Geophysics, M.S.

Plan A (Thesis)

(26 hours of coursework and 4 hours of thesis)

Preliminary and initial advising shall take place upon acceptance to the graduate program to identify background deficiencies and develop a list of required deficiency coursework to be taken. Deficiency coursework must be completed with a grade of B or better early in the student’s graduate residence.

GEOL 5020 - Fundamentals of Research  is required of ALL graduate students during the first semester of residence.

All graduate students in geophysics must complete two semesters of GEOL 5210 . Distinguished Lecture Series in the first two semesters of residence plus Rocky Mountain Field Trip.

All M.S. students in the Department of Geology and Geophysics will be required to complete a qualifying exam by the end of the second term in residence. Specific department examination requirements are available from the department office. Failure of this exam may result in dismissal from the graduate program.

The candidate’s committee shall evaluate the thesis and conduct the final examination. The final exam is an oral presentation of the thesis, oral defense of thesis, and oral responses to questions relating to ancillary topics. Failure of this exam can result in dismissal. Retaking of the exam is subject to the discretion of the candidate’s graduate committee.

M.S. candidates in geophysics must complete 6 hours of mathematics and three hours of physics or engineering courses at the graduate level.

M.S. candidates must take at least 12 hours of 4000- and 5000-level courses in geophysics. Recommended graduate level mathematics courses include differential equations, numerical analysis, and real and complex variables; in physics and engineering they include classical mechanics, continuum mechanics, elasticity, electricity and magnetism. Substitutions for graduate-level geophysics courses may be made with the permission of the candidate’s adviser. Remaining graduate-level course requirements may be made up from courses in physics, engineering, mathematics, and geology.