所有入学的研究生的课程背景都会在入学时进行评估。如果认为某些地区存在缺陷，则录取可能取决于背景课程的完成。到达后，每位即将毕业的研究生的课程背景将由学生的顾问进行审查，以确定他/她计划的学习计划是否存在背景缺陷。被认为背景不足的学生将与他/她的教职顾问协商，确定应采取哪些课程来减轻这种缺陷。背景缺陷通常将在研究生学习的第一年弥补。一些补习课程可能不会计入研究生学分。每个研究生必须注册一次EEPS 509（一学分的课程）。作为EEPS 509的一部分，学生将发表论文招股说明书或谈论他/她已经阅读或与他/她的
The Department of Earth, Environmental, and Planetary Sciences offers graduate programs students interested in both Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees. Both programs are flexible so as to meet individual needs and are research-intensive programs that offer the opportunity to work closely with faculty. Current research strengths in the department include: benthic ecology, surface processes, soil erosion, sediment transport, stratigraphy, geologic sequestration of carbon, geochemistry, meteorites, planetary materials, planetary geology and geophysics, and high-pressure mineral physics and chemistry. Students interested in any these disciplines are encouraged to explore the interests of the faculty and to contact directly any members of the faculty with whom they share interests.