Geosciences, M.S., Water Sciences Concentration

• Three letters of recommendation from individuals who can evaluate the applicant’s potential for graduate work in Water Sciences.
• What fields, research areas or topics in Geosciences (Geography, Geology and/or Water Sciences) interest you and why? Which faculty members in our department do you see as potentially providing guidance in helping you to pursue graduate studies in these fields? (max 200 words)
• In your graduate studies, what research approaches and methodologies (i.e. lab, field, modeling, interviews, ethnography, critical digital, GIS, etc.) are you most interested in working with? (max 200 words)
• What professional and personal goals motivate you to pursue graduate studies in the Department of Geosciences at Georgia State University? How will this program help you to achieve these goals? (max 200 words)
• What preparation or experiences have you had that will help you succeed in this graduate program? Please feel free to include examples from outside educational and academic arenas. (max 300 words)
• (Optional) Is there anything in your academic record that is not representative of your potential success in graduate school? Have you had to overcome any hardships or obstacles in your development as a scholar that we should consider as we evaluate your application materials? If so, please feel free to provide any details that you wish to share. (max 200 words)
• A bachelor’s degree in geography, geology or related field.
• Foundational coursework for students who wish to specialize in physical-chemical aspects of water science are listed below. These courses are normally expected to have been completed as part of the applicant’s undergraduate education and completed with a grade of C or higher. However, students who are otherwise qualified may be accepted under Special Status, with the condition that this coursework is completed as part of their graduate study:
  • Minimum 1 semester of calculus
  • Minimum 1 semester of physics
  • Minimum 1 semester of chemistry
  • 2 semesters of introductory physical geography or geology

Click on the HOW TO APPLY below to review the general requirements for applying to Graduate School at Georgia State and start your application.

The degree is rooted in a core curriculum of surface and groundwater hydrology that equips students with a foundational understanding of scientific hydrology. An array of elective courses allows students to develop specific strengths in quantitative and computational methods and/or socio-economic aspects of water utilization and governance.

Thesis research and capstone projects with faculty are carried out in the following broad areas: aqueous geochemistry, hydrogeology, watershed hydrology, water resources, ecohydrology, urban hydrology, water governance, meteorology, and applied climatology.

For more details about the required coursework, consult the course catalog.

The department offers teaching assistantships to qualified applicants. Applicants are encouraged to inquire about research assistantship opportunities with faculty who match their research interests

This customizable, interdisciplinary degree program is designed to help students develop skills in quantitative and computational methods and/or socio-economic aspects of water utilization and governance.