Natural Science (Earth and Space Sciences), MNS


At a Glance: program details

With this program's tailored approach, you combine two or more areas of specialization and participate in projects that investigate the great unknowns of Earth and our solar system. This degree is designed for students like you who wish to enhance their professional portfolio.

Program Description

Degree Awarded: MNS Natural Science (Earth and Space Sciences)

The MNS in natural science with a concentration in Earth and space sciences is designed to meet the needs of professionals seeking a graduate-level degree and is especially suited for individuals who desire professional training rather than research training.

The program must be transdisciplinary; students are expected to emphasize coursework in two or more areas of specialization. The program offers the opportunity for graduate training in the natural sciences (i.e., biological sciences, mathematics and physical sciences) and cognate areas. Because it is flexible by design, the program also offers the opportunity for individualized professional graduate programs depending upon the backgrounds and goals of the students.


Degree Requirements

Curriculum Plan Options

  • 30 credit hours including the required applied project course (SES 593)

Required Core (1 credit hour)
SES 502 Exploring SESE Research (1)

Other Requirements (19 credit hours)
SES 501 SESE Colloquium (1)
GLG or SES courses (18)

Electives or Research (4 credit hours)

Culminating Experience (6 credit hours)
SES 593 Applied Project (6)

Additional Curriculum Information
Other Requirements coursework includes SES 501 and 18 credit hours of GLG or SES graduate-level courses. Exceptions and substitutions may be allowed with approval of the academic unit.

The supervisory committee is chosen by the student in conjunction with the advisor. The composition of the supervisory committee must reflect the transdisciplinary nature of the program. The student develops a suitable applied project with the approval of the supervisory committee.

Students must submit a plan of study after conferring with the supervisory committee. While a minimum of 30 credit hours is required for the degree, more credit hours may be required by the supervisory committee, depending upon the background of the student and the nature of the proposed program.

In some cases, undergraduate courses may be required to remove deficiencies.


Admission Requirements

Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's degree in any field from a regionally accredited institution.

Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program.

All applicants must submit:

  1. graduate admission application and application fee
  2. official transcripts
  3. statement of purpose
  4. three letters of recommendation
  5. proof of English proficiency

Additional Application Information
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency.


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Application Deadlines

Fall

Session
Modality
Deadline
Type

Session A/C
In Person
December 1st
Priority

Spring

Session
Modality
Deadline
Type

Session A/C
In Person
October 1st
Priority


Career Opportunities

Professionals with expertise in Earth and space sciences are in high demand across sectors and industries, including remote sensing, natural resource management, data science, environmental consulting, hazard and risk assessment, geophysics and planetary science. Skills in the measurement and analysis of data related to the physics, chemistry and structures of earthly and planetary systems are valuable to businesses and institutions relying on data-driven strategies to interact with the planet and explore beyond the Earth.

Career examples include:

  • geologist
  • high school teacher
  • science communication expert
  • science writer and science journalist

Program Contact Information

If you have questions related to admission, please click here to request information and an admission specialist will reach out to you directly. For questions regarding faculty or courses, please use the contact information below.