MS in Energy Geoscience

Master of Science (MS) in Energy Geoscience

Overview

The Master of Science (MS) in Energy Geoscience at Rice University is designed for students with a geoscience or related STEM background who want to advance their expertise in both traditional and emerging energy technologies. The program prepares graduates to apply geological knowledge, geophysical methods, and advanced data analytics to the exploration and development of oil and natural gas resources while also equipping them to address the challenges of the global energy transition through areas such as geothermal energy, carbon capture and storage, sustainable energy systems, and other low-carbon technologies.

The core requirements for the degree are strong technical courses, management and policy courses, with communication skills training, and include an industrial internship or work experience.

Focus Areas

  • The Energy Data Management focus area prepares students to understand exploration and production as a data-driven business, to become data enabled geoscientists to match demands in the energy industry.
  • The Geology focus area prepares students with strong skills in using seismic and other geophysical methods along with geological principles to find oil and natural gas, including topics addressing the ongoing energy industry transition
  • The Geophysics focus area prepares students to become technical experts in aspects of seismology, with strong skills in other geophysical methods along with geological principles to find oil and natural gas, including topics addressing the ongoing energy industry transition.
  • The Energy Transition and Sustainability focus area addresses geoscience methods that are going to be needed in a successful energy transition, such as geothermal, carbon sequestration and storage, minerals, etc

At A Glance

  • Degree: Master of Science (MS) in Energy Geoscience
  • Credit Hours: 40 credit hours of graduate coursework plus a required 3-credit professional internship
  • Time to Completion: Complete the degree in as few as 3 semesters (16 months)
  • Format: Full-time or part-time, 100% in person at Rice University in Houston, Texas
  • Curriculum: Combines advanced energy geoscience coursework with business, management, leadership, and professional development education. View curriculum here.
  • Professional Experience: Includes a required internship that provides hands-on industry experience
  • Career Outcomes: Prepares graduates for careers in energy exploration and production, carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS), geothermal energy, subsurface energy systems, environmental consulting, geologic data analysis, geoscience technology, mining, energy transition, government agencies, research organizations, and energy consulting firms.
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