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:
graduate admissions application and application fee
official transcripts
statement of purpose
three letters of recommendation
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.
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.
Concurrent degree programs are specially designed academic programs which provide high-achieving undergraduate students the opportunity to complete two distinct but complementary bachelor degrees at the same time. Students must meet minimum admissions standards for both programs and be accepted individually by both colleges offering the concurrent program.
Students pursuing concurrent degrees earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. ASU offers students two ways to earn concurrent degrees: by choosing a predetermined combination or creating their own combination. Predetermined combinations have a single admissions application and one easy to follow major map. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor. Either way, concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests.
Accelerated bachelor's and master's degree programs are designed for high-achieving undergraduate students who want the opportunity to combine undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of their master's degree. These programs feature the same high-quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty.
ASU students may accelerate their studies by earning a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years (for some programs) or by earning a bachelor's degree in 2.5 or 3 years.
Accelerated bachelor's and master's degree programs are designed for high-achieving undergraduate students who want the opportunity to combine undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of their master's degree. These programs, featuring the same high-quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty, allow students to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years.
Accelerated bachelor's degree programs allow students to choose either a 2.5- or a 3-year path while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students can opt to fast-track their studies after acceptance into a participating program by connecting with their academic advisor.
This is only the first required math course. This program may contain additional math courses; See Major Map for details.
The level of intensity represents a measure of the number and academic rigor of math courses required.
The level of intensity represents a measure of the number and academic rigor of math courses required. Courses included in the General level: MAT 142
The level of intensity represents a measure of the number and academic rigor of math courses required. Courses included in the Moderate level: MAT 117, MAT 119, MAT 170, MAT 210, SOS 101, CPI 200
The level of intensity represents a measure of the number and academic rigor of math courses required. Courses included in the Substantial level: MAT 251, MAT 265. MAT 266, MAT 267, MAT 270, MAT 271, MAT 272, MAT 274, MAT 275
A rolling deadline means that applications will continue to be reviewed on a regular basis until the semester begins. International students should be mindful of visa deadlines to ensure there is time to produce necessary visa documents. Applicants are encouraged to complete and submit application materials as soon as possible for consideration.
A final deadline means that all applications and application materials must be received by Graduate Admissions by the deadline date. Applications that are incomplete may not be considered after the final deadline. Applications that are submitted past the final deadline may not be considered.
A priority deadline means that applications submitted and completed before the priority deadline will receive priority consideration. Applications submitted after the priority deadlines will be reviewed in the order in which they were completed and on a space available basis. An application is complete after all materials are received by Graduate Admissions.