Earth Sciences: Geochemical Systems, M.S. - CEPS, UNH

The option in Geochemical Systems is intended for students with interests in all aspects of geochemistry: bedrock, sediment, water, ice, and air with particular emphasis on interpreting and modeling the interaction of these media (e.g., biogeochemistry, air quality, and climate change).

Admission Requirements

Applicants to the M.S. program in geochemical systems are expected to have completed coursework that provides them with foundational knowledge. This foundational knowledge is the equivalent to the completion of: two terms mathematics, which includes both differential and integral calculus (one of these two terms could be statistics); two terms lab-based general chemistry; and two terms of a combination of biology and/or physics. Typical applicants have undergraduate (or equivalent) degrees in Earth sciences, environmental sciences, chemistry, physics, mathematics, data science, engineering, the biological sciences, or related fields. We also encourage inquiries from those who have earned an undergraduate degree in a different major with appropriate coursework in foundational subjects. Students still working to strengthen a particular component of their foundational coursework may be admitted provided they are prepared to complete courses, without graduate credit, as needed. The program of study a student wishes to follow, together with the research topic and the student's undergraduate major, determines any additional necessary coursework, which will be recommended during the admission process. Applicants are strongly encouraged to meet with their potential advisor(s) and/or the graduate program coordinator prior to submission of their application with any questions on admissions criteria and the degree program. 

Sample Degree Plan

This sample degree plan serves as a general guide; students collaborate with their academic advisor to develop a personalized degree plan to meet their academic goals and program requirements.

Degree Requirements

Thesis Option

Students in the thesis option must satisfactorily complete at least 30 graduate credits, which include the credits accumulated in the core curriculum. Students in this option must complete a master's thesis (6 credits) and give an oral presentation of the results.

Non-Thesis Option

Students in the non-­thesis option must satisfactorily complete at least 34 graduate credits, which includes the core curriculum, a 2­-credit directed research project (ESCI 898 Directed Research), and a written and oral presentation of that research.

Geochemical Systems

Additional electives are to be selected from graduate level courses in the department and/or from graduate level courses  in related disciplines outside of the department (e.g., civil and environmental engineering, natural resources, chemistry, mathematics and statistics, and computer science). More detailed information is available from the department. 

Program Learning Outcomes

Students graduating with a MS in Earth Sciences: Geochemical Systems should achieve the following learning outcomes:

Core Knowledge

• Demonstrate a foundation of knowledge in Geochemical Systems that results in expertise and an understanding of the chemistry and chemical interactions of the Earth’s mantle, crust, or on the surface of the Earth in terrestrial, aquatic, or atmospheric environments at a range of timescales focused on, for example, biogeochemical processes that govern the distribution and cycling of elements and nutrients, processes that add and remove elements in various environments, or the chemical transformations and exchanges between the atmosphere, oceans, and solid Earth.
• Demonstrate basic knowledge of how the processes within this field interact with other related disciplines.
• Demonstrate specialized knowledge of a field within geochemical processes and elemental cycles on Earth sufficient to conduct substantive supervised research.

Research Methods and Analysis

• Identify and demonstrate knowledge of a range of qualitative and quantitative methodologies typically used in geochemistry research.
• Discover and critically read published research in the Earth sciences and related fields of mathematics, statistics, physics, chemistry, and biology.
• Frame empirical research and/or theory guided by prior knowledge.
• Implement a rigorous study using appropriate methods, measures and techniques.
• Critically evaluate and systematically analyze data to reach appropriate findings and interpretations

Scholarly Communication

• Structure a coherent argument that rigorously presents and evaluates evidence to support claims.
• Review and cogently synthesize relevant literature.
• Write at a level and in a style of English consistent with that found in leading academic journals.
• Understand and properly use styles of citing, referencing, and formatting found in leading academic journals.
• Clearly convey research findings through oral presentation supported by appropriate digital media.
• Cogently summarize research and its significance to non-specialist audiences.

Professionalism and Pedagogy

• Prepare manuscripts that meet the standards of academic and research journals and respond appropriately to recommendations for revision.
• Demonstrate collaboration, leadership and teamwork.
• Create a welcoming environment that is supportive, inclusive and equitable.
• Make effective contributions to university, community and professional service.
• Communicate effectively to groups in a lecture format.

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Deadlines

Applications must be completed by the following deadlines in order to be reviewed for admission:

• Fall: Jan. 15 (for funding); April 1 (final)
• Spring: Dec. 1
• Summer: N/A
• Special: N/A

Application fee: $65

Campus: Durham

New England Regional: No

Accelerated Masters Eligible: No

New Hampshire Residents

Students claiming in-state residency must also submit a Proof of Residence Form. This form is not required to complete your application, but you will need to submit it after you are offered admission, or you will not be able to register for classes.

Transcripts

If you attended UNH or Granite State College (GSC) after September 1, 1991, and have indicated so on your online application, we will retrieve your transcript internally; this includes UNH-Durham, UNH-Manchester, UNH Non-Degree work and GSC. 

If you did not attend UNH, or attended prior to September 1, 1991, then you must upload a copy (PDF) of your transcript in the application form. International transcripts must be translated into English.

If admitted, you must then request an official transcript be sent directly to our office from the Registrar's Office of each college/university attended. We accept transcripts both electronically and in hard copy:

• Electronic Transcripts: Please have your institution send the transcript directly to grad.school@unh.edu. Please note that we can only accept copies sent directly from the institution.
• Paper Transcripts: Please send hard copies of transcripts to: UNH Graduate School, Thompson Hall- 105 Main Street, Durham, NH 03824. You may request transcripts be sent to us directly from the institution or you may send them yourself as long as they remain sealed in the original university envelope.

Transcripts from all previous post-secondary institutions must be submitted and applicants must disclose any previous academic or disciplinary sanctions that resulted in their temporary or permanent separation from a previous post-secondary institution. If it is found that previous academic or disciplinary separations were not disclosed, applicants may face denial and admitted students may face dismissal from their academic program.

Letters of recommendation: 3 required

Recommendation letters submitted by relatives or friends, as well as letters older than one year, will not be accepted.

Personal Statement/Essay Questions

Prepare a brief but careful statement regarding:

1. Reasons you wish to do graduate work in this field, including your immediate and long-range objectives.
2. Your specific research or professional interest and experiences in this field.

Important Notes

All applicants are encouraged to contact programs directly to discuss program-specific application questions.

International Applicants

Prospective international students are required to submit TOEFL, IELTS, or equivalent examination scores. English Language Exams may be waived if English is your first language. If you wish to request a waiver, then please visit our Test Scores webpage for more information.