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Geoscience, M.S.

Study Earth and Ocean Processes and Human-Environment Interactions
Geoscience, M.S. Program Overview

Broad Field of Study

The Department of Earth and Ocean Sciences at the University of North Carolina Wilmington offers a program of study leading to the Master of Science (M.S.) degree in geoscience.

The primary goal of the program is the development of professionals capable of conducting research and applied work in the geosciences through the broad study of modern and ancient Earth and ocean processes as well as human-environment interactions.

The program includes thesis and portfolio options, both of which provide a foundation for advanced study or employment in the geological, geospatial technology, oceanographic and environmental fields, as well as the mineral and energy industries and government agencies.

Teaching Assistantships

The department offers teaching assistantships on a competitive basis. Most students awarded assistantships also receive out-of-state tuition remissions.

To be considered for assistantship funding, applications should be submitted before January 31.

Applied Learning

All students are required to engage in original research with their advisor or participate in an internship.

The department offers internship partnerships with local entities spanning all aspects of geoscience including consulting firms, civil and coastal engineering firms, environmental NGOs, government agencies, nonprofits, and public education entities.

Graduation ceremony
“ The department created an environment that was super supportive and, I felt, guided me through my program. I learned about a lot of different disciplines due to the broadness of geoscience. ”
Geoscience, M.S. Student

Sample Courses in Geoscience

Table shows sample courses for this program
GEO 501 Research Methods in Geoscience
GEO 502 Technical Communication in Geoscience
GEO 503 Advanced Field Methods
GEO 591 Directed Independent Study
GEO 592 Topics in Geoscience
GEO 593 Advanced Topics in Earth Processes
See The Full Curriculum

Admission Deadlines & Requirements

Information: M.S. Geoscience

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  • Complete applications are reviewed for admission by the program as they are received.
  • All application and supporting documents must be received by the published deadline.

Coordinator

Location/Delivery Method

  • Main Campus

Concentrations

  • Geology - Thesis
  • Geospatial Science - Thesis
  • Earth Processes & Global Change - Thesis
  • Geology - Non Thesis
  • Geospatial Science - Non Thesis

Deadlines (11:59 p.m. EST)

  • Spring 2025:
    • November 1, 2024
  • Fall 2025:
    • Funding Priority Deadline: March 1, 2025
    • Space Available Deadline: July 1, 2025

Transcripts

  • One official transcript is required from each U.S. post-secondary institution attended. Refer to the Getting Started page for international transcript instructions.

Test Scores

  • None Required

Recommendations

  • 3 recommendations by individuals in professionally relevant fields

Additional Requirements

  1. Upload Supplemental Documents After Submission
  2. GPA Requirement:  Should have a strong overall academic record with a “B” or better average on all course work prerequisite to geoscience.
  3. Bachelor's Degree: Must have a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university in a discipline appropriate to advanced study in the geosciences.
  4. Statement of Interest: Describe your areas of interest and indicate how the completion of the M.S. in Geoscience will help you to reach your career goals. All students must have identified an advisor before being admitted to the program, so indicate in the essay, the names of faculty that share similar research interests and with whom you have contacted.
  5. Contact Faculty: Applicants must contact faculty in the Department of Earth and Ocean Sciences with whom they would like to work.
  6. Teaching Assistantship Essay: (if you wish to be considered for a Teaching Assistantship) Write an essay that explains why teaching interests you and identify some Geoscience undergraduate concentrations, subdisciplines, or courses that would best suit you as a teaching assistant.
program completion feature
program completion feature

Goals

Research competence in the geosciences

Professional competence in the assessment of water, energy and mineral resource potentials

Integrated analysis of geological and geographical data using advanced technologies

Research competence in the geosciences toward an advanced degree or professional licensure

Provide the scientific community with meaningful geologic, geographic and oceanographic data

Graduates go on to careers in:

Graduates have gone on to top-tier Ph.D. programs and successful professional careers in the geological, geospatial technology, and environmental fields, mineral and energy industries, and government agencies.

Environmental Protection Agency, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Geological Survey, South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality, U.S. Department of Energy.

Geosyntec Consultants, Inc., Tectonic Engineering, Inc., Arcadis U.S., Inc., DAI Environmental, Inc., GEI Consultants, Inc., Cardinal Geospatial, Cape Environmental, Inc., Duke Energy Corp., Schnabel Engineering DC, Inc.

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Are You an International Student?

This is a U.S. Department of Homeland Security STEM designated program that allows eligible F1 international students to apply for a 24-month optional practical training extension.

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