Master of Science in Geology
In the Master of Science in Geology at ECU, you can have it all: a deeper understanding of the natural world, the tools to help society develop sustainably, and a career that pays well and matters. Our graduates secure roles that make a real difference — managing groundwater supplies, remediating contaminated soil and groundwater, locating critical mineral deposits, and building resilience against hazards like flooding, landslides, and coastal erosion.
At a Glance
- Degree: Master of Science in Geology
- Credit hours: 30–33 s.h.
- Format: On-campus
- Options: Thesis; Non-thesis
Dr. Eric Horsman
Program Director
What sets ECU’s MS in Geology apart is its breadth, flexibility, and strong applied focus. Students can tailor their coursework and research to align with their professional goals, gaining access to state-of-the-art labs and instrumentation including UAVs, scanning electron microscopy, ground-penetrating radar, and research vessels. Thanks to our coastal location in North Carolina, the program has a particularly strong concentration in coastal and marine geology and geophysics, groundwater and surface water hydrology, paleoecology, sedimentology, and stratigraphy. Students also pursue projects in igneous and metamorphic petrology, mineralogy, economic geology, geochemistry, structural geology, paleontology, and geomorphology around the world.
Why Study Geology at ECU?
Program Overview
The MS in Geology offers both thesis and non-thesis options. Thesis students complete 30 s.h. of coursework (including a 6 s.h. research component), with at least 15 s.h. above the 5999-level. Non-thesis students complete 33 s.h. of coursework, with at least 17 s.h. above the 5999-level and a non-thesis research project culminating in a written paper and oral presentation.
Both options require a 6-credit research skills option: GEOL 6900 (Research Design and Effective Professional Communication, 3 s.h.) paired with either GEOL 7000 (Thesis, 3 s.h.) for thesis students or GEOL 6998 (Research Project, 3 s.h.) for non-thesis students. A maximum of 6 s.h. may come from outside the Department of Geological Sciences.
The Department participates in the East Carolina University Integrated Coastal Programs and the Integrated Coastal Sciences PhD program, offering students additional interdisciplinary research opportunities along the North Carolina coast and beyond.
Courses
Students complete the program under one of two options: a 30 s.h. thesis option or a 33 s.h. non-thesis option. Both options require the Research Skills block below and a tailored selection of GEOL coursework chosen with the faculty adviser.
Program Structure
Thesis option (30 s.h.)
- At least 15 s.h. of GEOL coursework numbered above 5999.
- Up to 6 s.h. may be taken outside the Department of Geological Sciences.
- Completion of a written thesis and oral defense (GEOL 7000).
Non-thesis option (33 s.h.)
- At least 17 s.h. of GEOL coursework numbered above 5999.
- Up to 6 s.h. may be taken outside the Department of Geological Sciences.
- Written document and oral presentation completed in GEOL 6998. GEOL 6522, 6523, 6532, 6533, 7000, 7001, 7007, and 7008 do not count toward the 33 s.h.
Research Skills (6 s.h.)
Required for both thesis and non-thesis options
Plus one of:
Thesis option
- GEOL 7000 — Thesis (3–6 s.h.)
Non-thesis option
- GEOL 6998 — Research Project (3 s.h.)
Thesis students conducting summer research may register for GEOL 7001 — Thesis: Summer Research (1 s.h.). GEOL 7001 does not count toward the degree.
Elective Coursework
The remaining credit hours are drawn from the GEOL graduate course inventory. Students build a plan of study with their faculty adviser, grouping coursework around their research area. The themed groupings below organize the current GEOL graduate offerings; lecture and lab pairs are listed together because they are taken in the same term.
Coastal and Marine Geology
- GEOL 6750 — Geology of Coastal Processes and Environments
- GEOL 5350 — Marine Geology
- GEOL 7002 — Coastal Geoscience and GEOL 7003 — Coastal Geoscience Laboratory
- GEOL 7500 — Marine Isotope Geochemistry
- GEOL 7600 — Remote Sensing of Coastal Environments and GEOL 7601 — Remote Sensing of Coastal Environments Laboratory
Sedimentary Geology and Stratigraphy
- GEOL 6200 — Sedimentary Petrology and GEOL 6201 — Sedimentary Petrology Laboratory
- GEOL 6220 — Carbonate Petrology and GEOL 6221 — Carbonate Petrology Laboratory
- GEOL 6250 — Stratigraphic Analysis
- GEOL 7910 — Sediment Transport and Depositional Processes
Hydrogeology and Aqueous Geochemistry
- GEOL 6150 — The Geologic Component of Environmental Science
- GEOL 5450 — Introduction to Aqueous Geochemistry and GEOL 5451 — Aqueous Geochemistry Laboratory
- GEOL 6700 — Geohydrology of Drainage Basins and GEOL 6701 — Geohydrology of Drainage Basins Laboratory
- GEOL 6710 — Ground Water Hydrology and GEOL 6711 — Ground Water Hydrology Laboratory
- GEOL 7710 — Groundwater Modeling and GEOL 7711 — Groundwater Modeling Laboratory
- GEOL 7920 — Advanced Surface Water/Groundwater Hydrology and GEOL 7921 — Advanced Surface Water/Groundwater Hydrology Laboratory
- GEOL 7930 — Biogeochemical Processes
General Geoscience
- GEOL 6350 — Environmental and Global Change
- GEOL 6610 — Tectonics
- GEOL 6550 — Principles of Geophysics and GEOL 6551 — Principles of Geophysics Laboratory
- GEOL 6620 — Earth System Science
- GEOL 6940 — Ethical Applications of AI for Environmental Science Issues
- GEOL 6950 — Environmental Data Science and GEOL 6951 — Environmental Data Analysis Laboratory
Seminars
Readings, Independent Study, and Special Topics
These courses are taken with individual faculty members on a topic agreed in advance. They are useful for tailored deep dives but do not count toward the 33 s.h. non-thesis credit total.
For full curriculum details, comprehensive assessment requirements, and graduation requirements, see the Geology, MS entry in the ECU Graduate Catalog.
Career Relevance
Graduate study in geology prepares students for applied and research-oriented careers in water resources, hazard assessment, geotechnical services, environmental consulting, resource exploration, and related fields. The program’s strong applied focus and coastal location provide hands-on experience with tools, techniques, and fieldwork that employers value.
The occupations below are examples of career areas connected to a geology master’s degree. They are not a complete list of outcomes. Actual job titles, salaries, advancement, and hiring requirements vary by employer, location, degree level, experience, and additional credentials.
| Example O*NET Occupation | Why It Fits Geology | Median Annual Salary | Projected Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers | Field studies, geological data, earth materials, structures, resources, hazards, and technical reports | $99,240 | Average (3% to 4%) |
| Hydrologists | Groundwater, surface water, hydrogeology, water samples, data analysis, and water resource reporting | $92,060 | Average (3% to 4%) |
| Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health | Environmental data, soil and water samples, pollution, land degradation, compliance, and environmental reporting | $80,060 | Average (3% to 4%) |
| Cartographers and Photogrammetrists | Map production, photogrammetry, aerial and drone imagery, geospatial visualization | $78,380 | Faster than average (5% to 6%) |
Occupation data obtained from O*NET OnLine, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Wage data reflect 2024 national median wages, and projected growth reflects 2024–2034 national employment projections.
How to Apply
Applicants to the Master of Science in Geology apply through the ECU Graduate School. Select Geology, MS as the intended program and review Graduate School deadlines, application materials, and admission requirements before submitting your application.
Prospective Students
Apply online through the ECU Graduate School and choose the Geology, MS program. Contact Dr. Horsman to discuss research fit and faculty advising before or during the application process.
Current ECU Students
Current ECU students interested in graduate geology should contact Dr. Horsman to discuss fit, faculty advising, course planning, and the application process.
Questions?
For questions about the Master of Science in Geology, contact Program Director Dr. Eric Horsman at horsmane@ecu.edu or 252-328-5265. The program office is in 101 Graham Building.