Geology Graduate Programs

Geology, now classified as part of the field of geosciences, is the study of the history, composition and processes of Earth. Geology has applications in a number of industries including environmental protection and conservation, energy and natural resource exploration and extraction and development and infrastructure projects. Earning a graduate degree in geology prepares students to enter the field of geology with the most up-to-date research tools, methods and technology as well as current geological principles.

Search our directory of campus geology graduate degree programs.

Search our directory of online geology graduate degree programs.

Geology Graduate Programs and Curriculum

Graduate programs in geology require particular undergraduate coursework. Most schools look for previous coursework in physics, chemistry, higher level mathematics and courses specific to geology such as mineralogy, petrology, stratigraphy and various topics in geology.

While most graduate programs have a specific focus within the field of geology, typical courses of a graduate degree in geology includes:

Structural geology
Advanced, focused courses in petrology
Tectonics
Sedimentology
Volcanology

Field work is an important part of the graduate program and is often undertaken during summers. Each school offers different field areas.

Master’s programs in geology generally last two to three years, while Ph.D. programs range from three to six years. Master’s candidates are expected to produce a final research project, but it does not need to contain original research. In contrast, a Ph.D. candidate must typically complete a dissertation consisting of original and groundbreaking scientific research, and must pass qualifying exams.

Geology Career Paths

Geologists find work in a variety of capacities including research positions, working with architectural and engineering firms and assisting with environmentally conscious oil and gas extraction efforts. Others find environmental conservation positions and assist with building, infrastructure and waste remediation projects. Many geologists land positions with state and federal agencies such as the U.S. Geological Survey and the Department of the Interior.

Geology-industries-of-employment

Data according to

“Geoscientists and Hydrologists.” Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2011-10 Ed.

Geology Future Job Outlook

Jobs for geoscientists are expected to grow 18 percent by 2018, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). New positions will largely be based in environmental protection and energy exploration and extraction, and positions supporting sustainability and responsible use of natural resources will be created. A large number of geologists will also find work as consultants especially with building and construction projects. Graduates with a master’s degree in geology are projected to have the best job prospects in the field.

According the BLS, the average salary for a geoscientist is $79, 160. However, this figure ranges with industry of employment.

Geology-average-annual-salary

Data according to

“Geoscientists and Hydrologists.” Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2011-10 Ed.

Type: Campus

Level: Masters

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Southampton,Hampshire

University of Southampton

MRes Vertebrate Palaeontology

This degree allows advanced specialisation in vertebrate palaeontology.

This program is offered at multiple campus locations.
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Certificate
Masters
Albany,NY
College Of Saint Rose
Adolescence Education
Designed for those who seek New York State initial teaching certification.
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Type: Campus
Level: Masters
Shippensburg,PA
Shippensburg University
Geoenvironmental Studies
A broad understanding of the environment, with an emphasis on geotechnology and practical experience.
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Type: Campus
Level: Masters
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Brooklyn,NY
Brooklyn College Of The City University Of New York
Geology
The M.A. program in geology offers advanced instruction and research experience in a wide array of subjects in earth and envi...
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Type: Campus
Level: Masters
Houston,TX
Rice University
Professional Master's Degree in Subsurface Geoscience
The objective is to educate business-savvy, scientifically trained leaders in the field of energy exploration.
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Doctorate
Masters
Moscow,ID
University of Idaho
Geology
Located in the Rocky Mountain West, the University of Idaho is an optimal place to earn a Master's or Doctorate in Geology.
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Tucson,AZ
University of Arizona
Geosciences
Requires the equivalent of the Bachelor's degree with a major in geosciences or allied discipline. The M.S. degree requires 3...
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Type: Campus
Level: Masters
Philadelphia,PA
Temple University Graduate School
Geology
The Department of Geology offers a two-year M.S. program that includes graduate courses in geology, weekly graduate seminars,...
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Houghton,MI
Michigan Technological University
Geology

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Certificate
Masters

University of Manchester

Earth Sciences

The University of Manchester welcomes applications from overseas.

This program is offered at multiple campus locations.
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Level: Masters
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Durham,NH
University of New Hampshire
Earth Sciences
Master of science degree in Earth sciences with options in geology, oceanography, ocean mapping, and geochemical systems.
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Vancouver,B.C.

University of British Columbia

Earthquake

Soil-structure interaction and earthquake loading;Cost-effective seismic design and retrofit methods;Evaluations for seismic ...

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Level: Masters
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Bozeman,MT
Montana State University, Bozeman
Earth Sciences [Geology/Geography]
The graduate program in Geology at Montana State University-Bozeman provides a rigorous pre-professional education and resear...
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Level: Masters
Northridge,CA
California State University Northridge
Geology

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Doctorate
Masters
Las Vegas,NV
University of Nevada Las Vegas
Geology, Soils Science, Hydrology,
The Department of Geoscience is an active and enthusiastic department consisting of 18 full-time faculty, 3 professional staf...
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Geology Graduate Programs

University of Southampton

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College Of Saint Rose

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Shippensburg University

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Brooklyn College Of The City University Of New York

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Rice University

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University of Idaho

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University of Arizona

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Temple University Graduate School

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Michigan Technological University

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University of Manchester

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University of New Hampshire

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University of British Columbia

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Montana State University, Bozeman

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California State University Northridge

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University of Nevada Las Vegas

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