Site visits are encouraged. Specific requirements for the Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees, are outlined in the University of Massachusetts Graduate School Bulletin . This publication is forwarded to all students in North America upon formal request for admission materials . In addition to the general requirements of the Graduate School, all candidates for the Ph.D. are expected to have a background approximately equivalent to our M.S. degree in geology or geography, although this by no means precludes individualized programs for those with special strength in another discipline. Normally a candidate will write a thesis, but it is possible to elect a program of study that does not include writing a thesis.
Field work is a central feature of the research of most faculty members.
Students are encouraged to interact with faculty representing several sub-disciplines in the field. The Five College Consortium promotes academic cooperation between Amherst, Hampshire, Mount Holyoke, and Smith Colleges and the University of Massachusetts. In addition to the requirements of the Graduate School, a candidate for the M.S. in geography must complete a prescribed number of courses within the program, a prescribed number of courses in related fields, and either a master's thesis or a general exam. The program is designed to take two years to complete. Courses are selected by students in consultation with a faculty adviser, and the thesis or general exam is reviewed by a committee composed of two or more faculty members, one of whom may be from outside the Department.