***Important Notice” The university has waived the GRE for MS applicants until further notice. PhD applicants may apply for waiver consideration.***
The Department of Earth Ocean and Atmospheric Science offers advanced degrees in Geological Sciences at both M.S. and Ph.D. levels. The M.S. is a professional degree. It is expected that students graduating with a M.S. degree in Geological Sciences will have acquired the capability and skills to competently evaluate and pursue graduate level research and will also possess a sufficiently broad background in the science for a professional career. The program of study for the M.S. includes formal course work in several areas within Geological Sciences, and a thesis project. Although an M.S. thesis is less comprehensive than a Ph.D. dissertation, it is complete in the sense that it is well-grounded in the scientific style of thinking and method, contains a clear defensible hypothesis, and involves a rigorous method of analysis. Successful completion of the M.S. program involves a significant commitment of time and energy, and a level of understanding, that goes well beyond the expectations of the baccalaureate degree.
A student usually enters the doctoral program in Geology with a degree in a basic science and should have substantial undergraduate/masters work in at least one of the following or related field: geology, chemistry, or physics. Applicants for graduate study will select an area of specialization in geology based on their undergraduate/masters work.
All applications reviewed by the Geology Graduate Admissions Committee are evaluated in the following five categories listed below:
(1) What do I do if I don’t have prior research experience from an undergraduate program?
Faculty members/admission committee will be interested to know how you have pushed yourself to excel within your set of opportunities or lack thereof, committee will be keen on finding out how you have prepared yourself that distinguishes you from your peers with similar exposure/s.
(2) What do I do if I don’t have a degree in Geology?
We are open to and often do accept students with a background in natural sciences, including but not limited to students with undergraduate degrees/background in backgrounds in chemistry, biology, physics, and engineering. However, we do look for interest in Earth Science-related research projects.
**Prior to submitting an application it is strongly encouraged to contact faculty members with related research interests.** Students are admitted by a vote of the Geology Graduate Admissions Committee.
FSU Office of Graduate Admissions
The Graduate School
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Application Checklist
Advisor: Austin Hardy
Office: EOA 3011
Email: ahardy2@fsu.edu
Phone: (850) 644-8580
University deadlines may differ. Please refer to the FSU Office of Graduate Admissions for University deadlines. You are advised to submit your application and supporting materials at least three months in advance of the semester you wish to enter. You may apply later than these department guidelines, but there are less likely to be openings available.