The M.S. degree in Geological Sciences is designed to provide an educational environment to encourage students to become competent and technically adept geologists who wish to pursue a career in education, industry, government or the service sector. The program also serves to lay a solid foundation for those students who desire to continue on with advanced graduate studies toward the Ph.D. degree either at Rutgers or at another institution. The M.S. degree requires 24 credits of course work and 6 credits of research. In addition to course work, the student must submit a short Written Thesis Proposal entailing the specifics and goals of the intended research thesis. The M.S. degree is granted following completion of the written thesis, approved by the Thesis Advisor and Thesis Committee, and completion of a successful open departmental oral defense.