University of Washington College of the Environment ESS Home

Masters in Earth & Space Sciences:
Applied Geosciences

Geosciences are key to addressing critical issues of our time: natural hazards, land and resource management, the impacts of climate change. Tool-up with MESSAGe at UW and put your geoscience background to work.

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, geomorphology, 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 to 15 month program, or complete the degree part time over 2 or 3 years. Nine-day field seminars offer hands-on experience, without extended time away. Late afternoon and early evening class meetings accommodate some 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 over this decade. It is expected that demand will increase in several areas including energy, environmental protection, and resource management. According to the BLS, job opportunities should be excellent for geoscientists with a Masters degree. More information can be found at http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos312.htm .

Admissions

The admissions deadline is March 1st. For more information please see the Admissions Page as well as the Frequently Asked Questions.

Graduation 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 4 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:

Electives:
Elective courses change annually. Recent offerings have included:

Students may substitute other 400 or 500-level courses from any department in the College of the Environment or Civil & Environmental 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 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 collaboration 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.

Juliet Crider - MESSAGE Director, Field Geology, Advising

Alison Duvall - Tectonic Geomorphology and Hillslope Geomorphology

Kathy Troost - Program Coordinator, Professional Practice, Field Geology

Brian Collins - Fluvial Geomorphology

Mike Brown - Hydrogeology

Steven Walters - Geographic Information Systems

Tom Badger - Engineering Geology

MESSAGe students also take classes with many of our faculty across the Colleges of the Environment and Engineering. Internship mentors are drawn from our network of professional contacts across the region.