The Department of Geological Sciences offers graduate programs leading to the degrees of Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy. The department emphasizes a rigorous quantitative approach to significant problems in the geological sciences. While in the graduate program, students develop into productive scholars. Nearly all Geological Sciences doctoral graduates go on to teaching and research careers in academia, government organizations, or industry research laboratories. Final examination consists of oral presentation and defense of thesis.
Final examination is oral and is administered by the supervisory committee.
All students entering the M.S. program must present approved field courses or other approved field experience. The department awards annually a number of teaching assistantships, endowed fellowships and scholarships, and research assistantships. Industry-sponsored grants are also available. Qualified students are strongly encouraged to apply for National Science Foundation and other fellowships available through national and private agencies. For more information, see the Geological Sciences homepage.