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
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
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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Type: Campus
Level: Certificate
Doctorate
Masters
Golden,CO
Colorado School Of Mines
Geology and Geological Engineering
CSM offers unique educational programs that offer opportunities to combine science and engineering and provide fundamental pr...
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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: Doctorate
Masters
Morgantown,WV
West Virginia University
Geology
The Geology Program at West Virginia University prepares people for a range of fields - from environmental geology to...
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Type: Campus
Level: Masters
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Penryn,Cornwall
University of Exeter
MSc/PgDip Applied Geotechnics
This Masters prepares you for work in the civil, environmental, engineering geology, geotechnical and mining-related industri...
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Type: Campus
Level: Masters
Hayward,CA
California State University, East Bay
Geology
M.S. in Geology prepares students for employment as geologists in public and private agencies and for doctoral programs.
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Type: Campus

Level: Masters

London,Select Non US State

University College London

Geoscience MSc

The Geoscience MSc at UCL aims to provide a set of courses that suit each student's aspirations, background and experience.

This program is offered at multiple campus locations.
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Type: Campus
Level: Masters
Las Cruces,NM
New Mexico State University
Geological Sciences
The Department of Geological Sciences offers graduate study leading to the Master of Science in Geology degree.
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Type: Campus
Level: Doctorate
Masters
Grand Forks,ND
University of North Dakota
Geology
The Department of Geology offers programs of study leading to the degrees Master of Arts, Master of Science, and Ph.D.
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Type: Campus
Level: Doctorate
Masters
Bethlehem,PA
Lehigh University
Earth and Environmental Science
EES offers both the M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Earth and Environmental Sciences.
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Type: Campus
Level: Masters
Flagstaff,AZ
Northern Arizona University
Geology, M.S.
The Department of Geology offers a strong Masters program in a region with unique opportunities for geologic studies.
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Type: Campus
Level: Doctorate
Masters
West Lafayette,IN
Purdue University
Earth and Atmospheric Sciences
Earth & Atmospheric Sciences (EAS) at Purdue University offers graduate research programs leading to the MS and PhD degrees.
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Type: Campus
Level: Masters
Greeley,CO
University of Northern Colorado
Earth Sciences
Program investigates the earth as a system through integration of studies in geology, meteorology, astronomy, & oceanograph...
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Type: Campus
Level: Masters
Middletown,CT
Wesleyan University
Earth and Environmental Sciences
This program is designed for students who desire further training prior to initiation of a doctoral program at a larger
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Geology Graduate Programs

Shippensburg University

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Rice University

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Colorado School Of Mines

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Brooklyn College Of The City University Of New York

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West Virginia University

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University of Exeter

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California State University, East Bay

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University College London

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