Master of Science in Earth Sciences

The Department of Earth, Environmental, and Geographical Sciences offers a Master of Science in Earth Sciences degree with opportunities for study and research in the areas of geology, hydrology, atmospheric science, surface processes, environmental science, remote sensing, and geospatial analysis. Graduate students have access to faculty with a broad range of expertise, as well as access to extensive field, laboratory, and computing facilities.

Earth Sciences faculty offer courses and are active in research areas that include surface and groundwater hydrology, vadose zone processes, geochemistry, igneous and metamorphic petrology, biogeochemistry, mineralogy, structural geology, applied geophysics, remote sensing, soil science, Quaternary geology, geomorphology, fluvial processes, depositional environments, biodiversity, landscape ecology, urban ecology, sustainability, forestry, clastic and carbonate sedimentology, basin analysis, stratigraphy, coastal geology, paleoecology, macro- and micropaleontology, environmental geology, applied climatology, global fire modeling, biogeophysical modeling, climate model evaluation, terrestrial carbon cycling, aerosol physics and chemistry, air quality, renewable energies, numerical weather prediction, severe weather, tropical meteorology, and environmental epidemiology.

Grade Point Average (GPA): The department expects an overall undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 point scale. However, exceptions may be made if other elements of the application are strong.
Reference Letters: Three letters of reference are required. Letters from college or university instructors who have worked with or taught applicants are preferred. These letters are evaluated on the basis of how well the applicant is suited in terms of intellect, preparation, maturity, and motivation to perform graduate work.
Personal Statement: Applicants must write a personal statement that directly addresses their reasons for conducting graduate work, as well as their desire to participate in the M.S. in Earth Sciences program at UNC Charlotte. Applicants should comment on their expectations regarding the benefits of a M.S. and how the program at UNC Charlotte fits their career and professional goals. Applicants to the research option of the program should identify potential advisors with whom they would like to work and explain why those advisors were selected. Applicants are strongly encouraged to contact potential advisors prior to submitting an application.
Scores on the Graduate Record Exam (GRE): In general, the department expects applicants to score above the 50th percentile on each exam section with a minimum score of 300 on the combined verbal and quantitative portions (equivalent to a minimum combined score of 1000 if taken before 2011). Lower scores will not automatically exclude applicants if the remainder of the applicant's file is strong.
Transcripts of College Coursework: Transcripts of all previous college study must be submitted. They are evaluated on the basis of performance across a range of Earth and environmental sciences, physical sciences, and mathematics courses in order to determine the applicant's preparation for graduate level coursework.
Language Requirements: International applicants whose native language is not English must earn a total score of at least 83 (Internet-based) or 557 (paper-based) on the Test of English as a Foreign Language Exam (TOEFL). This requirement does not apply to U.S. citizens or native English speakers.