The Department offers a Master of Science (M.S.) degree in Earth and Environmental Sciences. The M.S. degree program prepares students for careers as professional geoscientists in industry, government, or for a Ph.D degree. The graduate degree program includes coursework (24 semester credits minimum), and an independent research project leading to a thesis (6 semester credits minimum). A completed thesis, evaluated by a faculty advisory committee, is required. Student research may focus on any area in which faculty are interested.