PROFESSIONAL MASTER'S PROGRAM IN SUBSURFACE GEOSCIENCE PREPARES STUDENTS FOR THE WORKFORCE OF THE 21st CENTURY

Rice University currently offers three Professional Science Master’s Degrees in the Wiess School of Natural Sciences: Environmental Analysis and Decision Making, Nanoscale Physics, and Subsurface Geoscience. A collaboration between the Wiess School of Natural Sciences and the Baker Institute for Public Policy resulted in the recent approval of a fourth track in bioscience research and health policy. These degrees require 42 credit hours, plus a three to six month internship. Unlike traditional master’s degrees, these degrees combine an interdisciplinary curriculum with business training and hands-on experience, enabling graduates to obtain the tools they need to succeed in a business environment.

The Subsurface Geoscience track began in 2002 with 2 students enrolled. It has grown to 15 current students, including 7 incoming students for Fall 2011, with 22 graduates so far. This track is designed for students to learn how to apply geological knowledge and geophysical methods to find and develop reserves of oil and gas. The core requirements include courses in geophysical exploration methods, management and policy courses, communication skills, and an industrial internship.

The Subsurface Geoscience program at Rice has achieved success in growing enrollment and placing students in full-time positions after graduation. The close alignment with the oil and gas industry is a key part of this success, allowing opportunities for internships, scholarships, and permanent employment. The fact that Rice is located in Houston, the oil and gas capital of the world, fosters this close relationship. Oil and gas companies also have a long tradition of hiring students with master’s degrees and therefore do not need to be convinced of the value of an advanced degree.

Challenges include demonstrating to companies the value of a professional master’s degree over a traditional master’s degree. Some companies are reluctant to change their hiring practices and expressed concern over the lack of independent research experience. Constant contact with companies through invitations to visit campus, corporate networking receptions, and guest lectures in courses, provide valuable avenues of communication between university and industry representatives.