Hold a baccalaureate degree or its equivalent from an accredited college or university.
Have an undergraduate grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.00. Most of our competitive candidates have GPA's of 3.50 minimum.
Complete the online application.
Name 3-5 Geological Sciences Faculty members (found on this Faculty page) that you are interested in conducting research (an MS Thesis or PhD Dissertation) with and potentially serving as your Faculty Advisor.
Note: the GRE General Test scores are NO LONGER REQUIRED. If you have taken the GRE exam within the last 5 years and desire to submit your scores, the institution code is 4841, but your scores will not be viewed.
Provide three letters of recommendation. (Note: Recommenders will receive information on submitting letters once you input their information into your online application (even before fully submitting).)
Complete Science Study Summary, and upload it with the online application.
Provide a personal statement in essay form according to the application directions. This essay is a combination of academic and career goals, and addressing personal past challenges. In addition, naming specific Geological Sciences Department faculty members is required in this essay. Log in to the online application for full information. Recommended formatting and length is 2 pages single-spaced with 1-inch page margins and 11 point font.
Provide a diversity statement in essay form according to the application directions. This essay asks applicants to describe how their educational, professional, and/or personal experiences prepare them to contribute to support diversity, equity, and inclusion during their graduate career. Log in to the online application for full information. Recommended formatting and length is 1 page single-spaced with 1-inch page margins and 11 point font.
Electronically upload one unofficial transcript from each post-secondary institution attended to online application.
International applicants must submit financial statements showing proof of support and TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo scores from exam taken within the last 2 years. Minimum TOEFL scores: 537 (paper based)/75 (internet based). Institution code: 4841. Minimum IELTS scores: 6.0 (internet based). Institution code: 4841.Minimum Duolingo score: 120 on overall score (not per subcategory). The language requirement may be waived for applicants whose native language is English or for applicants who have completed at least one year of full-time academic study at a U.S. institution (or at an institution in a country where English is the native language) within 2 years of the desired admission term. See here for more details from the Graduate School and International Admissions office.