WESTERN MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY

The Master of Science in Earth Science permits students to design programs of study, in consultation with the program advisor, that are compatible with the individual's goals. The program may be adapted for students with backgrounds in biology, geography, agriculture, geology, junior college science education, journalism, landscape architecture, anthropology, and physics. Some remedial work may be necessary for students entering the program with a minimal background. Courses for the program will be drawn from geology, geography, biology, anthropology, economics, political science, communication, chemistry, physics, agriculture, and others.

Program Requirements:
1. A minimum of thirty-five hours is required for the degree without a master's thesis or thirty hours with a thesis.
2. A core of eighteen semester hours in geology is required, including GEOS 438 (or equivalent.)
3. May include satisfactory completion of four hours of GEOS 710 (Independent Research) or three hours of GEOS 712 (Field Experience), or both, but not to exceed seven hours.
4. Pass a comprehensive oral examination. If the first attempt at the oral exam is not considered satisfactory, then a second oral exam or a written exam will be required.
5. Students are expected to attend Departmental seminars and are required to give one presentation. Students may enroll for credit in GEOS 660 for seminar presentations.