The Department of Geology & Geophysics offers a diverse graduate program in the earth sciences. Areas of specialization include biostratigraphy, environmental geology, geochemistry, geophysics, hydrogeology, mineralogy, palynology, petrology, sedimentology, stratigraphy, and tectonics. The department includes approximately 21 faculty members, 23 PhD candidates, 21 master's candidates, and 44 undergraduate majors. Graduate study in geology and geophysics at LSU provides a balanced combination of coursework and independent research. Research projects focus on important geologic problems throughout the U.S. and in countries on every continent. Graduates have been successful in obtaining employment in academia, government, and industry.<br><br>The Department of Geology & Geophysics offers an MS degree. This 30-credit hour program requires an independent research project (thesis). The thesis is driven by scientific curiosity and is completed with the guidance from the primary faculty member and from the members of the thesis committee. Course work is tailored to prepare the student to complete the thesis (narrowly focused courses), to enhance communication skills, and to broaden the student's knowledge of the geosciences.<br><br>Ideally, students complete an MS degree in two academic years. Commonly students seek an internship during the intervening summer as the industries (environmental and oil & gas) consider the MS Geology degree the working degree. The strength of the independent thesis, the development of communication skills, and the breadth of knowledge acquired as you progress through the MS degree prepare you for your chosen career.