Planet Earth consists of interacting systems — the lithosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere and atmosphere — which form the physical foundation of life on Earth and human societies. These systems are changing rapidly due to diverse human activities. The master’s program in earth, environmental and physical sciences (EEPS) at Wichita State University offers the opportunity for multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary graduate education and research to investigate the consequences of human actions and to seek wise development and use of the resources of our planet. The program combines the talents and expertise of faculty in the disciplines of geology, physics and environmental science, and supporting fields such as biology and chemistry. It is designed to train a new generation of scientists, professionals and educators who will be well equipped with general knowledge and skills in methodology, critical and creative thinking in scientific research, and advanced knowledge and skills in geology, environmental science or physics. Graduates will meet the requirements and challenges of the 21st century to become successful science educators, professionals in industry or government, and/or aspirants to PhD studies.
The EEPS program includes three interrelated disciplines: geology, environmental science and physics. Multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary education for a candidate in EEPS will be achieved through specially designed coursework, research and other learning opportunities. Four required courses ( EEPS 700, EEPS 701, EEPS 702 and EEPS 721) will provide knowledge and skills in scientific methodology, research design, and scientific writing and presentation. Follow-up courses (e.g., EEPS 710) and discipline-specific graduate courses will enable students to master advanced knowledge and skills in the field chosen by the student; discipline-specific or interdisciplinary research projects will foster the student’s ability to conduct independent research, make scientific presentations and prepare quality scientific manuscripts.
The program is coadministered by the departments of geology and physics. It offers a variety of options for students pursuing a master’s degree in EEPS — thesis, nonthesis and internship. For example, by working on a project in a private company or government agency through internship, a student can gain first-hand experience in the professional workplace; likewise, by taking advanced courses in several fields, a student can broaden their scientific background to become a highly qualified science teacher.