M.A. in English
The Master of Arts (M.A.) in English at UNCW is a flexible and student-centered program...
M.S. in Geoscience
Wilmington, North Carolina
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The M.S. in Geoscience at UNCW provides a broad study of modern and ancient Earth and ocean processes, alongside human-environment interactions. The program is flexible, offering both a thesis and a portfolio option. The thesis option is particularly suited for students aiming for research-intensive careers or doctoral programs, requiring significant original research. The portfolio option caters to those seeking a master's degree without the same extensive research commitment, often professionals already in the workforce or those looking for broader application of geoscience principles. The program emphasizes the development of research competence, professional assessment skills (especially for water, energy, and mineral resources), and integrated analysis using advanced technologies.
STEM Designated: The M.S. in Geoscience at UNCW is a STEM-designated program. This classification is highly advantageous, especially for international students on an F-1 visa. It enables them to apply for a 24-month STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT) extension after their initial 12 months of post-completion OPT. This provides a total of up to 36 months of work experience in the U.S. after graduation, significantly enhancing their professional development and career opportunities.
Curriculum: The curriculum is structured to provide a comprehensive understanding of geoscience principles, research methods, and technical communication. Core courses often include "Research Methods in Geoscience" and "Technical Communication in Geoscience," emphasizing the foundational skills for advanced study and professional practice. Students also have access to "Advanced Field Methods" and "Topics in Geoscience" courses, allowing for specialization. The program leverages the department's state-of-the-art spatial analysis, cartography, and remote sensing laboratories, providing hands-on training in data analysis, geographic information science, geovisualization, modeling, and digital image processing. The program also integrates advanced technologies like RTK GPS and a suite of drones with various sensors for data collection.
Research Focus: As an R2 institution with a strong emphasis on "High Research Activity," UNCW's M.S. in Geoscience program is deeply rooted in research. Faculty members are actively engaged in diverse areas, with particular expertise in coastal hazards and resilience, sea-level rise, climate change, urbanization, wetlands, and other natural resource habitats. The department maintains specialized research laboratories, including the Advanced Microscopy Laboratory, the Coastal Ocean Applied Science and Technology (COAST) Laboratory, the Coastal Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS) Observatory Laboratory, and the Crustal Dynamics and Geophysics Laboratory. Students are actively involved in original research projects with their advisors, contributing to scholarly achievement and applied problem-solving at local, regional, national, and international levels.
Industry Engagement: The M.S. in Geoscience program at UNCW has robust industry engagement, preparing graduates for direct employment. All students are required to engage in original research or participate in an internship, providing valuable applied learning opportunities. The department offers internship partnerships with a wide array of local entities, including consulting firms, civil and coastal engineering firms, environmental NGOs, government agencies, non-profits, and public education entities. This direct connection ensures students gain real-world experience, build professional networks, and are well-prepared for roles in geological, geospatial technology, oceanographic, and environmental fields, as well as the mineral and energy industries and government agencies. Alumni are well-placed in environmental consulting, geotechnical consulting, state/federal natural resource management, hydrogeology, and the petroleum/natural gas industry.
Global Perspective: The Department of Earth and Ocean Sciences at UNCW fosters a global perspective by studying Earth and ocean processes that transcend national boundaries, as well as human-environment interactions on a global scale. Faculty research often focuses on broad themes like climate change, sea-level rise, and the impacts of urbanization, all of which have global implications. The use of geospatial technologies and remote sensing allows for the analysis of spatial data from local to global scales, addressing problems such as deforestation, population growth, and natural disasters worldwide. This integrated approach ensures that graduates are equipped with a comprehensive understanding of global environmental challenges and are prepared to contribute to solutions in an increasingly interconnected world.
Location
Wilmington, North Carolina
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 24198
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 70% or above in their bachelor's degree.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.5 or 7.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 79 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 110.
The University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW) offers a variety of scholarship opportunities designed to support and attract talented international students. These scholarships aim to make education more affordable while recognizing academic excellence, leadership, and community involvement.
Merit-Based Scholarships: UNCW provides merit scholarships for international students based on academic achievements, standardized test scores, and other criteria. These awards can significantly reduce tuition costs and are often renewable for multiple years based on maintaining good academic standing.
International Student Scholarships: Specific scholarships are available exclusively for international students, such as the International Student Scholarship which rewards outstanding academic performance and leadership qualities. Eligibility and award amounts vary each year, encouraging prospective students to apply early.
Departmental Scholarships: Many academic departments at UNCW offer scholarships targeted to students within their programs, including international students. These scholarships recognize excellence in fields such as business, marine science, and the arts, and often require separate applications or nominations.
External Scholarships and Financial Aid: UNCW encourages international students to explore additional funding options through external organizations, governments, and private foundations. The university’s financial aid office provides guidance on locating and applying for these scholarships.
A Master of Science (M.S.) in Geoscience from the University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW) provides graduates with a comprehensive understanding of Earth and ocean processes, coupled with advanced skills in data analysis, research, and technical communication. This STEM-designated program, with its strong emphasis on both foundational knowledge and applied technologies like GIS and remote sensing, prepares individuals for a wide range of in-demand careers across the public, private, and academic sectors, particularly those focused on environmental challenges, natural resources, and hazard mitigation.
Environmental Geologist/Consultant: Graduates work for environmental consulting firms, assessing sites for contamination, conducting hydrogeological investigations, designing remediation plans, and ensuring compliance with environmental regulations for various industries and government clients.
Hydrogeologist: Specializing in groundwater, these professionals work for environmental agencies, water utilities, or consulting firms, managing groundwater resources, assessing water quality, designing well systems, and modeling groundwater flow to address water supply and contamination issues.
Coastal Geologist/Scientist: Given UNCW's coastal location and research focus, graduates are well-prepared for roles analyzing coastal processes, erosion, sea-level rise impacts, and managing coastal resources for government agencies (e.g., NOAA, state coastal management programs) or engineering firms.
Geospatial Analyst/GIS Specialist: Leveraging expertise in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), remote sensing, and other geospatial technologies, graduates work across many sectors (government, environmental, urban planning, defense) to collect, analyze, and interpret spatial data, create maps, and build geospatial databases.
Engineering Geologist: These professionals apply geological principles to engineering projects. They work for geotechnical or civil engineering firms, evaluating geological hazards (e.g., landslides, earthquakes), assessing site stability for construction, and providing geological input for infrastructure development.
Oceanographer (Applied/Coastal): With a focus on marine and coastal processes within the Geoscience program, graduates can pursue roles studying the physical, chemical, geological, and biological aspects of oceans for research institutions, government agencies (e.g., U.S. Geological Survey, NOAA), or environmental organizations.
Natural Resource Manager: Working for federal or state agencies (e.g., U.S. Forest Service, Department of Natural Resources) or conservation organizations, these professionals manage natural resources like forests, minerals, or energy, ensuring sustainable use and conservation.
Petroleum Geologist: For those interested in the energy sector, an M.S. in Geoscience can lead to roles in oil and gas exploration, where geologists analyze subsurface data to locate hydrocarbon reservoirs, evaluate drilling sites, and manage production.
Geoscience Educator/Community College Instructor: An M.S. degree qualifies graduates to teach geoscience, geology, or oceanography courses at community colleges, sharing their knowledge and inspiring future generations of geoscientists.
Emergency Management Specialist (Natural Hazards): With a strong understanding of natural hazards (e.g., hurricanes, floods, seismic activity), graduates can work for emergency management agencies, developing preparedness plans, assessing risks, and coordinating responses to natural disasters.
