The requirements for a M.S. or Ph.D. degree are nearly the same for degrees in Geology and in Geological Engineering, though the specific courses taken in fulfillment of each degree may vary. The primary difference is in the pre-requisite courses that must be taken either before entering the degree program, or during the first few semesters of enrollment in the program.

Detailed information on the general requirements for an advanced degree at the University of Mississippi may be found in the Graduate School Catalog.

Course requirements for a M.S. degree in Geology or Geological Engineering

• 30 hours including 6 hours of thesis credit

• At least 18 hours must be formal classroom courses

• At least 12 hours must be at the 600 level or higher

• Additional courses may be required by an individual's committee

Course requirements for a Ph.D. degree in Geology or Geological Engineering

• 54 hours beyond the bachelor's degree, including 18 hours of dissertation credit

• At least 30 hours, not including dissertation hours, must be completed at the University of Mississippi, and two consecutive semesters must be completed at the Oxford campus

• At least 18 hours must be at the 600 level or higher

• Additional courses may be required by an individual's committee

• There is no foreign language requirement

Selection of committee and major advisor

All students must have a major advisor that will be the primary supervisor for the student's research. The major advisor must be a member of the Geology and Geological Engineering faculty. Each student must also have a committee made up of additional faculty members that will provide additional guidance and approval of the final thesis or dissertation. Requirements for M.S. and Ph.D. degrees differ as follows:

• M.S. committee: 3 members of the Geology and Geological Engineering faculty.

• Ph.D. committee: 3 members of the Geology and Geological Engineering faculty, and 1 from another discipline. Committee selections must be approved by the Chair of the department.

Prospectus

The Prospectus is a written and oral summary of the research planned and results of any preliminary work performed. The summary must include background information, a description of the field site (if applicable), methods to be employed, preliminary results, and a tentative timeline for completion. The title, date, and abstract for the prospectus must be posted at least 5 days prior to the presentation. There must be one intervening semester between the defense of the thesis or dissertation prospectus and the defense of the thesis or dissertation. Requires submission of an official form to the Graduate School (Ph.D. only).

Completion of course work

Subject to the guidelines of the Graduate School and approval by the student's committee.

Comprehensive exams (Ph.D. only)

Comprehensive exams are given near or after the completion of course work. Comprehensive exams consist of a written exam administered by the members of the student's committee, and an oral exam that may include questioning open to the general university community, and questioning limited to the student's committee. Deficiencies found in a comprehensive exam could lead to additional course work or assignments being required by the student's committee. Requires submission of an official form to the Graduate School.

Application to graduate

Contact the Graduate School for current deadlines and application forms.

Defense of thesis or dissertation

The final defense requires that a nearly completed final draft of the thesis or dissertation has been approved by the major advisor and submitted to the committee. The title, date and abstract must be posted at least 5 days before the defense. The format of the defense is determined by the major advisor and committee. Requires submission of an official form to the Graduate School.

Submission of signed thesis or dissertation to the Graduate School

Requires submission of an official form to the Graduate School.