Earth Systems Science, MS (GGS)

This is a shared program between the Department of Atmospheric, Oceanic, and Earth Sciences and the Department of Geography and Geoinformation Science.

The program addresses the growing demand for trained professionals in the Earth sciences. The degree emphasizes a research-oriented, global systems approach to studying the Earth and its systems- the atmosphere, the hydrosphere, and the lithosphere, including their interrelationships and interactions with the biosphere. Emphasis is on the observation, measurement, and analysis of Earth's systems.

Most student research projects and theses will relate to geologic and geographic topics, though studies of related topics in Earth science are welcome. Students completing the program are qualified to pursue careers that require knowledge of the basics of Earth systems science and the requisite tools, specifically pertaining to the area of Earth science that they choose to investigate. Students are encouraged to undertake a master's thesis but may choose a research project. In the latter case, students must pass a comprehensive exam.

Admissions

University-wide admissions policies can be found in the Graduate Admissions Policies section of this catalog. International students and students having earned international degrees should also refer to Admission of International Students for additional requirements.

Eligibility

In addition to the university-wide requirements, applicants for this master's should have earned a BS degree in atmospheric, Earth, environmental, geological, geographical, ocean, or physical science from an institution of higher education accredited by a Mason-recognized U.S. institutional accrediting agency or international equivalent. 

Application Requirements

To apply for this program, prospective students should submit the George Mason University Admissions Application and its required supplemental documentation, two letters of recommendation, and a goals statement.

GRE scores are not required for admission into this program, but are encouraged if the student is seeking internal funding.

Policies

For policies governing all graduate programs, see AP.6 Graduate Policies.

Transferring Previous Graduate Credit into this Program

Previously earned and relevant graduate credits may be eligible for transfer into this program; details can be found in the Credit by Exam or Transfer section of this catalog.

Banner Code: SC-MS-ESSC

Total credits: 30

Candidates must complete 10 credits of GGS courses and 10 credits of GEOL/CLIM courses toward their requirements. ("Culminating Experience" credits do not count towards this requirement).

Earth Science Core

Techniques

¹

Other courses can be substituted with advisor approval.

Colloquium

Electives

Culminating Experience

Choose the culminating experience of either a thesis or a project (either must total 3 credits):

Thesis

Project

Geology, BS/Earth Systems Science, Accelerated MS

Overview

Geology, and Earth sciences more broadly, are extremely important to society and our economy as they deal with our planet, our oceans, and our climate. Degrees in Earth science are broadly useful in industry, government, conservation, and many other areas of our economy. While there are many positions in the field that only require a bachelor’s degree, many employers either prefer a Master’s degree, or a Master’s degree can be the key to further promotion within a particular organization. This Accelerated Master’s degree is designed to give students the skills and the degrees that they need to be both initially successful, and to ensure long-term advancement in their chosen professions.

Application Requirements

Applicants should be enrolled in the Geology, BS degree at Mason and have earned at least 60 credits. Previous coursework should include two semesters each of calculus, chemistry, and physics, and one semester of statistics. Applicants should have a minimum GPA of 3.00.

Applicants to all graduate programs at Mason must meet the admission standards and application requirements for graduate study as specified in the Graduate Admission Policies section of this catalog, excluding the GRE exam requirement (which is not required for those enrolled in the accelerated program). This includes three letters of recommendation (at least one from a former professor or someone with a PhD), a recent resume, a statement of interest/research goals (including information on the applicant's proposed MS research), and a letter from their advisor. This letter should state that the advisor agrees to take on the candidate as an MS student, addresses how the candidate would be a good fit for them, and indicate why the applicant's research topic would be suitable for study.

Accelerated Option Requirements

Students admitted to this program may take graduate courses after completing 75 undergraduate credits, and up to 12 credits of appropriate graduate coursework may be used in partial satisfaction of the requirements for the undergraduate degree. If students earn at least a 3.00 GPA in these classes, they are granted advanced standing in the master's program and must then complete an additional 24 credits to receive the master's degree. All other requirements for the Earth Systems Science, MS, must be met.

To apply these credits to the master's degree, students must request that the credits be moved from the undergraduate degree to the graduate degree using the Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Transition form found on the Office of the University Registrar's website.

For more detailed information, see AP.6.7 Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Degrees. For policies governing all graduate programs, see AP.6 Graduate Policies.

Reserve Graduate Credit

Undergraduate students may also take up to 6 additional and appropriate graduate credits as reserve graduate credit. These credits do not apply to the undergraduate degree, but will reduce the subsequent master's degree credits accordingly (e.g., with 12 credits counted toward the undergraduate and graduate degrees plus the maximum 6 reserve credits for the master's, an MS could be completed with 12 post-bachelor's credits). The ability to take courses for reserve graduate credit is available to all high achieving undergraduates with the permission of the department.

Graduate Course Suggestions

Students should consult with an advisor before registering for graduate credits.