The areas of research covered by faculty are broad and diverse, with strong research expertise in the general areas of geochemistry, petrology, paleontology, and geophysics-tectonics. These strengths allow us to focus on problems identified by the National Research Council to be socially relevant and to be fundamental to an understanding of earth processes. Dynamic faculty, along with their students, are making significant contributions to numerous areas of basic and applied research. This research is supported by excellent, state-of-the-art analytical facilities in the department and on campus. Our graduate program prepares students for a wide range of professions within the geological sciences; students have been placed in private, federal, state, and academic institutions. Prospective students are encouraged to contact any faculty member directly for additional information.
Degrees Offered
Doctoral
On Campus
*This program is eligible for the STEM OPT Extension.
Admission criteria
Application Deadlines
| Entrance Term | Priority Deadline | Final Deadline |
| Fall | January 28 for guaranteed consideration for departmental financial aid | May 1 |
| Spring | November 15 |
Minimum Language Requirements
Click here to view the minimum English language proficiency test scores
Required Application Materials
For the Graduate School
- Completed Graduate School online application
- Unofficial Transcripts- As part of the application submission process, all applicants are required to upload unofficial copies of all post-secondary transcripts to the online application. Official transcripts are only required if accepted by the academic program.
- Official Results of English Proficiency Exams (International applicants only)
For the Geological Sciences Program
- 3 letters of recommendation (submitted through the Graduate School online application)
- Personal statement (uploaded into Graduate School online application)
- GRE scores (optional, but recommended)
- Resume (optional, but recommended)
Master's
On Campus
*This program is eligible for the STEM OPT Extension.
Admission criteria
Application Deadlines
| Entrance Term | Priority Deadline | Final Deadline |
| Fall | January 28 for guaranteed consideration for departmental financial aid | May 1 |
| Spring | | November 15 |
Minimum Language Requirements
Click here to view the minimum English language proficiency test scores
Required Application Materials
For the Graduate School
- Completed Graduate School online application
- Unofficial Transcripts- As part of the application submission process, all applicants are required to upload unofficial copies of all post-secondary transcripts to the online application. Official transcripts are only required if accepted by the academic program.
- Official Results of English Proficiency Exams (International applicants only)
For the Geological Sciences Program
- 3 letters of recommendation (submitted through the Graduate School online application)
- Personal statement (uploaded into Graduate School online application)
- GRE scores (optional, but recommended)
- Resume (optional, but recommended)