Geology and Geological Engineering MS
Contact Information
Dr. Robert Hall, Interim Department Head
Department of Geology and Geological Engineering
Mineral Industries 303
(605) 394-2461
E-mail:
Robert.Hall@sdsmt.edu
Geological Engineering Faculty
Professor Stetler; Associate Professors Katzenstein and Li; Assistant Professor Ye; Professors Emeritus Davis, Rahn, Roggenthen, and Sawyer.
Geology and Paleontology Faculty
Professors Duke, Hall, Masterlark, Pagnac, and Uzunlar; Associate Professor Ustunisik; Assistant Professors Keenan, Waldien, and Ward; Instructor Karnes; Professors Emeritus Bjork, J. Fox, Martin, and Paterson.
Adjunct Faculty
M. Anderson, Benton, and Valder.
Staff
Research Scientist Nielsen; Coordinator and Instructor Pellowski; Museum of Geology Associate Director and Instructor N. Fox; Museum of Geology Assistant Director and Instructor Johnson; Museum Preparator
and Lab Manager Wright.
Geology and Geological Engineering
The Department of Geology and Geological Engineering offers advanced study leading to a M.S. degree in Geology and Geological Engineering*. Students elect to pursue either a Geology or a Geological Engineering emphasis, each
of which has different background and program requirements. Both thesis and non-thesis (coursework) tracks are available.
* Students concentrating in paleontology at the Master’s level may apply for the separate M.S. in Paleontology.
The Accelerated MS option is available for this degree. Learn more: Accelerated MS programs.
Research Areas
The available coursework and current faculty expertise in Geology and Geological Engineering support the following areas of concentration.
- Energy and Mineral Resources
- Geomechanics
- Geophysics
- Groundwater and Environment
- Paleontology
- Petrology and Mineralogy
- Structure and Tectonics
Additional information is available on the
Department’s Research and the Research Facilities pages.
Graduate Programs Outcomes
Expectations for Geology and Geological Engineering graduate programs are designed to target program outcomes in the context of the GGE Strategic Plan and greater professional community:
Program Outcomes for Geology and Geological Engineering MS (non-thesis
track)
Outcome
1: Demonstrates knowledge of concepts and terminology of the discipline
Outcome
2: Critically explores and evaluates scientific and technical literature
Outcome
3: Communicates effectively
Outcome
4: Acts professionally and ethically
Program Outcomes Geology and Geological Engineering MS (Thesis track)
Outcome
1: Demonstrates knowledge of concepts and terminology of the discipline
Outcome
2: Critically explores and evaluates scientific and technical literature
Outcome
3: Analyzes, interprets, and evaluates scientific and/or engineering data and
methods
Outcome
4: Communicates effectively
Outcome
5: Acts professionally and ethically
Applying for the thesis-based MS track
We strongly encourage students to the thesis-based MS to contact potential graduate research advisors prior to or during the application process. Many factors contribute to the success of an application, including the goals statement, coursework,
grades, test scores, work experience, recommendations, and availability of a faculty member in the student’s anticipated research area. In general, we prefer to see a GPA of 3.0 or above.
Applicants interested in the Geology emphasis should have substantial
preparation in general science, math, and geological sciences, although a particular baccalaureate degree is not required for
admission.
Applicants interested in the Geological Engineering emphasis
should have substantial preparation in science, math, geological sciences, and
engineering, although a particular baccalaureate
degree is not required for admission.
Degree requirements for the MS program are available in the university catalog.
Additional Information
Information on required examinations is outlined on the Program Curriculum and Checklist webpage.
Any physical specimens (and associated documentation) collected, prepared, and cited in a thesis or dissertation are to be deposited in the Museum of Geology as part of the student’s work.
See course catalog for more information: Loading...