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What does it cost?

Check out our cost calculator or visit student financial services for information on estimated costs.

How long will it take?

36 credit hours are required.

Where will I take classes?

Application Deadlines View Admissions Requirements

Students may enter the program in fall, spring or summer.

VIEW ADMISSIONS DEADLINES

Geosciences, M.S., Water Sciences Concentration

Geosciences

[email protected]
404-413-5750

Employers in the public sector and private industry are hungry for people who understand aquatic systems. The M.S. degree program with a Water Sciences concentration provides students with a knowledge of the quality and quantity of water in the environment and modern techniques to assess, model and remediate aquatic environmental problems. Students can choose a thesis or capstone option.

The Department of Geosciences is distinctive because it spans the social and physical dimensions of environmental and resource issues, with a special focus on urban communities.

Our faculty have expertise in the social and environmental dimensions of water, environmental geochemistry and global climate change. We are also expanding our Geographic Information Science research and teaching to better represent and describe the complexity of social and environmental concerns.

Joining forces with our students and community partners, we tackle the interrelated environmental and social challenges of the 21st century that involve the quality, quantity and sustainable use of our natural resources.

VIEW CATALOG INFORMATION

Program Highlights

Our interdisciplinary department is part of a diverse, expanding research university. Georgia State’s location in downtown Atlanta provides access to government agencies at local, state and federal levels, nonprofit organizations, private industry and a wealth of environmental and technical consulting firms.

Program Details
  • Three letters of recommendation from individuals who can evaluate the applicant’s potential for graduate work in Water Sciences.
  • A statement of educational, research and/or career goals.
  • 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

Review the general requirements for applying to Graduate School at Georgia State.

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.

Description

Careers

Our program's students are prepared to work in a variety of water-related fields. They are also equipped to pursue doctoral studies. Our graduates work as:

  • Hydrologists
  • Environmental researchers
  • Environmental consultants
  • Climatologists
  • Urban planners
  • Geographic information scientists
  • Professional geologists
  • Community planners

Contacts

Department of Geosciences
38 Peachtree Center Avenue
Langdale Hall, Suite 730
Atlanta, GA 30303

Phone: 404-413-5750
Fax: 404-413-5768
Email: [email protected]

Mailing address:
Department of Geosciences
Georgia State University
P.O. Box 3965
Atlanta, GA 30302

College of Arts & Sciences Logo25 Park Pl NE #2500
Atlanta, GA 30303

The information shared provides an overview of Georgia State’s offerings. For details on admissions requirements, tuition, courses and more, refer to the university catalogs.