M.S. in Geosciences - Environmental Sciences Concentration

Advance Your Career with a Degree from Mississippi State

M.S. in Geosciences – Environmental Geosciences Concentration

This 30-credit hour, non-thesis program is designed for students interested in a broad, interdisciplinary approach to the geosciences. Offered fully online, it provides flexibility to balance your education with your personal and professional commitments.

Next Application Deadline:
12/4/2026

Semesters Offered:
Spring, Fall, Summer

Number of credit hours:
30 Hours

Number of Courses:
10 Courses

Tuition per credit hour:
$558.50

Instructional Support Fee per credit hour:
$25.00

No GRE requirement

All students receive In-State tuition

Program Highlights

The M.S. in Geosciences – Environmental Geosciences Concentration is a flexible, 30-credit hour program designed to fit your schedule. Students complete 10 courses (3 credit hours each), with the option of studying part-time or full-time.

100% Online Courses: All courses are delivered online on a semester schedule using Canvas, a platform built for online learning. Course materials include lectures, assignments, exams, and interactive study guides.
Flexible Pace: Most students take two courses per semester, but you can choose to take just one if needed.
Expert Instruction: Courses are taught by faculty with advanced degrees and real-world experience in geosciences.
Explore a wide range of topics: Learn through 10 engaging courses, including ocean science, climatology, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and natural hazards.

Optional Summer Opportunity: Students may decide to take the Field Methods Seminar course. Speak with a program advisor to learn more about this optional experience.
Non-Thesis: There is no thesis requirement for this course.
Final Course Options: In your final semester, you'll take GR 8583 - Environmental Geosciences Capstone Experience.
Comprehensive Exam: Upon completing all coursework, students must pass a comprehensive written exam to earn the degree.

Downloads

Information about program curriculum and timelines can be viewed here

Curriculum

Timeline

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the Environmental Geosciences concentration go on to work in a variety of fields, including:

Geotechnician
Research Assistant
GIS Analyst
Remote Sensing Specialist

Environmental Consultant
Petroleum Geoscientist
Educator

Commonly Asked Questions

Does this program accept transfer credit?

The Department of Geosciences does not accept prior credit for any of the MS-ENGS courses. However, course substitution is allowed using MSU Geosciences courses when an individual is already proficient in one of the program requirements.

Will the diploma say it was earned online?

No, diplomas from Mississippi State University do not show whether the requirements were met through online or in-person courses

What Our Students Say

“Mississippi State offered exactly what I wanted, a full accredited Master’s Degree, with the academic integrity of Mississippi State, and that of a leading Geoscience program in the nation. The faculty were very inviting and at the time, it seemed to me I needed to look no further than MSU. The one item that gained my attention, is the field experience at the end of the program that culminates all that the program is designed for. I could not have found a better opportunity than MSU!”

– Joseph Gosnell,
Alum Amboy, IN

Admissions – Online M.S. in Environmental Geosciences (MS-ENGS)

Ready to advance your education with a flexible, fully online master’s degree in geosciences? Follow the steps below to apply for the Master of Science in Geosciences – Environmental Geosciences Concentration at Mississippi State University.

Admissions Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree: Must be from a fully accredited four-year institution.
GPA Requirement: Minimum 2.75 GPA on the last 60 hours of undergraduate coursework.
Prerequisite Courses:
- GG 1113 – Physical Geology (or equivalent)
- GR 1133 – Weather and Climate (or equivalent) These courses—and any additional prerequisites—can be completed online through MS State if needed.

How to Apply

Complete the Online Application
- Apply to MSU Graduate School
- Include a Statement of Purpose and provide the names and email addresses of three references who will submit letters of recommendation. Each reference will receive a secure link to upload their letter.
Submit the Application Fee
- $60 (domestic) or $80 (international)
- Online payment is accepted through the MS State Admissions portal.
Submit Official Transcripts
- Email to: gradapps@grad.msstate.edu
- Mail to:
  - MSU Graduate School
  - P.O. Box G
  - Mississippi State, MS 39762-5507

After You're Admitted

You’ll receive official notification once accepted via the MS State admissions portal.
Complete Online@State Orientation to prepare for MS State’s online learning environment.
Review the admissions checklist located within the admissions portal for
Purchase textbooks 2–3 weeks before classes begin through Barnes & Noble at MSU.

Applications are accepted year-round. You can apply at any time and begin your studies in the Fall, Spring, or Summer semester.

Academic Advising for Online Geosciences Students

Advising is an essential part of your success in the Master of Science in Geosciences – Environmental Geosciences Concentration. Whether you're just getting started or preparing to graduate, our dedicated academic advisor is here to guide you every step of the way.

Yasma Jacobs

yjacobs@geosci.msstate.edu

662-325-3476

Fax: 662-325-9423

Meet Your Academic Advisor

Yasma Jacobs provides personalized advising for all students in the MS-ENGS program. From choosing the right courses to planning your path to graduation, she’s here to support you throughout your academic journey.

Geospatial Technologies Minor (GIS Minor)

Enhance Your Graduate Degree with In-Demand GIS and Remote Sensing Skills

The Department of Geosciences at Mississippi State University offers a flexible Geospatial and Remote Sensing Technologies minor designed to complement your master’s degree and expand your career opportunities. This fully online GIS minor equips students with essential skills in geographic information systems (GIS), remote sensing, and spatial data management.

Course Options

Choose four courses from the list below to complete the GIS minor:

Fall Semester

GR 6303 Principles of GIS (also offered in summer)
GR 6333 Remote Sensing Phys Env
GR 6363 GIS Programming

Spring Courses

GR 6353 Geodatabase Design
GR 6313 Advanced GIS

Summer Courses

GR 6343 Advanced Remote Sensing

How to Declare the GIS Minor

Current MSU graduate students can request to add the GIS minor by completing the official form.

By submitting this form, you formally declare your intent to pursue the Geospatial Technologies minor alongside your graduate degree.

Minor Form

A committee request form will also be required during your final 1–2 semesters.

Field Methods Course (GR 8410)

Hands-On Geoscience Learning Across the U.S. and Beyond

The Field Methods course (GR 8410) is a unique, experiential learning opportunity for MS-ENGS students nearing the end of their program. Students travel with faculty and peers to a selected U.S. or international location to explore environmental and geological features through hands-on activities and data collection.

This optional course allows students to deepen their understanding of geologic processes, environmental change, climate systems, and field data collection techniques, making it a standout feature of the MS-ENGS program.

Students are contacted during the fall of their second year with destination options, trip details, and sign-up instructions.

View Photos and Highlights from Past Field Methods Trips

Each location is selected for its rich geological characteristics, allowing students to apply classroom concepts in real-world settings:

Arizona

Study sedimentary layers and tectonics at the Grand Canyon, Sedona, and Meteor Crater. Activities include rock sampling, mapping, and night sky observations.

The Bahamas

Explore the interconnected systems of cave geology, karst topography, and coastal ecosystems on San Salvador Island.

Great Plains Storm Chase

Track severe weather systems and gain practical experience in atmospheric dynamics and storm forecasting.

Lake Superior Region

Map billion-year-old rock formations, study regional weather patterns, and visit unique geologic sites along one of the world’s largest freshwater lakes.

Sierra Nevada Mountains

Observe tectonic features along the San Andreas Fault, visit ancient Bristlecone Pines, and explore geothermal and glacial landscapes.

Upstate New York

Encounter differentiated geology from billion-year-old rocks to glacial formations in a compact, accessible region rich in academic documentation.

Western Washington State

Investigate volcanic activity around Mt. Rainier and Mt. St. Helens, and study rainforest ecosystems and glacial landforms on the Olympic Peninsula.

Yellowstone & Grand Tetons

Explore geysers, hot springs, and earthquake zones in Yellowstone, followed by glacial studies in the Grand Tetons and volcanic history along the Snake River.

Comprehensive Exam

To graduate from the MS-ENGS program, students must pass a comprehensive, proctored essay exam. The exam assesses knowledge gained in required courses and select electives.

When to Take the Exam

Students who start the program in the fall typically take the exam early in their final summer semester. Mississippi State University requires that students be either within 6 credit hours of graduation or in their final semester, with a minimum GPA of 3.0, to be eligible.

Scheduling Your Exam

You must notify the Department of Geosciences at least two weeks in advance to schedule your exam. Most students receive exam scheduling details during the spring semester. If you began the program in a semester other than fall, your exam may be scheduled in a different term—be sure to plan ahead and follow the two-week notice policy.