Program Resources

Virtual information session

Master of Science in Applied Geosciences online program director, Dr. Yvette Bordeaux, hosts a virtual information session for students interested in the program. This session features program details, a discussion around relevant environmental issues, and how the degree prepares students for their next professional move.

If you have a problem viewing this video, you can watch it on YouTube.

Student handbook

For guidelines on getting started in the Master of Science in Applied Geosciences program, curriculum, policies and procedures, and more, refer to the MSAG Student Handbook (PDF).

Master of Science in Applied Geosciences retreat

Each August and January, online Master of Science in Applied Geosciences faculty and staff join incoming students for a virtual retreat. This is an opportunity for students to get to know their peers, plan their curriculum, and learn about resources at Penn.

Academic resources

Online journal

wH2O: The Journal of Gender and Water is an online, open-access, peer-reviewed academic journal managed by Penn faculty and students that focuses on the intersection of water politics and gender. Submissions for publication and opportunities to be involved with the editorial board are open to interested students and practitioners.

Resources at Penn

At Penn, you’ll find remarkable institutions and resources dedicated to environmental research. These organizations offer research opportunities, virtual events and guest speakers, and exposure to the newest and best of environmental knowledge.

Research opportunities outside of Penn

Students in the online Master of Science in Applied Geosciences program have the opportunity to work in collaboration with many research institutions and groups outside of Penn, including:

Career information

The Master of Science in Applied Geosciences program was founded at the University of Pennsylvania in 2005 as an on-campus professional master’s program dedicated to training geologists to work in the environmental, engineering geology, and hydrogeologic fields. In fall 2022, the program was moved online to reach professional geologists where they live and work so that they do not have to put their careers on hold while pursuing their degrees. The data below is based on the on-campus program as we do not yet have graduates from the online program. However, the curriculum, advising, and career advice has not changed as we moved online.

Alumni of our program typically work in the non-mining, non-petroleum sectors, including: natural hazard management, regulatory compliance, water resource management, groundwater investigation and remediation, floodplain management, and public policy.

Job titles related to this degree

Environmental consultant
Environmental scientist
Environmental engineer
Geoscientist
Hydrologist
Hydrogeologist
Senior project manager
Staff/Senior geologist

Earnings

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for a geoscientist in 2021 was $83,680, and the field is projected to grow by “5 percent from 2021 to 2031.” At the same time, a November 2022 American Geologic Institute (AGI) report stated that the number of undergraduate geology graduates has declined. This means there is and will continue to be a higher demand for trained geologists in the workforce. Hydrologists similarly have a median annual salary of $84,030 and are expected to see 600 new job openings according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Sample employers from our alumni database