A Professional Masters 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. The Mineral Exploration & Mining Geosciences program is jointly offered through the Departments of Geology & Geological Engineering, Geophysics, and Geochemistry.

Degree Program

This degree program is a non-thesis, interdisciplinary degree combining study in geology, geochemistry, geophysics and economics with options for study in environmental science and metallurgy. It is particularly suited for employees of global mineral companies and service companies who need additional, cross-disciplinary knowledge and skills in order to qualify for promotion to management positions. Current CSM undergraduates can also pursue this program as a combined BS/MS degree.

A minimum of 36 credit hours is required, 9 of which may be at the 400-level. A 15 credit hour core program consists of:

• GEGN 403 - Mineral Exploration Design
• GEGX 571 - Geochemical Exploration
• GPGN 530 - Applied Geophysics
  One of:
• GEOL 515 - Advanced Mineral Deposits-Magmatic and Syngenetic Ores
• GEOL 516 - Advanced Mineral Deposits-Epithermal Hydrothermal Systems
• GEGN 528 - Mining Geology
  One of:
• EBGN 504 - Economic Evaluation and Investment Decision Making
• EBGN 510 - Natural Resource Economics
• EBGN 512 - Macroeconomics
• MNGN 585 - Mining Economics

A total of 15 additional hours may be selected from a set list of courses in Geochemistry, Geology and Geological Engineering, Geophysics, Economics and Business, Environmental Science and Engineering, and Metallurgical and Materials Engineering. The remaining course credit can be selected from the full CSM course offerings with approval of the advisor or may be taken as independent study.

Combined BS/MS Program

Students in a bachelor’s program at Mines are eligible to apply for the combined program in Mineral Exploration and Mining Geosciences. Students admitted to this program in their senior year can begin taking coursework for their graduate degree prior to completing the requirements for their bachelor’s degree. Six credits of 400-level coursework can be double counted to fulfill requirements for both the B.S. and Prof. Masters degrees. Mines undergraduate students interested in the Combined BS/MS program should express interest to one of the program chairs listed below in their junior year. A formal application should be submitted through the Graduate School by first semester senior year .

Admissions/Entrance Requirements

Applicants to the Mineral Exploration and Mining Geosciences program are expected to have completed the equivalent of a four-year bachelor's in a geoscience discipline. Those with degrees in other fields are occasionally accepted; however, they must complete deficiency courses prior to or concurrent with taking graduate courses.

Students apply into the program through one of the participating departments: Geology & Geological Engineering, Geochemistry, or Geophysics. Generally students apply through the department in which they will most likely want a faculty advisor.

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

Financial support may be available to select students through teaching assistantships. These awards generally cover tuition, fees and a monthly stipend in exchange for work performed. As a non-thesis program, research assistantships are not available to professional masters students.

Additional funding is available through federal student loans.

Contacts

Dr. Greg Holden, Geology & Geological Engineering
Dr. Terry Young, Geophysics
Dr. Kevin Mandernack, Geochemistry