The basic requirement for admission to the graduate program is possession of a bachelor's degree or equivalent in geological sciences, or a closely related field. The final curriculum requirements for the Master of Science Degree are set by the Thesis Committee at Advancement to Candidacy, but the following undergraduate courses are considered an essential foundation for the program: (1) two courses in calculus, (2) two courses in general chemistry, (3) two courses in calculus-based physics, (4) a course in physical geology, (5) a course in historical geology, (6) mineralogy, (7) sedimentology/stratigraphy, (8) structural geology, (9) a course in field methods or a field camp. Students who are missing some of this course work may be admitted conditionally to the program but will be expected to remove deficiencies or present acceptable alternatives prior to Advancement to Candidacy. Courses taken to remove deficiencies cannot be used towards satisfying the minimum requirements of the Graduate Program. Students who are missing the general science and math requirements are recommended to complete an undergraduate degree in Geological Sciences or a closely related field before applying to the Graduate Program.

In addition to the above course work requirements, students are required to submit three letters of recommendation prior to entry.

Have earned a grade point average of at least 2.5 on the last degree completed by the candidate or have attained a grade point average of at least 2.5 (A=4.0) in the last 60 semester (90 quarter) units attempted.

IELTS - 6.0 each sub-section
TOEFL Internet-based (iBT) - 80
TOEFL Paper-based - 550