Get the MESSAGe!
Masters in Earth & Space Sciences:
Applied Geosciences
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The on-line application for MESSAGe can now be accessed at: https://www.grad.washington.edu/applForAdmiss/ When you are give an choice of programs/departments, select Earth and Space Sciences - Applied Geosciences (MS). The application deadline is March 1.
Focus on the fundamentals: Core and elective courses in a flexible curriculum to expand your knowledge in your areas of interest.
Think outside the classroom: Intensive field courses and a capstone internship build your experience tackling real world problems.
Spring forward: Year-long seminars in professional practice and technical communication prepare you for advancement in the geoscience workforce.
Make connections: Frequent interaction with working professionals inside and outside the classroom broaden your professional network.
Program Description
The Masters in Earth and Space Sciences, Applied Geosciences (MESSAGe) is designed for students who are seeking to go into the private sector and wish to have a lead role in geology, geophysics, environmental geology or engineering geology. The program offers a unique blend of classroom and field experiences to build fundamental knowledge and practical skills that employers in the private sector are seeking.
Flexible Offerings
Earn your Masters in an intensive 12-month program, or complete the degree part time while you work. Nine-day field seminars offer hands-on experience, without extended time away. Late afternoon and early evening class meetings accommodate work schedules. Some instructors offer the option to participate remotely, with video streaming and interaction via the internet.
Career Outlook
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of geoscientists is expected to grow faster than the average, with most positions requiring a Masters degree. It is expected that demand will increase in several areas including energy, environmental protection, and consulting. According to the BLS, "Graduates with a master's degree in geoscience should have excellent opportunities, especially in consulting firms and in the oil and gas industry." 1 Annual wages for May 2008 were $79,160 for geoscientists. More information can be found at http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos312.htm .
Admissions
Admission into the program requires a Bachelors degree in Geoscience or a closely related discipline, including the following coursework: structural geology or geomechanics, mineralogy, petrology, sedimentology/stratigraphy, field geology (field camp). Applicants should also have completed one year of calculus with analytical geometry, at least two quarters of calculus-based physics, and at least two quarters of general chemistry. Students with deficiencies in one or more courses may be able to make them up during the degree. Students with deficiencies in several areas or who have not completed the equivalent of a 5-week field geology course should complete these before enrolling in MESSAGe.
The application deadline is March 1. More information about admissions and tuition can be found on our FAQ.
The graduate school also requires students to have a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university in the U.S. or its equivalent from a foreign institution. Students must also have at least a 3.0 (or B) GPA in the most recent 2 years of study, and prove English equivalency if necessary.
Program Requirements
MESSAGe requires 45 course credits, including: 30 credits in fundamental coursework, 6 credits in professional practice and technical communication, 6 credits of applied geology field courses, and a 3 credit capstone internship with final presentation.
Fundamental Courses
Students take the following core courses and one or two electives. Students with demonstrated background in any of the core areas may substitute additional electives.
Core: Engineering Geology, Hillslope Geomorphology, Fluvial Geomorphology, Hydrogeology, GIS/Remote Sensing/Geospatial Analysis
Electives: Geothermal Energy, Tsunami Hazards, Glacial Geology, Seismic Exploration, Environmental Geochemistry, Earthquake Geology, Climate Impacts. Students may substitute other 400 or 500-level courses from any department in the College of the Environment or Civil & Environemental Engineering with permission of the Program Director.
Seminars and Field courses
Seminars and field courses designed exclusively for MESSAGe students focus on preparing students for work as professional geologists and leaders in applied geosciences. Weekly seminars (videoconferencing available) will cover topics such as professional practice, writing technical reports, and career guidance. Field courses run immediately before and following the academic year. The September field course introduces students to field methods in applied geoscience. The June field seminar requires students to collect, analyze, and synthesize data for a number of applied geoscience projects.
Capstone Internship
Students finish their degree in an internship with a private or government employer. The internship engages students in planning, budgeting, data collection, analysis, and writing. Internships are arranged in colloboration with the Program Coordinator and must be approved in advance. The internship becomes the basis of the MS exam, consisting of a technical report and an oral presentation to a committee of faculty and external advisors.
Program faculty and advisors
MESSAGe faculty include world-class research scientists, award-winning professors, and leading professionals. We bridge theory and practice to deliver fundamental knowledge and practical skills to our students. The program is advised by an external committee of geoscientists and employers who counsel the director and mentor students.
MESSAGe is directed by Professor Juliet Crider.