Geosciences | Master of Science: Geosciences
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:
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Core Courses for Thesis Option | ||
| GSCI 800 | Scientific Research Design | 3 |
| GSCI 899 | Thesis | 2-6 |
| Total Hours | 5-9 | |
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Core Courses for Non-Thesis Option | ||
| GSCI 685G | Writing in the Sciences | 3 |
| or GSCI 800 | Scientific Research Design | |
| Total Hours | 3 | |
Total credit hours required to earn the MS - Geosciences: 30
Accelerated Option
This program has an option for current FHSU students who meet the Accelerated Program Admissions requirements to take graduate courses during their senior year. This allows up to 9 credit hours to apply to both degrees. FHSU students interested in this graduate program are encouraged to visit with an advisor or department to learn more about the accelerated option.
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.
| 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. Open electives indicate the student is free to choose courses from any subject, but students should discuss with their advisor how many of these hours must be upper division. 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.