Master of Arts in Earth Sciences

Graduate study in the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences offers students opportunities for field-based geological and geophysical research worldwide. Ongoing research in the Department is focused primarily in the areas of solid earth sciences/tectonics/crustal evolution, climate science and water resources/hydrology. The Department is housed in the William B. Heroy Geology Laboratory, which contains state-of-the-art analytical and computing facilities, modern well-equipped teaching spaces. All of the faculty are engaged in research and teaching. The Department typically has a combination of students pursuing either the M.S. or Ph.D. degree. Several of our faculty-led research projects are large collaborative, multi-institutional, multi-national programs that afford our graduate students opportunities to work in diverse parts of the world with teams of internationally recognized scholars. Department faculty and graduate students are currently pursuing field studies worldwide.

Applicants must have earned a B.S. or a B.A. degree. Applicants must have already taken (or take during their first two years of graduate study) at least three Earth Science courses, such as: Paleobiology, Sedimentology, Mineralogy, Structural Geology, Geochemistry, Geophysics, Climatology, Geomorphology and/or Hydrogeology. In addition, all incoming graduate students are expected to have successfully completed a full year (2 semesters) of Calculus, Chemistry, and either Physics or Biology. It is recommended that applicants have already participated in a field course or approved field experience. The department admits only students that have identified faculty advisors, so it is recommended you contact potential advisors in your field of interest either before or after application. GRE scores are now optional for admission and departmental support (teaching and research assistantships) for the graduate program in earth and environmental sciences. We evaluate applications based on fit with your advisor, grades and GPA, coursework, personal statement and research experience, letters of recommendation, plus other evidence indicating an ability and desire to conduct and complete graduate-level research. International/non-native English speakers must take the TOEFL exam. We generally require a minimum composite TOEFL score of 85 and no subscore below 20.

The department offers programs of graduate study leading to the M.A., M.S., and Ph.D. Minimum requirements for each degree are an average GPA of 3.0 in major subjects and an overall average of 2.8.