Master of Science 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, and modern well-equipped teaching spaces. All 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.

Incoming students are expected to have two semesters of the following courses: calculus, chemistry, and physics or biology. 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. Students are strongly encouraged to have participated in an approved summer field course or comparable field experience. Substitutions may be granted upon petition of the department. The department only admits 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 graduate admission and departmental support (teaching and research assistantships). We evaluate applications based on fit with your advisor, grades and GPA, coursework, personal statement, research experience, and letters of recommendation. Some advisors may require GRE scores, and these may still be required for University and College awards. International/non-native English speakers must take the TOEFL exam.

a personal statement that describes research and/or teaching experience, research interests, career goals, and identifies faculty members in our program you are interested in working with as an advisee
three letters of recommendation
official transcripts
official Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores (CODE: 2823). Note: GRE scores are now optional for graduate admission and departmental support.

We generally require a minimum composite TOEFL score of 85 and no subscore below 20.