Please note: our Applied Geosciences Masters Degree in Earth and Space Sciences (MESSAGe) is not accepting students for the 25-26 academic year. Application to this program is paused until further notice.
Geosciences are key to addressing critical issues of our time: natural hazards, land and resource management, the impacts of climate change. Tool-up with MESSAGe at UW and put your geoscience background to work!
- Focus on the fundamentals: Core and elective courses in a flexible curriculum to expand your knowledge in your areas of interest.
- Think outside the classroom: Intensive field courses and a capstone internship build your experience tackling real world problems.
- Spring forward: Year-long seminars in professional practice and technical communication prepare you for advancement in the geoscience workforce.
- Make connections: Frequent interaction with working professionals inside and outside the classroom broaden your professional network.
Program Description
The Masters in Earth and Space Sciences, Applied Geosciences (MESSAGe) is designed for students who are seeking to go into the private sector or public agencies and wish to have a lead role in geology, geomorphology, environmental geology or engineering geology. The program offers a unique blend of classroom and field experiences to build fundamental knowledge and practical skills that employers are seeking.
Career Outlook
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of geoscientists is expected to grow faster than the average over this decade. It is expected that demand will increase in several areas including energy, environmental protection, and resource management. According to the BLS, job opportunities should be excellent for geoscientists with a Masters degree.
Admissions
Please note: our Applied Geosciences Masters Degree in Earth and Space Sciences (MESSAGe) is not accepting students for the 25-26 academic year, and application to this program is closed
Admission into the program requires a Bachelors degree in Geoscience or a closely related discipline, including Field Camp (ESS 400) and at least four upper division courses spread among the following categories:
Applicants should also have completed two quarters with analytical geometry (Math 124, 125), plus a third quarter of advanced math; at least two quarters of physics (calculus-based physics preferred; Phys 121 & 122), and at least two quarters of general chemistry (Chem 142 & 152) and at least two courses with writing instruction (e.g. English Composition and ESS 418). Students with deficiencies in one or more courses may be able to make them up during the degree. Students with deficiencies in several areas or who have not completed the equivalent of a 9 credit field geology course (ESS 400) should complete these before enrolling in MESSAGe.
The graduate school also requires students to have a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university in the U.S. or its equivalent from a foreign institution. Students must also have at least a 3.0 (or B) GPA in the most recent 2 years of study, and prove English equivalency if necessary.
Graduation Requirements
MESSAGe requires 6 academic quarters of coursework including core geoscience fundamentals, professional practice and technical communication, applied geology field courses, and a capstone internship.
Fundamental Courses
Students take the following core courses and one or two electives. Students with demonstrated background in any of the core areas may substitute additional electives.
Core:
Electives:
Elective courses change annually. Recent offerings have included:
- Glacial Geology (ESS 432)
- Environmental Geochemistry (ESS 457)
- Tectonic Geomorphology (ESS 525)
- Applied Fluvial Geomorphology (ESS 541)
- Natural Hazards and Resilient Communities (TBA)
Students may choose electives from any 400- or 500-level course offerings in any department in the College of the Environment, Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering , or graduate courses elsewhere in the University with permission of the MESSAGe Program Director.
Seminars
Seminars designed exclusively for MESSAGe students focus on preparing students for work as professional geologists and leaders in applied geosciences. Weekly seminars will cover topics such as professional practice, writing technical reports, and career guidance.
Capstone Investigation
Students finish their degree with a capstone investigation. The capstone investigation is defined in conjunction with an external stakeholder organization and advised by MESSAGe faculty. The investigation engages students in planning, budgeting, data collection, analysis, and writing, and culminates in a technical report and an oral presentation open to the public.
Program Faculty and Advisors
MESSAGe faculty include world-class research scientists, award-winning professors, and leading professionals. We bridge theory and practice to deliver fundamental knowledge and practical skills to our students. The program is advised by an external committee of geoscientists and employers who counsel the director and mentor students.
Juliet Crider – MESSAGE Director, Field Geology, Advising
Kathy Troost – Internships, Professional Practice, Engineering Geology
Alison Duvall – Tectonic Geomorphology and Hillslope Geomorphology
Mike Brown – Hydrogeology
Steven Walters – Geographic Information Systems