MS Geoscience

The Department of Earth and Ocean Sciences at the University of North Carolina Wilmington offers a program of study leading to the Master of Science (M.S.) degree in geoscience. The primary goal of the program is the development of professionals capable of conducting research and applied work in the geosciences through the broad study of modern and ancient Earth and ocean processes as well as human-environment interactions. The program includes thesis and portfolio options, both of which provide a foundation for advanced study or employment in the geological, geospatial technology, oceanographic and environmental fields, as well as the mineral and energy industries and government agencies. Specific goals of the program are to provide advanced research and education opportunities in the geosciences, and to prepare geoscientists for solving contemporary geoscience problems. Specific objectives are: 1) to develop competence in the geosciences through advanced course work and research; 2) to develop professional competence in the assessment of geoscience problems through the integrated analysis of geological, oceanographic, and geographical data using advanced technologies; 3) to develop a level of research competence in the geosciences that encourages continued effort towards an advanced (e.g., doctoral) degree, professional licensure, or employment as a geoscientist; and, 4) to provide the scientific community with meaningful geologic, geographic, and oceanographic data. The Department offers teaching assistantships on a competitive basis. The majority of students awarded assistantships also receive out-of-state tuition remissions. To be considered for assistantship funding applications should be submitted prior to January 31st (midnight EST). Assistantship funds for students entering the program in the spring semester are rarely available.