Master of Arts [M.A] [Earth Science] From Western Michigan University

Additional coursework may come from other disciplines such as biology, chemistry, geography, environmental science, climatology or education. This coursework will provide you with foundational theoretical knowledge, as well as the ability to carry out relevant field and laboratory techniques necessary for an earth science career. Graduates of this program have attained positions in state and federal government agencies, non-profit agencies, environmental and geotechnical consulting firms and the education sector.

You should pursue an ma in earth sciences if:

• You have a wide spectrum of interests in the earth and environmental sciences.
• You want a flexible graduate program that you can customize to your specific interests and career goals.
• You are interested in a career in the environmental or earth science sectors.
• You are considering going on to additional graduate work in the earth sciences, but are unsure of what specific field you want to pursue.

Careers

Employment options for holders of a master’s degree in earth sciences are broad. Graduates seek employment with state and federal government agencies, private consulting firms, non-profit organizations and educational services. People with formal earth science training are also needed in industries as varied as journalism, environmental law, sales, marketing, information services, management and publishing. Some specific careers available to those with master’s degrees in the earth sciences include:

• Geologist*, geoscientist or geographer
• Hydrogeologist
• Teacher*, educational consultant or museum educator
• Manager or mid-level consultant
• Environmental technician, scientist and specialist
• Environmental regulator