The Department of Geosciences offers both M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in geosciences. We especially encourage graduate applicants in our focus areas of water and earth.

Nearly all of our graduates are employed in geoscience or related fields. Between 2001 and 2010, we granted 101 M.S. and Ph.D. degrees. Of those, at least 95% built careers in geosciences, with employment ranging from the nonprofit sector to energy development to environmental consulting to academia. Our ten-year average success rate (students completing their advanced degree) is 73%, nearly four times the national average.

Admission to the graduate program is competitive; we recently have been admitting and matriculating around 20% of applicants. Most of our students are supported on either Teaching Assistantships or Research Assistantships. All faculty members mentor graduate students; the number of students in each research group varies according to the needs of the advisor and funding availability.