Program Summary

The Department of Geosciences offers a flexible Master of Science (M.S.) in Geosciences. You can focus on Geography or Geology, and you can also choose from thesis or non-thesis options. All students must complete 30 hours of graduate-level courses. Thesis students will use thesis credit hours to reach 30 total hours. In addition, the following core courses are required for the respective options:

Course List

Code	Title	Hours
Core Courses for Thesis Option
GSCI 800	Scientific Research Design	3
GSCI 899	Thesis	2-6
Total Hours		5-9

Course List

Code	Title	Hours
Core Courses for Non-Thesis Option
GSCI 685	Writing in the Sciences	3
or GSCI 800	Scientific Research Design
Total Hours		3

Total credit hours required to earn the MS - Geosciences: 30

Graduate School Graduation Requirements

All Graduate degrees¹ require:

• Maintain a C or higher in all coursework.
• Maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. (Refer to program)
• A minimum of 30-75 hours of Graduate course work. (Refer to program)
• Comprehensive Examination or equivalent assessment is required. (Master of Liberal Studies requires a Comprehensive Examination and Concentration Exam)
• Degree completion within 8 years.

¹

Refer to degree program for any additional requirements.

Plan of Study Grid

First Year
Fall		Hours
GSCI 800	Scientific Research Design	3
GSCI 600G	Kansas Geography	3
GSCI 673G	Problems in Geosciences	3
	Hours	9
Spring
GSCI 673G	Problems in Geosciences	3
GSCI 899	Thesis	1
Directed Electives		6
	Hours	10
Second Year
Fall
GSCI 662G/662LG	Vertebrate Paleontology I	3
GSCI 673G	Problems in Geosciences	3
GSCI 899	Thesis	2
	Hours	8
Spring
GSCI 899	Thesis	3
GSCI 663G/663LG	Vertebrate Paleontology II	3
Directed Electives		3
Masters Degree Comprehensive Examination/Assessment
	Hours	9
	Total Hours	36

Academic Degree Maps are term-by-term sample course plans that specify milestones, courses, and special requirements that are necessary for facilitating on-time completion. Degree Maps are examples and are not prescriptive. Individualized choices such as concentration options, transfer credits, optional minors, advisory programs (certificates), etc. can alter the recommended coursework. Course offerings are subject to change. Students should consult with their academic advisors for additional guidance on course planning.

To determine courses to take in the directed choices (often listed as Program Elective Course) and directed elective course blocks see the overview tab for courses. To locate approved courses in General Education areas (Undergraduate Programs) see the general education section of the catalog.

The undergraduate course maps typically advise the most efficient route for students to complete the general education requirements. Courses that are required in the major may be listed as fulfilling relevant general education requirements. This will result in more open elective course hours in some maps than is listed on the degree overview page.