Geosciences
Earn your Master's in Geosciences while you develop skills in geospatial, data analysis, and environmental geosystems.
Geosciences, M.S.
The Master of Science (M.S.) in Geosciences at MTSU equips students for diverse careers in earth sciences, environmental consulting, geospatial and data science, natural resource management, and more across industry, government, and academia. The program requires a minimum of 36 semester hours, typically completed over four semesters, and offers two tracks: Professional Science and Thesis Research.
The Professional Science track blends business and science coursework with a professional internship as the capstone experience. This two-year program includes 9 credit hours of business classes, 3 credit hours of statistics, 3 credit hours of professional internship experience, and 21 credit hours of Geosciences-specific courses. This track not only prepares students for specialized roles but also positions them for leadership in science-focused companies, government agencies, and academia.
The Thesis Research track centers on the investigation of a scientific research problem. Under faculty mentorship, students define a research question, collect and analyze data, and present their findings both in writing and orally. This track prepares students for advanced specialized roles and doctoral studies.
Both tracks offer multidisciplinary opportunities to develop expertise in geospatial sciences (GIS, remote sensing, spatial analysis), advanced data analysis (big data, scientific programming, modeling), and environmental geosystems (geology, physical geography, meteorology, climatology, geomorphology, hydrogeology, and watershed systems). These skills enhance undergraduate training and professional experience, preparing graduates for competitive roles in private and public sectors and for doctoral programs at leading universities.
If you live in one of these states: AL; you may be able to attend MTSU at in-state rates under the Academic Common Market program.
News Briefs
MTSU geosciences students benefit from PE Limited’s $2.76M software donation
Middle Tennessee State University Geosciences Department Structural Geology students, including Dylan Carr of Lebanon, will be utilizing 2024 PE Limited MOVE software this fall that will improve underground exploration techniques they will learn in the classroom and boost their career opportunities.[ Read More ]
MTSU students ‘shine’ with NASA Space Grant research at Tennessee geosciences conference in Murfreesboro
Middle Tennessee State University Geosciences Department students Emily Therrell, Lula Baldriche and Trey Littrell were among a dozen participants sharing their NASA Space Grant-funded research as part of the Tennessee Space Grant Consortium during the recent Tennessee Geographic Information Council Conference.[ Read More ]
News Briefs
MTSU geosciences students benefit from PE Limited’s $2.76M software donation
Middle Tennessee State University Geosciences Department Structural Geology students, including Dylan Carr of Lebanon, will be utilizing 2024 PE Limited MOVE software this fall that will improve underground exploration techniques they will learn in the classroom and boost their career opportunities.[ Read More ]
MTSU students ‘shine’ with NASA Space Grant research at Tennessee geosciences conference in Murfreesboro
Middle Tennessee State University Geosciences Department students Emily Therrell, Lula Baldriche and Trey Littrell were among a dozen participants sharing their NASA Space Grant-funded research as part of the Tennessee Space Grant Consortium during the recent Tennessee Geographic Information Council Conference.[ Read More ]
Geosciences, M.S.
The Geosciences Master’s program prepares students for careers in local, state, and federal government agencies; private industry; the non-profit sector; and academic positions supporting spatially related projects and research. This graduate concentration provides training for students seeking careers in the high-demand geosciences jobmarket, as well as working professionals seeking advanced training or movement into managerial positions.
Examples of some professions boosted by this master’s degree:
- Anthropologist
- Archaeologist
- Engineering geologist
- Environmentalist
- Environmental engineer
- Geochemist
- Geologist
- Geophysicist
- GIS professional
- Historian
- Oceanographer
- Paleontologist
- Petroleum geologist
- Political scientist
- Professor
- Seismologist
- Teacher
Employers of MTSU alumni
Many MTSU graduates with Geosciences degrees are employed with environmental and geospatial consulting firms, government agencies, and energy and mining companies. A rising demand for geoscientists will be spurred by increased interest in the renewable energy transition, environmental protection, and responsible land and resource management. Management, scientific, and technical consulting services are expected to see growth. Places that our graduates have found work include:
- Tennessee Department of Transportation
- Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation
- Tennessee Valley Authority
- Nashville Metro Planning Department
- Wiser Consultants
- Maine Department of Transportation
More Information on Geoscience Careers
MTSU’s Career Development Center
MTSU offers a comprehensive Career Development Center that serves students throughout the full student experience and beyond. They collaborate with faculty and staff to equip students with the tools to be marketable to the world of work and continuing education.
Students can schedule an appointment or check online resources and job boards at mtsu.edu/career.
Students can find current internship opportunities by talking to faculty and visiting the University job and internship board called Handshake.
Wondering what you can do with your major? Check out our What Can I Do with A Major In guides.
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