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There are many challenges facing society today. Geoscientists who understand Earth processes, resources, atmosphere, and environments can help address these challenges and are in high demand.
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Changing climate, dwindling energy resources, natural hazards, and deteriorating environmental quality are among the most challenging of societal problems. Geoscientists, who study Earth processes and resources to understand and help address these and related issues, are in high demand. A graduate degree in Geology opens the door to career opportunities that involve: work that helps sustain society and protect the planet; innovative technologies; and world travel.


Degrees Offered:

  • Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
  • Master of Science (M.S.)

Area(s) of Specialization: 

  • Mineralogy
  • Petrology
  • Structural Geology
  • Sedimentary Geology
  • Geoscience Education
  • Paleooceanography
  • Paleoclimatology
  • Geobiology
  • Human-Computer Interaction
  • GIS
  • Sclerochronology
  • Seismology
  • Economic Geology
  • Stable Isotope Geochemistry
  • Hydrology
  • Geomorphology
  • Glaciology
  • Paleontology
  • Physical Geography
  • Remote Sensing
  • Geospatial Modeling
  • Sustainability
  • Geophysics
  • Biogeochemistry
  • Geochemistry

How long does it take to earn a degree?

  • Median time to earn the doctorate: 4.9 years (Methods)
  • Median time to earn the master’s: 2.8 years (Methods)

Dr. Elizabeth Swanner

eswanner@iastate.edu
515-294-5826
Geology Program Graduate Applications
Department of the Earth, Atmosphere, and Climate
253 Science Hall
2237 Osborn Dr
Iowa State University
Ames, IA 50011-1027

Learning Goals

  • Demonstrate comprehensive understanding of scholarly literature in the area of geological sciences.
  • Form testable hypotheses and articulate research objectives that, when met, will lead to significant contributions to the field of geology.
  • Conduct qualitative and/or quantitative research via appropriate acquisition, analysis, and reporting of data; Interpret research results appropriately, integrating them into the existing knowledge in the discipline.
  • Clearly and accurately communicate research findings orally and in writing, and often through the use images (tables, figures, and other forms of imagery) and electronic or other forms of media.
  • Articulate how the graduate program, including coursework and creative scholarship, fits into life and career goals; and Conduct scholarship, in teams or with independence, in ways that consistently demonstrate ethical practice and professionalism.

Admission Requirements

Graduate College Requirements:

  • 4 year Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent)
  • Academic Records/Transcripts
  • Minimum 3.0 GPA (Program may alter requirement.)
  • Proof of English Proficiency.

Program Specific Requirements:

International Requirements:

  • Financial Statement:  Application
  • English Proficiency Minimum:
    TOEFL Paper (PBT) 550
    TOEFL Internet (iBT) 79
    IELTS 6.5
    PTE 53
    Duolingo 115

Application Requirements

Application Deadlines:

Fall term - June 15, Spring term - Nov 15, Summer term - March 15.

International students should apply at least three months before the start of term they are applying.

Application Details:

This program is open to domestic and international students.

Application Instructions