Master of Science in Geology

Wayne State's Master of Science (M.S.) in Geology prepares students to assume a position of responsibility as a professional geologist or to enter a program leading to the doctor of philosophy in geology or a related discipline at another university. The M.S. is designed to provide the students with special training in the environmental aspects of this discipline in keeping with the urban setting of Wayne State University. Students receiving the master's degree will be especially prepared to work in a capacity that deals with or provides solutions to environmental problems in which an intimate relationship between the environment and earth science is an important factor. 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.

Although there are no cognate courses required for the Master of Science degree, geology majors should consult their advisor regarding cognate courses which will be of value to their particular program. Depending on interests and future goals, courses in mathematics, physics, chemistry, and computer science, and especially those in chemical and civil engineering may be of particular value. Admission to this program is contingent upon admission to the Graduate School. Additionally, candidates are required to have an undergraduate major in geology, or a strong background in geology supported by courses in related sciences, and a grade point average of at least 3.0 in the major. Prerequisite study should include many of the following courses:mineralogy, petrology, sedimentation, geomorphology, environmental geochemistry, structural geology, plus a course in any two of the following fields: paleontology, stratigraphy, geological site assessment, geostatistics, and geophysics.

Two semesters of calculus, a year of chemistry and a year of physics are also necessary. Deficiencies in prerequisites may be made up concurrently with graduate work.

The verbal and quantitative parts of the Graduate Record Examination are required for admission to the graduate program, and the applicant must file three personal letters of recommendation and a personal statement describing goals and motivations for pursuing an M.S. Geology degree before acceptance.

To establish English proficiency, you are required to submit an official qualifying score meeting minimum Graduate School requirements. The Graduate School's English Language Proficiency requirements are the absolute minimum, programs can set higher minimum standards. You are expected to meet the requirements set by your program of interest.

IELTS 6.5 (overall band), 79 internet-based (iBT and iBT Home Edition) 550 paper-based (PBT)