Geological Sciences
The areas of research covered by faculty are broad and diverse, with strong research expertise in the general areas of geochemistry, petrology 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
Geological Sciences, Master of Science
On Campus
Admission criteria
Fall deadline: none set, but January 31 for guaranteed consideration for departmental financial aid
- GRE Scores and GPA: Our quantitative assessment of applicants uses a combination of GPA for the last 60 hours and the student’s GRE verbal, quantitative and analytical writing scores. We have a formula that weights the GPA and total GRE scores equally. Applicants with a GPA less than 3.0 may be considered, but their acceptance would require very strong GRE scores or exceptional circumstances.
Minimum English Proficiency Requirements
| Test Type | Total Score | Reading | Listening | Speaking | Writing |
| TOEFL Internet-based | 80 | 17 | 17 | 17 | 17 |
| TOEFL Paper-based | 550 | 52 | 52 | N/A | 52 |
| IELTS Academic | 6.5 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
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
- Resume (optional, but recommended)
Geological Sciences, Doctor of Philosophy
On Campus
Admission criteria
Fall deadline: none set, but January 31 for guaranteed consideration for departmental financial aid
- GRE Scores and GPA: Our quantitative assessment of applicants uses a combination of GPA for the last 60 hours and the student’s GRE verbal, quantitative and analytical writing scores. We have a formula that weights the GPA and total GRE scores equally. Applicants with a GPA less than 3.0 may be considered, but their acceptance would require very strong GRE scores or exceptional circumstances.
Minimum English Proficiency Requirements
| Test Type | Total Score | Reading | Listening | Speaking | Writing |
| TOEFL Internet-based | 80 | 17 | 17 | 17 | 17 |
| TOEFL Paper-based | 550 | 52 | 52 | N/A | 52 |
| IELTS Academic | 6.5 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
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
- Resume (optional, but recommended)