The Department of Earth and Environmental Science offers four graduate degrees: MS in Geology, MS in Environmental Geoscience, PhD in Geoscience and PSM in Sustainability. Graduate students work closely with faculty who are leading researchers of earth and environmental systems to develop and implement research projects to add their own contributions to our science. Class and research opportunities are available for field studies, laboratory experiments, analysis of large data from sensor arrays and remote sensing, or modeling studies.
The application deadline for fall admission for both degrees is January 15. Both the masters and doctoral students should contact the advisor in their area of interest before applying.
MS in Geology
Prepare for professional employment in industry or government managing the business, regulation and understanding of geology. Advanced coursework is available in geochemistry, sedimentary geology geomorphology, paleontology and structural geology.
MS in Environmental Geoscience
Investigate Earth’s systems, its inhabitants and their interactions to develop strategies for a sustainable and prosperous society through a combination of coursework and original research.
PhD in Geoscience
Doctoral students in this program pursue advanced coursework and original research exploring earth processes and cycles that affect human well-being. Courses and research explore how the increasing human population and rapidly expanding technology alter those processes and their effects.
Professional Science Master's (PSM) in Sustainability
This program focuses on coursework to deepen an understanding of the environment and sustainability that culminates in a summer internship with an industry partner. It can be completed over 1 year as a full time student or 2 years as a part time student, allowing the student to continue working.