Students in the department may specialize in marine geology or geophysics. Students may also obtain a joint master's degree in geology and water resources management. The graduate student is expected to acquire a broad foundation in geology or geophysics and in the supporting sciences before specializing. Courses are selected by the student in consultation with a three-member Guidance and Evaluation Committee. Field experience is emphasized as an integral part of the training.
Individual research is required in all graduate work.
It is expected that the candidate for an advanced degree will make original contributions, develop new ideas, and complete a dissertation suitable for publication. Library and research facilities are available for advanced work in all important branches of the science. Geological Survey offices in Madison, both state and federal, provide opportunities for cooperation with Survey geologists and the use of Survey facilities. The geologic and geophysical branches of the department maintain a variety of modern research laboratories in Lewis G. Weeks Hall for the Geological Sciences. Several specialized research programs are administered by the Geophysical and Polar Research Center, which is also in Weeks Hall.