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Master of Science (M.S.) in Environmental Geology

Master of Science (M.S.) in Environmental Geology

Charlotte Garing headshot

Being able to share my knowledge and passion with students every day is the main reason why I decided to stay in academia after my PhD. I find it very rewarding to inspire students to achieve their goals.

Charlotte Garing

Assistant Professor

Overview

Offered by the Franklin College of Arts and Sciences Department of Geology, the online M.S. is in Geology will open up careers in industries dedicated to exploration of natural resources (energy, metals, minerals, water), in public-sector regulation and protection of the environment, and in environmental remediation. Students will study topics like Aqueous Environmental Geochemistry, Hydrogeology, Hazardous Waste Site Remediation, and Water Resource Economics and Management. The primary aim of this graduate program is to produce professional geologists with a sound grasp of current scientific problems and a solid technical background. We hope these geologists develop the skills and motivation for continued learning that will permit them to solve new scientific problems during their professional careers.

Upon graduating, you will likely go on to a position in industry, government, or academia. Of our graduates in the past five years, 90% are now employed in the earth sciences. Over half are employed in the private sector as geologists, including petroleum geology, minerals exploration, and environmental geology. About a third are employed in academia.

Accreditations

The University of Georgia is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award baccalaureate, master’s, specialist, and doctoral degrees. The University of Georgia also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of the University of Georgia may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).

Admissions

Admissions Requirements

  • Hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
  • Have cumulative grade point average for all previous undergraduate courses as being 3.0 or above on the 4-point scale
  • Provide three letters of recommendation from people who know you professionally or as a scholar

Application Checklist

  1. Application – Submit the Graduate School Admissions online.  Application fee: $75 Domestic/$100 International.
  2. Select Campus – Online 
  3. Select Degree Level – Masters
  4. Select Intended Program – MS, Geology (Geology) [MS_GEOL_NT_O]
  5. Select Area of Emphasis – Environmental Geology
  6. Select Intended Term – Fall
  7. Résumé or curriculum vita – Submit online to the Graduate School.
  8. Statement of Purpose – Submit a one-two page statement of purpose online to the Graduate School. The statement of intent should clarify the candidate’s relevant background, interests, and goals in relation to the program.
  9. Transcripts – Submit unofficial transcripts from all institutions attended as part of the online application. Send official transcripts after you are offered admission.
  10. Letters of Recommendation – Submit three letters of recommendation online to graduate school. Letters should be from individuals who can evaluate the applicant’s scholarly ability and potential for success in a graduate program

Application Deadlines

Domestic Applicants

  • Fall: Priority Deadline – March 15 (priority consideration)
  • Fall: July 1

International Applicants

  • Fall: April 15

English Proficiency: For non-native English speakers, proof of English proficiency (e.g., TOEFL, IELTS) may be required to ensure they can succeed in the coursework.

Test Scores (Optional)
You may choose to submit standardized test scores, most commonly GRE or GMAT. However, this is not required for admission into the program.

Cost

Tuition rates and student fees can change each year. 

Based on 2024 credit hour cost, a person completing this program at the recommended pace would have paid $20,220 in tuition.   Waiting on erate approval

Please use the Estimated Cost Calculator on the Bursar’s Office website to calculate one academic (Fall/Spring) year’s current tuition. 

This program is an E-Rate program, so choose “yes” for the E-Rate line item within the calculator.

Online students pay the following fees: Connect UGA, Green, and Technology. The total for those fees in the fall semester of 2024 was $411 for students enrolled in exclusively online courses. 

Other Online Master’s in Journalism & Mass Communication, Emerging Media Degree Costs

Additional costs may include:

  • Textbooks
  • Exam proctoring fees
  • Technology upgrades 

Financial Aid

Visit the Office of Student Financial Aid for information about financial assistance.

Corporate Assistance

Consult your employer about the availability of tuition reimbursement or tuition assistance programs.

Military Assistance

Active-duty military, veterans, and military families should visit Veterans Educational Benefits to take full advantage of available financial assistance and educational benefits.

University System of Georgia Tuition Assistance Program (TAP)

The purpose of TAP is to foster the professional growth and development of eligible employees. For more information, see Tuition Assistance (refer to the Distance Learning section). 

Curriculum

The Area of Emphasis in Environmental Geology online requirements:

STEM Core (18 hours)

CourseCourse TitleHours
CRSS(GEOL) 8710EWatershed-Scale Modeling3 hours
GEOL 6130EAqueous Environmental Geochemistry3 hours
GEOL 6220EHydrogeology3 hours
GEOL 6530EPrinciples and Environmental Applications of GIS3 hours
GEOL 8370EData Analysis in the Geosciences3 hours
GEOL 8770EHazardous Waste Site Remediation3 hours

Interdisciplinary Core (3 hours)

CourseCourse TitleHours
ENVM 6800Water Resource Economics and Management3 hours

Scientific Communication and Research Experience (9 hours)

CourseCourse TitleHours
GEOL 6930EScience Communication3 hours
GEOL 8780EResearch Experience in Environmental Geology6 hours

Program of Study

Fall Semester Year 1:

GEOL 6130E, Aqueous Environmental Geochemistry (3 hours)

GEOL 6220E, Hydrogeology (3 hours)

Spring Semester Year 1:

GEOL 6530E, Principles and Environmental Applications of GIS (3 hours)

GEOL 8370E, Data Analysis in the Geosciences (3 hours)

Summer Semester:

ENVM 6800, Water Resource Economics and Management (3 hours)

GEOL 6930E, Science Communication (3 hours) – NEW

Fall Semester Year 2:

CRSS(GEOL) 8710E, Watershed-Scale Modeling (3 hours)

GEOL 8770E, Hazardous Waste Site Remediation (3 hours)

Spring Semester Year 2:

GEOL 8780E, Research Experience in Environmental Geology (6 hours) – NEW

Faculty

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