The Master of Earth Science (MESci) is a professional science degree program without a thesis requirement designed for students who are in the workforce or considering a career path where a thesis would not be a requirement. The curriculum in the MESci is built around proven course strengths in our MS Geosciences, Geophysics, and Hydrologic Sciences programs. The MESci requires the student to select from one of three emphasis areas, with core content in each paralleling those other programs. This provides the MESci student with similar core skills, knowledge base, and focus as in the thesis-based programs, skills which have proved vital to a broad range of fields, including policy, regulation, or management, in the areas of environment, natural resources, and urban planning. A student would fill the remaining program requirements with coursework agreed to by their committee and the department’s Graduate Programs Committee (GPC). Without the thesis requirement, students may be able to complete the degree and enter or advance within the workforce more rapidly. The Master of Earth Science is a graduate degree platform that will provide its graduates with a rigorous degree that will enhance their competitive edge in the job marketplace.
Admission Deadlines
EARTH SCIENCE
A prospective student may apply at any time and should follow the general graduate application procedure for degree-seeking students (see Graduate Admissions Policies). Admission to the program is based on:
- Apply to the Graduate College and satisfy the minimum admission requirements of the Graduate College. International applicants must satisfy the international admissions requirements.
- A baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution of higher learning or a degree from a non-U.S. institution of higher education that is judged equivalent to a U.S. baccalaureate degree by the International Admissions office.
- An undergraduate cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.00 (based on a 4-point scale) computed for all undergraduate credits from the applicant’s most recent baccalaureate degree.
- Official transcripts from all colleges attended.
- A letter of intent outlining background, preparation, interests, career goals and plans, and 1-3 potential faculty members to study under.
- A current résumé.
- Official Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) General Test scores.
- A TOEFL score of 587 or higher for the written exam or 95 internet-based test (iBT) for students whose native language is not English.
- A writing sample (publication, technical document, scientific abstract, or prior coursework).
- Completion of a Department of Geosciences College Course Summary for Prospective Student form.
- Three letters of recommendation from academic references.
| Master of Earth Science | |
|---|---|
| Course Number and Title | Credits |
| Select one of the following core clusters: Geology Core (4 of the following 6 courses) GEOS 523 Advanced Geomorphology (3 cr) GEOS 525 Whole Earth Geochemistry (3 cr) GEOS 541 Plate Tectonics (3 cr) GEOS 560 Volcanology (3 cr) GEOS 607 Paleoclimatology and Paleoceanography (3 cr) GEOS 611 Basin Analysis (3 cr) Hydrologic Science Core GEOS 512/CE 512 Hydrogeology (3 cr) GEOS 516 Hydrology (3 cr) GEOS 518 Applied Hydrologic Modeling (3 cr) GEOS 526/CE 526 Aqueous Geochemistry (3 cr) Geophysics Core GEOPH 501 Properties and Processes in Geophysics I (4 cr) GEOPH 502 Properties and Processes in Geophysics II (4 cr) GEOPH 605 Inversion Theory and Geophysical Applications (3 cr) | 11-12 |
| Elective coursework in geosciences and related fields. Elective coursework must be approved by the student’s supervisory committee and the Department’s graduate programs committee. | 23-24 |
| GEOS 598 Graduate Seminar | 1 |
| GEOS 690 Master’s Comprehensive Examination | 1 |
| Total | 37-38 |
Scholarships
If you are interested in scholarship information please visit our Scholarship Page for new and transfer students.
If you are new to the scholarship process view our Frequently Asked Questions.
Program Contact
Geosciences@boisestate.edu
Phone: (208) 426-2902
Environmental Research Building 1160, MS1535
Program Coordinator
Dr. Jim McNamara
jmcnamar@boisestate.edu
(208) 426-1354
Environmental Research Building
1910 University Dr., Boise, ID 83725-1535
Website
For additional information you can view the Earth Science website.
Admission Deadlines
In order to be considered for the Earth Science program, the Graduate application, official transcripts, and all related admission materials and requirements must be turned in by:
Fall
Priority: January 15
Final: February 1
Spring
Priority: September 15
Final: October 15