The Masters of Science in Geology is a rigorous research thesis program with grounding in related coursework. Research programs include environmental geology, geomorphology, water resources, geochemistry, mineralogy, sedimentary, igneous and metamorphic environments, geochronology, and structural evolution of orogenic belts. Examples of specific faculty interests include geologic history and recent sedimentation in the Lake Champlain Basin, processes and chronology of glaciation, stable and cosmogenic isotopic studies, water quality and pollutant transport, crystal chemistry and crystallography, microbial ecology and geochemical cycling, tectonic evolution of deformed continental margins and interiors, petrofabric and structural analysis of deformed rocks, partial melting processes, mineral structure analysis, stratigraphy and sedimentary environments of lower Paleozoic sandstones and carbonates.