Master of Science - Geology

Washington State University's (WSU) Master of Science in Geology focuses on fundamental questions in Earth Sciences ranging from how the Earth formed, how it has evolved through time, and how it operates and is changing today. 

Geologists at WSU study regions of the Earth from its deep interior to its highest mountains, they study Earth materials from the building blocks of the planets to the magmas that erupt from volcanoes to the sands on the seashores, and they study the Earth and its hydro-geochemical cycles on timescales from its very beginnings to the present day.

Learning Outcomes:

To prepare students for professional careers:

• Attain knowledge and expertise in core disciplinary areas.
• Think critically and develop creative solutions to scientific problems.
• Effectively communicate the results of their research.
• Become visible members of the scientific community taking organizational and service roles.

To enable students to become effective researchers and teachers:

• Recognize important scientific problems and contribute to solving them.
• Master the field, laboratory, data analysis and theoretical skills necessary to perform the research.
• Write research grant proposals or otherwise obtain research funding (expectation is higher for PhD students).
• Become effective teachers in field, laboratory and lecture-room settings.

To provide scientific leadership and expertise at the local, state and national levels:

• Attract and retain world-class faculty in appropriate disciplinary areas.
• Assist students to engage in outreach activities.
• Prepare students to successfully compete for jobs in industry, academia, and government.