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Geosciences address the physical, chemical and biological processes that occur over a broad range of time scales on Earth and other bodies in the solar system. These bodies are highly dynamic with changes occurring both internally and externally. Geoscientists study these changes in order to decipher their fundamental causes. In turn, understanding of these causes and their effects sheds light on the origin and evolution of Earth, the other planets, and the entire solar system.

Despite their primary focus on the solid, rocky portions of planets, geosciences have important ties to meteorology, oceanography and other related disciplines. Geoscientists study a wide range of topics, examples of which include the composition of meteorites and Mars, submarine volcanism, volcanic earthquakes, coastal erosion, past climate changes, the distribution of petroleum and water resources, and the origin of life.

At the University of Hawai'i at Mānoa (UHM), the Department of Geology and Geophysics offers outstanding graduate programs leading to the MS and the PhD. The large number of faculty and the faculty's diverse interests ensure strong curricula in all major subdisciplines of geosciences. The department belongs to the School of Ocean and Earth Sciences and Technology, known for its commitment to excellence in theoretical, modeling and field studies. Students in geology and geophysics have access to the school's analytical and computing facilities, as well as research vessels and submersibles. Hawai'i's geographic location in the midst of the Pacific Ocean and the islands' rich geologic setting provide unparalleled research opportunities in geochemistry, hydrogeology, marine geology and geophysics, paleo-oceanography, planetary sciences, sedimentology, seismology, volcanology, and many other fields.

Holders of graduate degrees in geosciences can look forward to rewarding research careers in academia, government or industry. Some of the challenges facing geoscientists today include learning to understand the workings of plate tectonics, to predict earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, and to uncover the history of Mars. Indeed, research in geosciences offers intellectual rewards comparable to those offered by research in other exciting fields such as biomedicine, cosmology, and particle physics. In addition, given the broad scope of geosciences, those working in this field have excellent opportunities for multi-disciplinary research on problems of great intellectual and practical importance.

MS Degree Requirements
For MS students, the graduate studies committee of the department will determine suitability of Plan A (thesis) or Plan B (non-thesis) at the preliminary conference. Almost all students are required to follow Plan A.

• Plan A requires 30 credits (including six credits of thesis research), a written thesis and defense of the thesis.
• Plan B requires 30 credits and a final exam.

PhD Degree Requirements
The PhD program requires the following:

• course work equivalent to MS degree requirements
• selected additional course work as required by dissertation topic
• qualifying exam (required of students admitted without MS degrees)
• comprehensive exam
• dissertation
• final oral exam / defense of dissertation

Courses
To view a listing of courses offered, visit www.catalog.hawaii.edu/courses/departments/gg.htm.