This page and links on it are only for the historical  record; admission to the Geology graduate programs was suspended in December 2007,
inadequate faculty resources having being provided to sustain them.
The last students to complete the MS in the Geological Sciences at Albany obtained their degrees in 2009.

Master of Science
The general aim of the program is to prepare qualified students for further studies toward the doctoral degree or for careers as geologists in industry or governmental agencies. As with the Ph.D., this program offers training in four fundamental and interrelated areas of geological science: structural geology, tectonics, environmental geochemistry, and geochemistry. It requires at least three semesters and one summer of full-time study and research, or the equivalent over a longer period beyond the baccalaureate. Two of the three semesters are needed for classwork. The third semester is normally required following the summer research program and is generally devoted to a synthesis of data gathered during the summer program.

Program of Study and Research (30 credits, minimum)

1. A proficiency examination in optical mineralogy and petrography may be given at the beginning of the first semester of graduate study.

2. Geology (18-30 credits)

a. Geo 512, or Geo 515 [General Geochemistry, or Environmental Geochemistry] and Geo 517 [Tectonics] are required for the degree, plus two other courses from the Geology program graduate lecture course offerings. Other courses as advised.

b. Independent research in a specialization (Geo 699 for 6 credits) with the results of the research reported in an acceptable thesis.
[University requirements for Thesis format and procedures]

c. In addition to the normal 18 credits in geology, students are required to take Geo 500 [Seminar in Geology] each session of their registration

3. Supporting courses (0-12 credits). Selected courses in related fields as advised.

4. Satisfactory completion of a major field examination [the thesis defence] in geology.

5. Foreign language requirement. A reading knowledge of one of: French, German, Italian, Spanish, Russian, Chinese, or Portugese is desirable before entrance to the program and must be demonstrated by translation before completion of the degree program. An alternative research tool (e.g., computer programming) may be substituted for a foreign language at the discretion of the department.

Ancillary Duties

In addition to the completion ot course requirements, satisfactory performance in some ancillary teaching, research, or practicum duties contributing to the academic development is required, whether or not you receive financial support from this institution. These duties are assigned with educational objectives in mind.

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