Program Description

The Master of Science in Physical and Applied Sciences is intended to provide the opportunity for students with diverse qualifications to improve the depth and breadth of their knowledge in the Physical Sciences. The degree offered is a M.S. in Physical and Applied Sciences, with an Area of Emphasis in one of the following: Geology or Physics for Teachers. An Emphasis is required to complete the major. 

The area of emphasis in Geology is designed for individuals seeking a career as an earth scientist. Challenging and rewarding career opportunities occur in three main areas: environmental geoscience, engineering geology, and exploration for natural resources (especially coal, oil, gas).

The area of emphasis in Physics for Teachers is an online program, targeted towards practicing secondary school teachers who wish to become qualified to instruct advanced placement, dual enrollment, or early college courses, as well as towards students interested in becoming Physics teachers.

Admission Requirements

Applicants should follow the admissions process described in this catalog or at the Graduate Admissions website at www.marshall.edu/graduate/admissions/how-to-apply-for-admission.

In addition:

• The applicant must have an undergraduate Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale in their major;
• Applicants with a GPA between 2.5 and 3.0 in their major may be provisionally admitted to the program.

Program Requirements

A Plan of Study approved by the student’s advisor must be submitted for approval to the dean before the student registers for his or her 12th semester hour. The Plan of Study is a student’s “blueprint” for completing graduation requirements.

The writing of a thesis is required in the Geology area of emphasis.  The Geology area of emphasis requires 32 hours. 

The Physics for Teachers area of emphasis culminates in writing of a thesis or preparation of a teaching work sample project.  The Physics for Teachers area of emphasis requires 36 hours. 

Consult the individual area of emphases pages for additional requirements.