Geology, M.S.

The School of Earth, Environment and Society offers a curriculum leading to the Master of Science degree in Geology.  We aim to give students a sufficient background in geology and related fields to successfully pursue a career in research, teaching, or industry. 

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the Master’s degree, students in the Geology program are expected to be able to:

• Demonstrate the ability to explain ideas and concepts in several content areas within the discipline of geology.
• Demonstrate the ability to explain in-depth ideas and concepts in area of specialization.
• Demonstrate the ability to design and conduct an original geoscience research project, with appropriate use of scientific methods, robust sampling, and analytical methodologies.
• Demonstrate the ability to defend and communicate the results and interpretations of an original research project.

Admission Requirements

• Resume
• Three Letters of Recommendation
• Statement of Purpose
• Writing Sample
• Potential faculty supervisors: You are strongly encouraged to contact at least one of our faculty members to discuss your specific research interests and potential thesis projects (for Plan I Thesis students only). Be sure to include the name(s) of the faculty who you have contacted and are interested in working with in your statement of purpose (SOP). If you are not able to reach one of our faculty members (professors) in a timely manner, be sure to indicate in your SOP your area of research interest and which of our professors (one or more) you would like to work with if admitted.

International applicants are required to submit scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), or the Pearson Test of English Academic (PTEA). Successful completion of ELS 112 will also be accepted for this requirement. 

Additionally, Duolingo test scores will be accepted for applications through Summer 2025. Applicants of the Graduate College who have completed a previous degree (associate, bachelor’s master’s or doctorate) from a U.S. college/university or are from a country (click here for a complete list) in which instruction was delivered in English (and attended the university for at least two years) are exempt from providing these test scores.

Application Deadline: February 1st

Application Requirements

Admissions Categories and Grade Point Average Requirements

​International Application Information

Degree Requirements