Geological Sciences, MS
Field Work, Landforms, NASA, Planetary Science, Rocks, approved for STEM-OPT extension, earth, geology, minerals
Explore the processes and dynamics that shape the interiors and surfaces of Earth and other bodies in the solar system. This is your opportunity to work with world-class faculty on projects funded by NASA and National Science Foundation in state-of-the-art laboratories and in the field on any of the seven continents.
The Master of Science program in geological sciences provides students with fundamental graduate training in geology. They are encouraged to cross subject boundaries and pursue new understandings of Earth and the solar system.
This program may be eligible for an Optional Practical Training extension for up to 24 months. This OPT work authorization period may help international students gain skills and experience in the U.S. Those interested in an OPT extension should review ASU degrees that qualify for the STEM-OPT extension at ASU's International Students and Scholars Center website.
The OPT extension only applies to students on an F-1 visa and does not apply to students completing a degree through ASU Online.
- College/school:
The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
- Location: Tempe
- STEM-OPT extension eligible: Yes
30 credit hours and a thesis
Required Core (1 credit hour)
SES 502 Exploring SESE Research (1)
Electives or Research (22 credit hours)
Other Requirements (1 credit hour)
SES 501 SESE Colloquium (1)
Culminating Experience (6 credit hours)
SES 599 Thesis (6)
Additional Curriculum Information
Substitutions for courses listed as Other Requirements may be made per department approval.
General university admission requirements:
All students are required to meet general
university admission requirements.
U.S. applicants | International applicants | English proficiency
Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.
Applicants must have earned a bachelor's degree in any field from a regionally accredited institution.
Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program.
All applicants must submit:
- graduate admission application and application fee
- official transcripts
- statement of purpose
- three letters of recommendation
- proof of English proficiency
Additional Application Information
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency.
Applicants should see the program website for application deadlines.
| Session | Modality | Deadline | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session A/C | In Person | 12/01 | Priority |
| Session | Modality | Deadline | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session A/C | In Person | 10/01 | Priority |
Program learning outcomes identify what a student will learn or be able to do upon completion of their program. This program has the following program outcomes:
- Critically analyze and apply advanced geological concepts to investigate processes shaping the interior and surface of the Earth and other planetary bodies by evaluating geoscientific data and producing original research.
- Apply advanced analytical, modeling, and/or field-based methods to investigate geological and/or planetary problems.
- Conduct independent research that demonstrates the ability to critically evaluate geological and/or planetary data.
Graduates of the program are prepared for further graduate study or for careers in geochemistry, field geology, geomorphology, structure and tectonics, mineralogy and petrology, geophysics, planetary geology, hydrology, volcanology, Earth observation and remote sensing, and related areas, including geoscience education.
Professionals with expertise in geological sciences are in high demand across sectors and industries, including remote sensing, natural resource management, data science, economic geology (oil and mining industries), environmental consulting, hazard and risk assessment, geophysics and planetary science. Coding and numerical modeling skills translate across many domains, including beyond geosciences. Skills in the measurement and analysis of data related to the physics, chemistry and structures of Earth and of planetary systems are valuable to businesses and institutions that rely on data-driven strategies to interact with the planet and explore beyond Earth.
Career examples include:
- data scientist
- environmental consultant
- GIS or mapping specialist
- materials analyst
- planetary scientist
- research geologist
Some students go on to doctoral programs in the field of geological sciences.
School of Earth and Space Exploration
|
ISTB4 795
sese-prospectivegrads@asu.edu
480-965-5081
3 year programs
These programs allow students to fast-track their studies after admission and earn a bachelor's degree in three years or fewer while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students should talk to their academic advisor to get started.
Accelerated master's
These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).
Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master’s during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
