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Hawaiian volcanic activity in 2017

Graduate

The Department of Geology & Environmental Science is internationally recognized for excellence in research and education. Graduate study resulting in both M.S. and Ph.D. degrees is available through the Department, as well as a professional M.S. degree in Geographical Information Systems (GIS) & Remote Sensing (RS). Students in all graduate programs learn through coursework, research and teaching as they pursue their degree.

Students can pursue research in a wide variety of areas, including:

A student working on the geology lab
How to Apply

Applications must be submitted by January 15 in order to enter the program in the fall term of a given year. Applications are accepted at any time, and applicants are encouraged to submit completed applications as early as possible to receive full consideration for fellowships and other financial support. Prospective applicants are strongly encouraged to explore the research areas of the faculty in the Department, and contact individual faculty whose research they find interesting prior to applying to the program.
 

Cathedral of Learning in the summer
Financial support

Financial support for the PhD and MS programs is normally provided to graduate students in good standing through a combination of teaching and research assistantships. In addition, several competitive fellowships are available for graduate students, including those just entering the program. Departmental financial assistance is generally not available for students in the Pro-MS in GIS/Remote Sensing program.

Professor Abbott with a student in the field
Graduate Programs

Graduate study in the Department provides students with a strong foundation in various aspects of Geology and Environmental Sciences. The Department offers degree programs leading to a PhD or MS in Geology & Environmental Science, as well as a professional MS degree in geographic information systems and remote sensing. Our alumni have gone on to distinguished research careers in academic, government, and industrial sectors, rewarding teaching careers at all levels from K-12 to university, and as independent scientific entrepreneurs in a variety of corporate and organizational settings.