MS Graduate Program

MS Degree options

The department offers three Earth Sciences Masters degrees:

  • Plan A - requires thesis and final oral examination
  • Plan B - requires a project which may include one to two research papers, coursework, and a final exam (written, oral or both)
  • Plan C - coursework only with an emphasis in hydrogeology and environmental geoscience

MS Plans are designated when student submits graduate degree plan; there is no difference when applying for a Masters degree.

All students must complete ESCI 8001 (Introductory Graduate Seminar) in the first year.

photo of graduate students studying

Degree Requirements

Plan A Masters

(with thesis and final oral exam)
  • Total 30 credits minimum consisting of: at least 14 course credits in the major field and a minimum of 6 course credits in a related field, outside the major, and a minimum of 10 MS thesis credits. Required course and thesis credits should be completed by the end of the fall of the second year.
Plan B Masters

(project with final exam, either oral or written)
  • Total 30 course credits minimum consisting of: at least 14 credits in the major and 8 credits in the supporting program. The remaining 8 can be from either inside or outside the major field.
Plan C Masters

(coursework only; hydrogeology track only)
  • Total 30 course credits minimum consisting of: at least 14 credits in the major and 9 credits in a minor or supporting field. The remaining 7 can be from either inside or outside the major field. This is a coursework only option with emphasis in hydrogeology and environmental science.
  MS Degree Completion:  https://policy.umn.edu/education/masterscompletion

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Can I switch degree plans?

Yes. Consultation with your advisor and the Director of Graduate Studies is required.
Please review steps to make the change on the Graduate School website.

Does the Department offer financial aid?

Yes. Please visit our page for Financing Graduate School which shows departmental support as well as what a student can expect in terms of student fees.

When are applications due?

The application deadline is DECEMBER 15 for admission for the fall semester of the following year. A complete application must be submitted by 11:59pm Central time for consideration. An application is considered complete if it includes everything on the application checklist on our Admissions page.

What if I don't know what I want to study?

It is a requirement for admission that a faculty member agrees to be your advisor.  So, before you begin the application process, please review review the research areas and faculty members in the department, then contact the faculty member(s) directly with whom you wish to work.