The M.S. degree program in Geology focuses on fundamental questions in Earth Sciences ranging from how the Earth formed, how it has evolved through time, and how it operates and is changing today. Geologists at WSU study regions of the Earth from its deep interior to its highest mountains, they study Earth materials from the building blocks of the planets to the magmas that erupt from volcanoes to the sands on the seashores, and they study the Earth and its hydro-geochemical cycles on timescales from its very beginnings to the present day.<br><br>The M.S. thesis is expected to be a publishable contribution to the science of Geology. The choice of course options in the program will be based on the student's research interest and needs. Undergraduate pre-requisites must be satisfied for all courses within the selected program, and will not count for graduate credit. It is expected that the M.S. degree requirements be completed in two years (full-time enrollment, with assistantship). Most students conclude their MS studies with a thesis, where the goal is a publishable contribution. The specific requirements are given below and are subject to completion after entering the masters program.