Earth Sciences Sciences, M.S.

I. Admission Requirements

Students seeking unconditional admission to the graduate program in Earth Sciences must present a “B” average for a minimum of 30 credits from undergraduate coursework in earth science, environmental science, geography, computer science, information science, physics, chemistry or a related subject.  Depending on the selected concentration, possible NCCU courses which the student can take to better prepare for the graduate program include GEOG 4010 - Applied Geographic Information Systems, GEOG 4920 - Theory & Methods, GEOG 4110 - Quantitative Techniques in Geography, GEOG 4130 - Geospatial Statistics, GEOG 4220 - Conservation of Natural Resources, or GEOG 4230 - Minerals, Energy and Environment.  These courses do not count towards the requirements for the degree.

The GRE is required for admission.  However, the DEEGS recognizes that the GRE is just one indicator of student potential at the graduate level.  The DEEGS weights GPA within the major, practical experience, research interests and a student’s cover letter along with GRE scores.  Admissions will be decided based on all of these factors and students are encouraged to apply, regardless of GRE score.  Students who do not have requisite undergraduate coursework and/or acceptable GRE score may be admitted conditionally (unable to receive funding for a probationary period).  In some cases, they may be asked to take undergraduate prerequisite courses or improve their GRE score before being granted unconditional admission to the program.

II. Program Requirements

All students must complete the following curriculum requirements for the degree:  12 hours of core courses are required, regardless of concentration.  The General Earth Sciences concentration required 9 hours related to a student’s concentration and 6 hours of electives.  The Applied Earth Sciences concentration required 12 hours related to their concentration and 3 hours of electives.  Lastly, students require either 3 hours of thesis or project.  Students must maintain a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher to remain in the program.

III. Exit Requirements

1. Master’s Comprehensive Examination:  The comprehensive examination is conducted on a day set each semester by the university.  DEEGS students typically take the comprehensive exam during their third semester.  The examination consists of questions from the core and concentration courses, as well as questions relevant to thesis/project research. 

2. Successful presentation and defense of internship project or thesis before graduate committee.

3. A cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher is required.  Students are only allowed one grade of “C” in graduate-level courses.