Department Chair: Scott Ritter
Graduate Coordinator: Mike Dorais
Department Address: S389 ESC, PO Box 24606, Provo, Utah 84602-4606
Telephone Number: (801) 422-3918

Introduction to Geology Graduate Studies

Geology is the science that reveals how the Earth works. The graduate programs of the Department of Geology at Brigham Young University are dedicated to preparing students to be well-informed, productive, and employable scientists, who are able to find solutions to the many environmental and resource problems facing society today.

The department offers one degree: Geology-MS. Areas of specialization include: Earth Science Education, Environmental Geology, and Geology. The expected duration of the MS program is two years for full time students who enter without deficiencies. The MS degree is designed to give the student a solid foundation in the theoretical and applied aspects of geology and a strong research experience. The thesis component allows each student to develop skills in defining a significant problem, developing a research strategy, acquiring and analyzing data, and technical writing. An MS degree in Geology prepares a student for a wide variety of employment opportunities in industry, education, and government, or for advanced study toward a doctoral degree.

Program of Studies

Admission and Entry

 

Semesters of entry and application deadlines: Fall, February 1 (U.S. and international); Winter, September 15 (U.S. and international).

 

Application requirements: minimum required GPA is 3.0 overall and in all physical sciences (mathematics, chemistry, physics) as well as in geology courses.

 

Entrance examination: GRE general test. GRE scores must be received in the Geology Department before application for admission will be considered.

 

Prerequisite: Baccalaureate degree. Arrangements to satisfy undergraduate deficiencies will be made in consultation with graduate coordinator.

 

Admission Forms: Admission forms may be requested from either the Department of Geology or from the Graduate School.

 

Requirements for Degree

Credit hours (30): minimum 24 course work hours plus 6 thesis hours (Geol 699R); 1 hour of Geol 591R.

 

Degree programs and required courses:

 

Geology: The M.S. degree in Geology leads to employment in a wide variety of careers. Graduates work for mining and petroleum industries, government agencies, geological consulting firms, or some choose to continue their graduate work at another university. The course work for this M.S. degree is to be determined in consultation with advisor.

 

Environmental Geology: Graduates in this program mostly find careers with either government agencies or environmental consulting firms. The courses required are: Geol 635, 636, 637; 12 hours from Geol 411, 435, 436, 521, 559, 560, 590R (approved by graduate committee), AgHrt 511, ChEn 411, CEEn 545, 550, 555, 641, 654, Hlth 454. Recommended: Stat 501, 502.

 

Earth Science Education: This degree program is designed to prepare students for careers in secondary education, or to assist teachers to obtain additional training in the earth sciences. Required courses are: Geol 502, 697R (approved by graduate committee), ScEd 531; 6-9 hours from Geol 411, 435, 440, 445, 451, 460, 480; 6 hours from IS 551, 564, 620, 652, 661, ScEd 601. Any additional graduate courses in geology approved by graduate committee may be taken to satisfy remainder of 24 course work hours.

Publishable thesis. Bound copies of the thesis are reposited in the library and with the department. Publication of the thesis in a journal is not required, but is strongly encouraged.

 

Examinations: (A) Comprehensive oral examination on course work; (B) Final oral defense of thesis.

 

Financial Assistance

 

New graduate students are eligible for departmental scholarships, tuition waivers, and teaching or research assistantships on a competitive basis. Most regular degree-seeking students receive some form of financial aid. However, none may expect financial assistance from the department for more than four semesters.

Application to Graduate Program

To apply for acceptance into our Graduate Program, complete the online application form provided by the BYU Office of Graduate Studies.

Completed applications for Fall Semester are due by February 1, and for Winter Semester by September 1. Financial aid in the form of Teaching Assistantships, Research Assistantships, Tuition Waivers, and Scholarships are available on a competitive basis. Almost all graduate students in geology have some support from the department. Those students supported by the department are guaranteed 2 years of support during their Master's program.

Successful applicants generally have an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or better, GRE scores above the 50th percentile in verbal, quantitative, and analytical sections, and strong letters of recommendation.

A candidate accepted to the university must also agree to abide by the "Honor Code".

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