Graduate Programs
The purpose of the Graduate Program in Earth and Planetary Sciences is to provide an opportunity for advanced studies in astronomy, meteorology, and earth and planetary sciences through classroom presentations, seminars, and discussions. Laboratory experiments, observations, and data collections analysis at the Astronomical Observatory, the Weather Center, and the Center for Galactic Astronomy are important to acquaint students with the advancement of technology in astronomical techniques and weather/climate forecasting.
Admission Requirements
A student who wishes to earn the degree Master of Arts in Earth and Planetary Sciences must have received an earned Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with:
- a minimum of forty-five (45) semester hours in the sciences and mathematics, including 6-8 semester hours in three of the following disciplines: astronomy, chemistry, computer sciences, earth science, geology, mathematics, meteorology, and physics; or
- written permission from the Chairperson of the departmental graduate committee; or
- submission of Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores (general plus one advanced in chemistry, mathematics, or physics) in support of his or her application if the undergraduate GPA is below 2.5. The undergraduate record and GRE scores will be taken into consideration for admission into the program.
Degree Programs
Three options for the Master of Arts in Earth and Planetary Sciences are offered:
Degree Requirements
Requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in Earth and Planetary Sciences include:
A minimum of 24 semester hours of course work and six (6) semester hours of thesis as described below. The thesis must be approved by the Graduate Committee, the Graduate Student Advisor, and the Director of University Admissions. The thesis will be completed under the guidance of an appropriate member of the Department of Physics, Astronomy, and Meteorology recommended by an advisor with the approval of the Graduate Student Advisor/Chairperson of the department, and the faculty member concerned. An inter-department research advisor is also possible.
Required Courses
- Earth and Planetary Science Core Requirements (12 SH)
MAT 507 Applied Statistics I or PHY 510 Thermodynamics 3 SH PHY 520 Scientific Methods 3 SH PHY 530 Planetary Physics 3 SH PHY 590 Seminar in Earth and Planetary Sciences 3 SH
- Earth and Planetary Options (12 SH)
Astronomy/Astrophysics Option *AST 501 Observational Techniques 4 SH AST 505 Stellar Atmospheres 4 SH AST 510 Galactic Structure and Kinematics 4 SH AST 550 Advanced Topics in Astronomy 1-2 SH and/or PHY 598/599 Faculty/Student Developed Studies 1-6 SH
Meteorology/Climatology Option *MTR 510 Air-Sea Interaction 3 SH MTR 521 Dynamic Meteorology 3 SH MTR 550 Advanced Topics in Meteorology 1-2 SH and/or PHY 598/599 Faculty/Student Developed Studies 1-6 SH Earth and Planetary Sciences Option **
Select 1 to 2 courses from AST, MTR, ES labels and/or PHY 598/599 Faculty/Student Developed Studies with faculty advisement.
- Thesis Requirement (6 SH)
EPS 592 Independent Thesis Research in Earth and Planetary Sciences 6 SH
The thesis approach is culminated in EPS Independent Thesis Research, a six (6) semester hour requirement.
* One year of calculus based physics, one year of calculus, and a semester course in differential equations are required to enter this program.
** This option can be used by teachers and they may substitute 6 semester hours of Education (ED 500, ED 501) in lieu of the requirements.
