Science and Mathematics Fact Sheet (PDF)

Geological Sciences

The Department of Geological Sciences is designed to foster high-caliber student research that will lead to publishable results. The master's degree is intended to prepare students for a job in industry or for entrance into a PhD program. The doctoral degree trains students for work as government research scientists, industry research scientists or academic scientists. 

Research activities in the Department of Geological Sciences are far-reaching and often interdisciplinary. A major focus of the department is earth surface processes, including geochemistry, geomicrobiology, and sedimentology. Other research areas include environmental geosciences, experimental geology, and petrology.

Graduate Degrees Offered

• MS in Geological Sciences
• PhD in Geological Sciences

Related Programs

• Professional Science Management Certificate
• Watershed Studies and Management Certificate

Application Deadlines

Admission Requirements*

The standards maintained by The Graduate School and individual departments and programs are applied to ensure that applicants admitted to the University are well qualified and trained to study at this institution and have a reasonable expectation of successfully completing a graduate program, and who, with the benefit of graduate education, are most likely to contribute substantially to their academic or professional fields.

To be eligible, you must have and provide:

• A bachelor's degree or its equivalent from a nationally or regionally accredited college or university
• Complete set of your undergraduate and graduate transcripts. At minimum, a 3.0 GPA is required. See details.

All applicants must submit the following:

• Online graduate degree application and application fee
• Transcripts from each college/university you have attended
• Two letters of recommendation
• Personal statement (2-3 pages) describing your reasons for pursuing graduate study, your career aspirations, your special interests within your field, and any unusual features of your background that might need explanation or be of interest to your program's admissions committee.
• Resume or Curriculum Vitae (max. 2 pages)
• Official GRE scores

And, for international applicants:

• International Student Financial Statement form (PDF)
• Official bank statement/proof of support
• Official TOEFL or IELTS scores

*This information is subject to change. While we make every effort to keep it accurate and up-to-date, we recommend you contact the department for any program-specific requirements.