of Possible Careers and Salaries for Geology - M.S.

Graduates of Kent State’s M.S. Degree in Geology are well-prepared for advanced roles in environmental consulting, natural resource exploration, and geotechnical industries. The program’s emphasis on both research and practical fieldwork equips students with specialized knowledge in areas such as hydrogeology, environmental geology, and geophysics. Graduates often pursue careers as senior geologists, environmental scientists, and resource managers, addressing challenges in water management, energy exploration, and environmental sustainability.

Atmospheric, earth, marine, and space sciences teachers, postsecondary

2.6%

slower than the average

14,000

number of jobs

$101,390

potential earnings

Geological technicians, except hydrologic technicians

1.5%

slower than the average

9,800

number of jobs

$48,390

potential earnings

Geoscientists, except hydrologists and geographers

3.2%

about as fast as the average

25,100

number of jobs

$99,240

potential earnings

Hydrologic technicians

-2.1%

decline

3,100

number of jobs

$58,570

potential earnings

Hydrologists

-0.1%

little or no change

6,300

number of jobs

$92,060

potential earnings

Natural sciences managers

3.7%

about as fast as the average

104,300

number of jobs

$161,180

potential earnings

Notice: Career Information Source
* Source of occupation titles and labor data comes from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook. Data comprises projected percent change in employment over the next 10 years; nation-wide employment numbers; and the yearly median wage at which half of the workers in the occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less.

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