Geological Sciences, MS


At a Glance: program details



Explore the processes and dynamics that shape the interiors and surfaces of the Earth and other bodies in the solar system. This is your opportunity to work with world-class faculty on NASA- and NSF-funded projects in state-of-the-art laboratories and in the field on any of the seven continents.

Program Description

Degree Awarded: MS Geological Sciences

The MS program in geological sciences is designed to provide fundamental graduate training in geology. Students are encouraged to cross subject boundaries and pursue new understandings of Earth and the solar system.


Degree Requirements

Curriculum Plan Options

  • 30 credit hours and a thesis

Required Core (1 credit hour)
SES 502 Exploring SESE Research (1)

Electives or Research (22 credit hours)

Other Requirements (1 credit hour)
SES 501 SESE Colloquium (1)

Culminating Experience (6 credit hours)
SES 599 Thesis (6)

Additional Curriculum Information
Substitutions for courses listed as Other Requirements may be made per department approval.


Admission Requirements

Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's degree, in any field, from a regionally accredited institution.

Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program.

All applicants must submit:

  1. graduate admissions application and application fee
  2. official transcripts
  3. statement of purpose
  4. three letters of recommendation
  5. proof of English proficiency

Additional Application Information
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency.

Applicants should see the program website for application deadlines.


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Application Deadlines

Fall

Session
Modality
Deadline
Type

Session A/C
In Person
December 1st
Priority

Spring

Session
Modality
Deadline
Type

Session A/C
In Person
October 1st
Priority


Career Opportunities

Graduates of the program are prepared for further graduate study or for careers in geochemistry, field geology, geomorphology, structure and tectonics, mineralogy and petrology, geophysics, planetary geology, hydrology, volcanology, Earth observation and remote sensing, and related areas, including geoscience education.

Professionals with expertise in geological sciences are in high demand across sectors and industries, including remote sensing, natural resource management, data science, economic geology (oil and mining industries), environmental consulting, hazard and risk assessment, geophysics and planetary science. Coding and numerical modeling skills translate across many domains, even beyond geosciences. Skills in the measurement and analysis of data related to the physics, chemistry and structures of the Earth and of planetary systems are valuable to businesses and institutions relying on data-driven strategies to interact with the planet and explore beyond the Earth.

Career examples include:

  • data scientist
  • environmental consultant
  • GIS or mapping specialist
  • materials analyst
  • planetary scientist
  • research geologist

Some students go on to doctoral programs in the field of geological sciences.

Program Contact Information

If you have questions related to admission, please click here to request information and an admission specialist will reach out to you directly. For questions regarding faculty or courses, please use the contact information below.