Academics > Colleges and departments > College of Science, Engineering and Technology > Programs > Geosciences
Department of Geosciences
Geoscience programs
The undergraduate and graduate degrees offered by the Department of Geosciences are strongly supported by course work that focuses upon spatial technologies as they relate to earth science, geoarchaeology, geographic information science and environmental geology. Geoscience students are offered opportunities to conduct research, become familiar with the most modern equipment, gain field experience, and participate in internships that make them uniquely qualified for professional careers in the public and private sectors or for entry into Masters or Ph.D. programs.
The Track in Geosciences program offers options in earth science, earth science secondary education, geoarchaeology, geographic information science, and environmental geology. The Track includes core courses taken by all options and courses specific to each discipline. Students enrolled in this program do not need a minor course of study. The Department does, however, offer minors in anthropology, archaeology, earth science, geographic information science, environmental geology and social science that are often taken by students majoring in other disciplines.
The Masters in Geoscience offers the thesis and non-thesis options. The degree focuses upon remote sensing, digital image processing, geographic information systems and archaeological information systems as applied to areas of study in the department and beyond. Graduate students work closely with faculty on research projects and grants that provide valuable practical experiences that enhance employment opportunities or support continued graduate education.
Students in the Department of Geosciences have numerous opportunities to be involved beyond the classroom through participation in research, internships, an annual field school, departmental clubs, and honor societies. The department is closely aligned with the Mid-America Remote sensing Center (MARC), a center dedicated to teaching, research, and service to the community in the areas of remote sensing and GIS. The department also provides research opportunities in conjunction with the Wickliffe Mounds State Historic Site and the Murray State Archaeology Laboratory. In addition, there are opportunities for students and faculty to conduct water-related research at the Watershed Studies Institute (WSI), located on Kentucky Lake. Students can participate in the Archaeology Club, the GeoClub, Lambda Alpha National Collegiate Honorary Society for Anthropology, Murray State University Student Chapter of American Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing or Sigma Gamma Epsilon Earth Science Honor Society.
Students interested in financial aid in Geosciences, or any other aspect of the Geosciences programs should contact the Chair of the Department:
George W. Kipphut
Professor, Chair
Department of Geosciences
334 Blackburn Hall
Murray State University
Murray KY 42071
E-mail: george.kipphut@murraystate.edu
270-809-2847 (voice)
270-809-3276 (fax)