Adequacy of each applicant’s additional preparation will depend on the particular branch of geology and geophysics being pursued. At the time of application the student should state the field in which he or she intends to study.

For MS students, the graduate studies committee of the department will determine suitability of Plan A (thesis) or Plan B (non-thesis) at the preliminary conference. Virtually all students are required to follow Plan A.

• Plan A requires 24 credits of course work, six credits of thesis research, a written thesis and defense of the thesis.
• Plan B requires a minimum of 30 credit hours of course work and a final exa