byDinesh
Updated on - 25 May, 2024
Master of Arts or MA (Geology) is a postgraduate degree course under the faculty of Geology, which usually spans for two academic sessions. The program offers specialized skills and education in a variety of fields of earth sciences as for example mineralogy, petrology, economic geology, hydrogeology, geostructures and tectonics, geochemistry, sedimentation, environmental geology and more. It encompasses theoretical work and practical sessions where students are taken through rigorously planned and executed teaching techniques. Thus, the general goal of the program is to provide the formation of the integral view on the geological processes that contributed to the formation of the Earth.
The entrance to MA Geology program can be done on the basis of various national and university level entrance examination. Other tests are CSIR UGC NET in Earth Sciences, GATE in Geology/Geophysics, JAM in Geology among others University conducted tests like BHU PET, JNUEE, Calcutta University TEST, Madras University Entrance Test and so on. Passing any of these tests would be a good performance that would make the candidate qualify for the masters program. Apart from this, the candidates also have certain absolute requirements that are prescribed in terms of percentage obtained in graduation.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Full Form | Master of Arts (MA) |
| Duration | 2 years (Full-time) |
| Course Level | Postgraduate Degree |
| Eligibility | Bachelor's Degree in Geology (or a related Earth Science field) with a minimum percentage (often 50% or above) from a recognized university. |
1. A Bachelor’s degree in Geology, earth sciences or any related field, and students should have a minimum grade point average, preferably 3.0/4.
2. Basic undergraduate college courses in geology, chemistry, physics, and math have already been accomplished. Programs may have specific courses that are not common with other programs.
3. GRE scores that are well above average, meaning that the student should score at least 50th percentile for the verbal, quant, and AW sections.
4. Recommendation letters, preferably two or more letters from professors or academic advisors in geology.
5. A brief personal statement that details the research focus, academic profile and training and career objectives in the field of geology.
6. International students have to produce their IELTS / TOEFL scores and maybe other application documents pertaining to students visa.
| Semester | Subjects (Indicative) | Important Topics |
|---|---|---|
| Semester 1 | * Igneous & Metamorphic Petrology * Sedimentology & Stratigraphy * Structural Geology & Remote Sensing * Geophysics & Geochemistry * Elective Course I (e.g., Economic Geology, Environmental Geology) | * Classification, texture, composition, and origin of igneous and metamorphic rocks * Sedimentary processes, facies analysis, and stratigraphic principles * Deformation of rocks, folds, faults, and use of remote sensing techniques * Geophysical methods (seismic, gravity, magnetic) and geochemical analysis of rocks and minerals * Explore a specific area of geological interest (mineral resources, environmental impact) |
| Semester 2 | * Paleontology & Micropaleontology * Geomorphology & Quaternary Geology * Hydrogeology & Engineering Geology * Advanced Petrology & Mineralogy * Elective Course II (e.g., Petroleum Geology, Marine Geology) | * Study of fossils, their use in geological dating and understanding past environments * Landforms, weathering processes, and Quaternary geology (last 2.6 million years) * Groundwater occurrence, movement, and management principles in engineering geology * In-depth study of rock and mineral formation, classification, and identification * Explore a specific geological subdiscipline (oil & gas exploration, ocean floor geology) |
| Semester 3 | * Research Methods in Geology * Seminar in Geology (topic-specific) * Geological Field Techniques * Elective Course III (e.g., Planetary Geology, Geochronology) * Independent Study Project (optional) | * Developing research skills in geological literature, data analysis, and scientific writing * In-depth study of a chosen theme or research area in geology * Fieldwork techniques for data collection, mapping, and geological observations * Explore specialized areas of geology (geology of other planets, dating geological events) * Conduct a self-directed research project under faculty supervision (optional) |
| Semester 4 | * Master's Thesis Research & Writing * Viva Voce (Defense of Thesis) | * Independent research on a chosen topic under faculty supervision * Presenting and defending your research findings before a committee |
| Job Title | Specialization | Description | Industry | Average Salary (₹ per year) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Geologist (General) | (All specializations) | Conduct geological surveys, analyze rock and mineral samples, assess geological hazards. | Mining & Mineral Exploration, Government Agencies, Environmental Consulting | ₹4,00,000 - ₹8,00,000+ (depending on experience, employer type, and project complexity) |
| Economic Geologist | Economic Geology | Explore for mineral deposits, evaluate resource potential, advise on mining operations. | Mining & Mineral Exploration Companies | ₹5,00,000 - ₹10,00,000+ (depending on experience, company size, and discovery success) |
| Environmental Geologist | Environmental Geology | Assess environmental impact of projects, remediate contaminated sites, manage water resources. | Environmental Consulting Firms, Government Agencies | ₹4,50,000 - ₹8,00,000+ (depending on experience, expertise, and project scale) |
| Petroleum Geologist | Petroleum Geology | Explore for oil and gas reserves, analyze geological data for hydrocarbon exploration. | Oil & Gas Exploration Companies | ₹5,00,000 - ₹12,00,000+ (depending on experience, company size, and discovery success) |
| Hydrogeologist | Hydrogeology | Study groundwater resources, assess water quality, manage sustainable water use. | Water Management Authorities, Environmental Consulting Firms | ₹4,00,000 - ₹7,00,000+ (depending on experience, expertise, and project scope) |
| Engineering Geologist | Engineering Geology | Analyze geological conditions for construction projects, assess risks and recommend mitigation strategies. | Construction Companies, Engineering Consultancies | ₹4,25,000 - ₹8,00,000+ (depending on experience, expertise, and project complexity) |