(Non-Thesis Track)
MS in Geological Sciences
Designed for aspiring professionals
The non-thesis Master of Science (MS) in Geological Sciences at the University at Buffalo is the perfect pathway for students seeking advanced education in geosciences without a heavy focus on research. This program emphasizes coursework and professional skill development, making it ideal for those planning careers in applied earth sciences, environmental consulting or related industries.
Jump to:
- Focused Career Training: Build the skills needed for real-world applications in geoscience fields.
- Expert Faculty: Learn from professors who are leaders in their fields.
- Flexible Pathways: Adapt your coursework to fit your career objectives.
- Opportunities to Specialize: Explore topics like climate change, environmental geology, and geohazards.
- Professional Preparation: Gain the knowledge and skills needed for non-research-focused roles in earth sciences.
- Accelerated Timeline: Complete your degree in just 1.5 years.
- Customizable Coursework: Tailor your learning experience to meet your specific career goals with guidance from experienced faculty advisors.
- Real-World Project: Replace the traditional thesis with a supervised research project aligned with your professional interests.
- Geological Sciences Background: Students with a BA or BS in Geological Sciences are well-suited for this track.
- Other Disciplines: Applicants with science or engineering degrees are welcome, but must meet these prerequisites:
- 12 credits in advanced earth sciences (completed before or during the program).
- Additional coursework as determined by the advisor based on the student’s academic background and career focus.
To earn the MS in Geological Sciences (Non-Thesis), students must complete 30 credit hours of graduate coursework, including:
Core Geologic Categories (12 credits)
- Climate: One course from this category.
- Environmental Geology: One course from this category.
- Geohazards, Volcanology, or Geodynamics: One course from this category.
- Elements of Geologic Research: Required foundational course.
Graduate Research Project (1–3 credits)
- A supervised research project tailored to the student’s professional interests.
Core Geologic Categories (12 credits)
- Climate: One course from this category.
- Environmental Geology: One course from this category.
- Geohazards, Volcanology, or Geodynamics: One course from this category.
- Elements of Geologic Research: Required foundational course.
Earth Sciences Electives (6 credits)
- Select from a wide range of advanced earth sciences courses.
Career-Oriented Coursework (12 credits)
- Formal courses chosen to align with career goals, selected with the advisor’s approval.
Seminar Limitation
- A maximum of 3 credits of seminar courses can be applied toward the 30-credit requirement.
Ready to advance your career in the geosciences? Explore the possibilities with UB’s MS in Geological Sciences (Non-Thesis) program.
