我们的地质与地球物理学硕士课程的最终目标是培养有能力作为行业和政府专业人士在地质科学的最前沿发展和开展研究的学生。我们还希望地理和地球物理学领域的MS学生在科学交流方面具有发达的技能，并且能够与同龄人和公众进行有效对话。
The ultimate goal of our MS programs in Geology and Geophysics is to produce students who have the capacity to develop and perform research at the cutting edge of the geological sciences as professionals in industry and in the government. We also expect MS students in Geology and Geophysics to have well developed skills in scientific communication and be able to converse effectively both to peers and to the general public. The Department of Geology and Geophysics has developed the following specific goals for its MS program:<br><br>Students in the MS program will receive a quality graduate education, including specialized technical training in a core discipline that is current, relevant, practical, and personal.<br><br>MS students who graduate with appropriate grades will be able to compete successfully for admission to PhD programs at graduate schools worldwide.<br><br>MS students who graduate with appropriate grades will be well prepared for entry-level positions as professionals within their, and other related, disciplines.<br><br><br>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.<br><br>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.<br><br>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.