Master of Science in Geology

Graduate research within our program ranges over a variety of geologic subdisciplines, including:
geology (regional geology, mineral deposits, structural geology, petrology, tectonics, stratigraphy, mineralogy, micropaleontology, paleolimnology, geomorphology, climate change), geophysics (seismology, earthquake hazards, exploration geophysics, remote sensing, paleomagnetism, neotectonics),geochemistry (aqueous isotope, geothermal),
geological engineering (geomechanics, waste containment, slope stability, geologic hazards),
hydrogeology, geodesy, and planetary geology
Students work with a faculty member to choose an appropriate course of study for their academic or career goals. Graduate students conduct research within the Department and in association with the Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology and the Nevada Seismological Laboratory.
Both regional and international research programs are available. Field-related studies and research are among the strengths of our programs. The University of Nevada, Reno is located near the boundary between the Great Basin and Sierra Nevada physiographic provinces, and is near many world-class localities for field studies, ranging from glaciated high country to high desert environments. Lake Tahoe and Yosemite, Great Basin, and Lassen Volcanic national parks are all within easy reach of Reno. We have state-of-the-art instrumentation for geologic, temperature, seismic, gravity, magnetic, electrical, geodetic, petrologic, and rock property studies. We also have one of the world's largest regional seismic networks and host the world's largest GPS analysis center.

The student learning outcomes for all of the different graduate degrees include:
To read and critically evaluate relevant scientific literature in the specific topic area of the advanced geology/geological engineering/geophysics sub discipline studied.
To demonstrate an advanced level of competency and mastery in the specific topic area of their thesis.
To discuss the relationship of the specialized area of geology/geological engineering/geophysics studied in their thesis in the broader context of the field and Earth Sciences in general.
To produce and communicate professional products, reports, and presentations that address the chosen topic or research in the specific topic area of their thesis.

Students must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university to be accepted as a graduate student. For full graduate standing, at least 30 units of undergraduate work in geology and/or related fields must have been completed.
To be considered for admission, students must meet the following minimum university requirements:
Grade-point average (GPA): Four-year undergraduate GPA of 2.75 for applicants to a M.S. degree program, or 3.0 GPA for a Ph.D. degree program.
Minimum TOEFL score (if applicable): 550, with scores sent directly to the university. Note that 600 is recommended because students below a 600 must then pass a bridge test upon entering the university.
For admission to the Department of Geological Sciences and Engineering, prospective students must also submit the following:
Three letters of recommendation certifying ability to perform graduate-level work at the desired level (M.S. or Ph.D.),
A one or two page personal statement of interest stating why UNR is their school of choice, why they wish to pursue the desired degree (M.S. or Ph.D.), and what specialties and/or faculty the applicant is interested in, and
Copies of transcripts and TOEFL scores (if applicable).TOEFL: 79 IBT

IELTS: 6.5 (academic version)