Why study Geology?

The geosciences is a branch of the natural sciences that emphasizes the study of earth systems and how they are connected. The Department of Geosciences has strong research groups in paleontology (paleontology and evolutionary paleoecology), quaternary geology and geomorphology (glacial geology, fluvial and slope processes, desert geomorphology, and tectonic geomorphology), sedimentology and stratigraphy (sequence stratigraphy, geology of shales, and geochemical records of earth history), tectonics (mountain building and volcanism), environmental geology (groundwater studies and landslide and seismic hazard mitigation), and biogeochemistry and global change (carbon cycling, isotope geochemistry, and impacts of climate change). 

The goal of the Department of Geosciences is to produce well-rounded graduate students who not only take part in advanced research, but also gain extensive field, laboratory, and teaching experience. The department and the University of Cincinnati provide financial support on an academic year and summer basis for most graduate students in the form of Teaching Assistantships, Research Assistantships, tuition scholarships, endowed fellowships, and external grants to aid students in achieving their goals.

Admission Requirements

An application must include:

  • Online application for admission (a fee is required upon application submission)
  • 3 letters of recommendation. Recommenders are notified once the online application is submitted. Recommenders upload letters directly to the online application.
  • Unofficial transcripts from all universities attended. Unofficial transcripts are to be uploaded to the online application. Official transcripts are necessary only if accepted into the program. 
  • Official English language testing scores for international students (TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo, and PTE accepted). Applicants from countries where English is the official language do not have to submit English language test scores.  A list of countries that are granted an automatic wavier can be found here.
  • The student may include official GRE scores, but scores are optional

Common areas of employment for geoscientists are academia (colleges and universities), government agencies (U.S. Geological Survey, EPA, U.S. Forest Service, etc.), private consulting firms (environmental, geotechnical, renewable resources, etc.), natural resource companies (mineral and energy exploration), and non-profit organizations (geoscience education, environemntal justice, food and water security, etc.). Over 250,000 geoscientists are currently at work in the U.S.A and that number will continue to grow.

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Explore unique opportunities, faculty, and resources available in Department of Geosciences

Application Deadlines

The application deadline for fall admission is January 15. Unofficial transcripts, GRE scores (optional), English language test scores (if required), and letters of recommendation must be received by the application deadline. It is important to note that an application is only considered complete after supporting materials are received and the application fee has been paid. Failure to submit application materials and pay the application fee in a timely manner may result in the application not being considered for review. 

If you have questions regarding the application process, please contact Krista Smilek, the Academic Director at krista.smilek@uc.edu.

The University of Cincinnati and all regional campuses are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Contact Information

Krista Smilek
Department of Geosciences, University of Cincinnati
500 Geology Physics Building
Cincinnati, OH 45221-0013
(513) 556-7169
krista.smilek@uc.edu

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Program Code: 15MAS-GEOL-MS