Graduate Degrees in Geological Sciences

MS in Geological Sciences

For specific information on policies for graduate students, degree requirements and more please refer to the Graduate Student Handbook.

The Master of Science degree is a two-year program in which the student concentrates on graduate level course work during the first year and on thesis research during the second year. The majority of students in the masters program have completed a bachelors degree in the geological sciences, but students with bachelors degrees in chemistry, physics, biology, mathematics or engineering are also encouraged to apply.

PHD in Geological Sciences

For specific information on policies for graduate students, degree requirements and more please refer to the Graduate Student Handbook.

The Doctor of Philosophy degree is a four- to five-year program in which the student concentrates on graduate-level course work during the first two years, passes a comprehensive examination during the second year, and then concentrates on dissertation research for the remainder of the program. The degree is awarded primarily on the basis of a dissertation describing original research in some area of the geological sciences. The majority of students in the PhD program have completed a masters degree, but in some cases students with a bachelors degree may apply directly to the PhD program.

4+1 BS-MS Geological Sciences Program

Students have the opportunity to complete both the bachelor's and master's degrees in geological sciences in five years. Interested students should see their undergraduate Earth Sciences advisor early in the junior year to discuss requirements. Undergraduate credits: 126. Double count credits: 8. Graduate credits: 30-32.

4+1 BA/BS-MBA Program: Students also have the opportunity to complete both the bachelor's degree in geological sciences and a master's of business administration (MBA) in five years. Students should see their undergraduate Earth Sciences advisor early in their academic career for questions regarding the curriculum for the undergraduate degree and the School of Management Graduate Advising Office for questions regarding the MBA program. Undergraduate credits: 126. Double count credits: 26. Graduate credits: 57.

After Graduation

Beyond educating our students through research and coursework, we believe helping them find internships and full-time employment are a critical part of our responsibility. We achieve this through:

  • Invitations to private companies and government entities to campus to engage and recruit our students directly.
  • Mentoring our students on the job market.
  • Sending our students to regional, national, and international conferences where they build their professional development and participate in student job fairs. 

Our recent alumni have found employment in:

  • Environmental consulting
  • Public sector, both state and federal
  • Academia
  • Energy industry, material science

Our students will be well prepared to sit for the Fundamentals of Earth Sciences Examination as part of professional licensure.