The Master of Science Degrees are designed to give students a solid background in geology, skills that can be applied in geology-related industry or teaching, experience in research, and in most cases, experience in teaching. <br>The standard masters degree requires completion of a thesis and is designed for students who will pursue geological careers in research or industry, or who plan to continue graduate study toward a PhD. Most oil companies, for example, prefer to hire students who have completed a thesis, because of the valuable experience that students gain by doing thesis research. This option is designed to be completed in about two years, though students who enter the program with a sparse background in geology may need additional time.<br>The Department of Geology offers programs leading to the Master of Science in Geology, the Doctor of Philosophy in Geology, and the Master of Science in the Teaching of Earth Science. Students have a wide variety of choices in their courses and research programs. Departmental research programs include many aspects of geology, geochemistry, and geophysics.The Standard Option awards the degree of M.S. in Geology. This option requires the completion of a thesis. It is the most commonly used option, and is designed for students who will pursue geological careers in research or industry, or who plan to continue graduate study toward a Ph.D. Most oil companies, for example, prefer to hire students who have completed a thesis, because of the valuable experience that students gain by doing thesis research. This option is designed to be completed in about two years, though students who enter the program with a sparse background in geology may need additional time.