Both majors are designed to provide students with a sound background in the fundamentals of the geological sciences in both theory and application. In either case, students typically present their work at national or regional meetings of professional organizations and may submit their work for publication in a professional journal. With an appropriate minor, this curriculum will adequately prepare a student for graduate school or a career in the geological or environmental sciences. The Master of Science degree in Geology is designed to produce well-rounded geologists who can easily accept professional roles in the environmental, petroleum or mining industries, in government, or as independent consultants. In addition, the curriculum prepares students if they choose to pursue a doctoral degree at another institution.
Interdisciplinary study is encouraged.
Admission Requirements Admission to the program requires a baccalaureate degree in geology with an undergraduate grade point average of 3.0 or greater in the major. Undergraduate course work must be at least equivalent to the minimum B.S. course requirements in geology at Central Michigan University. This includes summer field camp or its equivalent, one year of chemistry, one year of physics, and mathematics through calculus in addition to the upper division geology courses required on our curriculum. Undergraduate deficiencies must be removed without graduate credit. Persons with a baccalaureate degree in another area of science may be approved for admission to the program by a special admissions committee, which will prescribe an individual plan of study designed to remove deficiencies.