A Professional Master's degree is similar in scope to the traditional Master of Science degree however does not require research. The programs focus in emerging multi-disciplinary fields of study and are designed to provide career-oriented skills and knowledge.

Degree Program

This degree program is a non-thesis, interdisciplinary degree combining the study of geology, Geochemistry and bioGeochemistry and is administered by the Geochemistry Program. The program is intended to provide 1) an opportunity for CSM undergraduates to earn a Master's degree with one extra year of study and 2) additional education for working professionals in the area of Geochemistry as it applies to problems relating to the environment.

This non-thesis program consists primarily of coursework in Geochemistry and allied fields, with an emphasis on environmental applications. No research is required though the program does allow for independent study, professional development, internship, or coop experience. The program may be pursued on a full-time or part-time basis, depending on the needs of the individual.

A minimum of 36 credit hours are required. The overall course requirements will depend on the background of the individual, but may be tailored to professional objectives. CSM students pursuing the Combined BS/MS format may transfer in 6 credits of 400-level or above courses taken as part of their undergraduate curriculum. The courses must be approved by the Geochemistry Committee. A 17 credit-hour core program consists of:

• CHGN 403 - Environmental Chemistry
• GEGN 467 - Groundwater Engineering
• CHGC 503 - Introduction to Geochemistry
• GEGN 509 - Aqueous Geochemistry
• GEOL 530 - Clay Characterization
• CHGC 504 - Methods in Geochemistry

An additional 12 credits must be selected from the following list.

• Environmental Chemistry and Geochemistry
• Environmental Organic Chemistry
• Microbiology and the Environment
• Environmental Microbiology Laboratory
• BioGeochemistry and Geomicrobiology
• Nuclear and Isotopic Geochemistry
• Soil Gas Geochemistry
• Advanced Physical Chemistry
• Organic Geochemistry of fossil fuels and ore deposits
• geochem.htmical Exploration
• Applications of Geographic Information Systems
• Geological Data Analysis
• Advanced Ground-water Engineering
• Mathematical Modeling of Ground-water Systems
• Contaminant Hydrogeology
• Vadose Zone Hydrology
• Advanced Ground-water Modeling
• Mineralogy and Crystal Chemistry
• Chemical Modeling of Aqueous Systems

The remaining 7 credits may be electives or independent study.

Admissions/Entrance Requirements

Applicants to the Environmental Geochemistry program are expected to have completed the equivalent of a four-year bachelor's in chemistry, Geochemistry, geology or other related fields. Those with degrees in other fields are occasionally accepted; however, they must complete deficiency courses prior to or concurrent with taking graduate courses.

Mines undergraduate students interested in the Combined BS/MS program should express interest to the Program Chair listed below in their junior year. A formal application should be submitted through the Graduate School in the first semester senior year.

Fall Admission	Yes
Financial support priority deadline	Jan. 15
U.S. citizen application deadline	July 1
International application deadline	April 1
Spring Admission	Yes
U.S. citizen application deadline	Nov. 1
International application deadline	Sept. 1
GRE required	No

Financial Assistance

Limited funding support is available to Environmental Geochemistry students in the form of teaching assistantships. Students must be enrolled full-time to be eligible for these awards. Applicants seeking financial support should indicate such within the Application for Admission. TAs are generally offered by March 15 for the next academic year; hence, are not available beginning with the spring semester.

Contact

Geochemistry Program
Colorado School of Mines
Golden, CO 80401
Phone: 303-273-3000