We strongly encourage students to contact potential graduate research advisors prior to or during the application process. Many factors contribute to the success of an application, including the goals statement, coursework, grades, test scores, work experience, recommendations, and availability of a faculty member in the student’s anticipated research area. In general, we prefer to see a GPA of 3.0 or above.Applicants interested in the Geology (including Paleontology) specialization should have substantial preparation in general science, math, and geological sciences, although a particular baccalaureate degree is not required for admission.Applicants interested in the Geological Engineering specialization should have substantial preparation in general science, math, geological sciences, and engineering, although a particular baccalaureate degree is not required for admission.
Applicants interested in the Mining Engineering specialization, should have substantial preparation in science, math, and engineering, although a particular baccalaureate degree is not required for admission.Admission to the Geology and Geological Engineering specializations is normally limited to qualified students who have already earned an M.S. degree in geology, geological engineering, paleontology, or a related field.
Students with a B.S. degree who apply to the Ph.D. program will be admitted to the M.S. program in Geology and Geological Engineering, Paleontology, or Mining Engineering until they have accumulated sufficient course credits for an M.S. degree, after which they will be transitioned to the Ph.D. program. Geology and Geological Engineering, Paleontology, or Mining Engineering M.S. students in good standing may also convert to the Geology, Geological Engineering, and Mining Engineering Ph.D. program by submitting a standard application for the Ph.D. program to be reviewed by the Geology and Geological Engineering or Mining Engineering faculty. The applicant is required to submit at least one recommendation letter from the current M.S. advisor and the future Ph.D. advisor (if they are different). Accepted students will follow Ph.D. requirements and submit an Intent to Transfer form to the Office of Graduate Education.
