Geology, M.S.

(SGEOL)

The departmental-level academic course plan for each student is developed in consultation with, and approved by, the student’s graduate advisory committee. The committee will include the student’s major advisor and at least two additional members of the graduate faculty (from the department or allied disciplines) such that the LSU Graduate School’s requirements for graduate committees are satisfied. A major advisor must be selected by the end of first semester in the degree program. Thesis committee must be selected by end of second semester in the degree program.

The degree is a thesis degree requiring a research project. Thirty hours of credit at the graduate level must be earned including a maximum of six hours of credit for thesis research. The curricular requirements include:

• 24 hours in graded class work in courses numbered 4000 or above;
• At least 13 hours at the 7000 level or above must include at least four semester hours in graduate seminars;
• Completion of a thesis must demonstrate the candidate’s capacity for independent research, originality of thought, critical thinking and facility in organizing and interpreting materials; and
• A public defense of the thesis is required once the thesis committee has approved a final draft. Public notice and distribution of draft copies of thesis to committee members and graduate coordinator must be made at least two weeks prior to public defense.