OSM/VISTA

No one cares what you know, unless they know that you care. —Unknown

Office of Surface Mining VISTA Programs

Fast Facts

  • Michigan Tech began their partnership with the Office of Surface Mining (OSM) VISTA Teams in 2012.
  • Accepted students will participate in one year of VISTA service at a location in the United States coordinated by either the Western Hardrock Watershed Team or Appalachian Coal Country Team.
  • Upon completion of the program students can earn a master's degree in either Biological Sciences, Environmental Policy, Forestry, or Industrial Archaeology.

OSM/VISTA Master's Programs

Michigan Tech offers four OSM/VISTA Graduate Programs. The programs combine academic study with supervised, practical field experience and research.

After completing a program of on-campus academic work and a short VISTA pre-service orientation, OSM/VISTA students then serve one year of VISTA service. After completing their year of service, students return to Michigan Tech for one additional semester to complete their degree requirements.

Michigan Tech grants OSM/VISTA tuition status to students in the OSM/VISTA Graduate Programs. Tuition and fees are paid by Michigan Tech while students are serving in VISTA.

Learn more about the Appalachian Coal Country Team's projects.

Learn more about the Western Hardrock Watershed Team's projects.

Biological Sciences

Students interested in pursuing the OSM/VISTA Biological Sciences program can elect to complete their MS degree through either a Thesis Option or Report Option. The Thesis Option is intended for students who intend to conduct original scientific research in the course of their OSM/VISTA program.

For more information about the OSM/VISTA Biological Sciences program please contact: Nancy Auer, Casey Huckins, or Amy Marcarelli

Learn more about biological sciences at Michigan Tech.

Environmental and Energy Policy

Students interested in pursuing the OSM/VISTA Environmental and Energy Policy program can elect to complete their MS degree through either a Thesis Option or Report Option. The student's faculty advisor will determine core courses required prior to OSM/VISTA service.

For more information about the OSM/VISTA Environmental and Energy Policy program please contact: Barry Solomon, Hugh Gorman, Carol MacLennan, or Richelle Winkler

Learn more about the Environmental and Energy Policy MS program.

Forestry

Students interested in the OSM/VISTA Forestry program can pursue either a Master of Science or Master of Forestry degree.

Core courses required for the degree prior to OSM/VISTA service will be determined with the approval of the student's faculty advisor.  Students have the option of pursuing their degree through the Thesis Option, Report Option, or Course work Option.

For more information about the Forestry OSM/VISTA program please contact: Blair Orr, Rod Chimner, or Oliver Gailing

Learn more about the Forestry program.

Industrial Archaeology

The OSM/VISTA Industrial Archaeology program requires a minimum of 38 credit hours. Students can choose to pursue the degree through either a Thesis Option or Report Option.

For more information about the OSM/VISTA Industrial Archaeology program please contact: Timothy Scarlett or Fredric L. Quivik

Learn more about industrial archaeology at Michigan Tech.