Coastal Plain Geology field trip Marsh studies GPR studies on Wrightsville Beach

Program Overview

The Department of Geography and Geology at the University of North Carolina Wilmington offers a program of study leading to the Master of Science (M.S.) degree in geology. The general focus of the program is the development of professional geologists capable of conducting research in geology through broadly-based study of modern geological processes and their ancient analogs.

The program includes both a thesis and non-thesis option, both of which provide a foundation for employment in the environmental fields, mineral and energy industries, and government agencies. In addition the thesis option prepares students for advanced study leading to the doctoral degree while the non-thesis option (NTO) provides a foundation for employment as an entry-level professional geologist in environmental fields and firms, mineral and energy industries, and government agencies.  Completion of the NTO assists students toward professional licensure.

Specific goals of the program are to provide advanced research and educational opportunities in the geological sciences, and to prepare geologists for solving contemporary geologic problems. Specific objectives are: 1) to develop research competence in geology; 2) to develop professional competence in the assessment of water, energy and mineral resource potentials; 3) to develop a level of research competence in geology that encourages continued effort towards the doctoral degree; and, 4) to provide the scientific community with meaningful geological data.

The Department offers teaching and research assistantships on a competitive basis. The majority of students awarded assistantships also receive tuition remissions.

Applications should be received by April 15 (midnight EST) for the fall semester and October 15 (midnight EST) for the spring semester.

For further information contact:

Dr. Michael Smith, Graduate Program Coordinator, 910 962-3496, smithms@uncw.edu
Dr. Lynn Leonard, Department Chair, 910 962-2338, lynnl@uncw.edu


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