Option I - Thesis
1. The program requires at least 30 semester hours of graduate credit, with a maximum of six credit hours for the thesis, three credit hours for seminars, and six credit hours of directed independent study (GLY 591). Each student must complete GLY 501 and GLY 502.
2. A maximum of six semester hours of graduate credit may be transferred from another accredited institution. Grades earned on transfer work must be equivalent to "B" or better. A minimum of 24 semester hours of graduate courses must be completed at UNCW including both course work and thesis. At least 18 semester hours must be completed in geology.
3. Each student must successfully complete a comprehensive oral examination prior to registering for thesis hours.
4. Each student must complete an approved course of study including an approved thesis prospectus within five years of the date of first registration for graduate study.
5. Each student must present and defend a thesis, based on original research, acceptable to the committee, prior to graduation. The thesis defense is open to the public.
Option 2 - Non-Thesis
1. The program requires at least 36 semester hours of graduate credit, including a maximum of three credits for internship or final project, three credit hours for seminars, and six credit hours of directed studies.
2. A maximum of six semester hours of graduate credit may be transferred from another accredited institution. Grades earned on transfer work must be equivalent to "B" or better. A minimum of 30 semester hours of graduate courses must be completed at UNCW including course work, internship, and final project. At least 27 semester hours must be completed in the department.
3. Each student must complete the following core curriculum: GLY 501, GLY 502, GLY 503, GLY 525, GLY 526, GLY 565, GGY 522, GGY 524, and GLY 597 or GLY 598.
4. Each student will take a written comprehensive examination after the successful completion of all required core coursework with the exception of GLY 597 and GLY 598.
5. Each student must complete either GLY 597 or GLY 598, and prepare and present a scholarly paper/report acceptable to the committee, prior to graduation. A final seminar is required.
