The M.S. program includes coursework and a research-based thesis. The curriculum is flexible, and a program that is consistent with the student’s background, and professional and research objectives, is developed by the student and his or her faculty advisory committee. Like the Ph.D. program, the M.S. program assumes a basic undergraduate foundation in the geosciences. Students lacking such a background may be required to complete certain subjects at the undergraduate level before or during their graduate program.