The Department of Geology and Geophysics offers both a Master of Science (M.S.) and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree. In addition to University requirements and scheduling specified in the current issue of the LSU Graduate School Catalog, the M.S. degree in Geology and Geophysics also requires the following:

Course Requirements

Successful completion of a minimum of 30 semester hours of work in courses numbered 4000 or above. At least 13 hours of this coursework must be in 7000-level courses, including at least 4 hours in graduate seminars. Only 6 hours of thesis research may be included in the required 30 hours. A grade-point average of 3.0 (B) or better must be maintained.

Masters Thesis

The preparation of a thesis is an important part of the master's program for all M.S. students in the department. Research begins with the preparation and approval of a research proposal and is carried out under the supervision of a thesis advisor and an advisory committee, which includes at least two additional faculty members. The thesis must demonstrate the candidate's ability to plan and complete original research and to present the findings in an effective manner.

Final Examination

Each candidate for a master's degree is required to pass a final comprehensive public oral and/or written examination. In the Department of Geology and Geophysics this examination consists of a public presentation and defense of the Thesis. A final copy of the Thesis must be deposited in the Department office prior to graduation.

Time Limit for Completion

Although the master's degree must be completed within five years of the time of entrance into the program, it is normally expected that M.S. candidates will be in residence at LSU no more than a total of 4 semesters. In accordance with LSU regulations, financial support is limited to a maximum of 3 years for MS candidates.

The Department is establishing a new program under the existing M.S. Degree called the LSU Program in Applied Depositional Geosystems

The Department of Geology and Geophysics has created a Graduate Student Handbook that contains detailed information on the requirements of students seeking MS and PhD degrees, and generally useful information on the Department and LSU. At the time of admission to the program the requirements outlined in the Graduate Handbook are considered those to which entering graduate students must adhere to complete their degrees. However, if there are subsequent changes in requirements adopted by the Department, the student may opt to follow the latter requirements. The 2007-2008 Graduate Student Handbook for the Department of Geology and Geophysics is in word format.

Older Graduate Handbooks that are online include:
   2002-2003 Handbook
   2003-2004 Handbook
   2004-2005 Handbook
   2005-2006 Handbook

Note: all LSU students are subject to the LSU Code of Student