About

The graduate program in the Department of Geological Sciences offers Master of Science (MS) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree programs in geological sciences. Students are trained to conduct research that leads to publishable work, advancing knowledge in one of the following focus areas: Climate Systems Dynamics, Modern and Ancient Life, Natural Resources, Geophysics and Remote Sensing, Natural Hazards and Environmental Remediation. As research activities are often diverse and interdisciplinary, students are encouraged to tailor their study to their individual interests with the help of faculty members.

The small size of the department allows students to develop strong relationships with the faculty, their peers, and the undergraduate students. The curriculum is heavily research-based, reflecting current geologic knowledge and practices. Funding is available to both MS and PhD students in the form of scholarships and stipends through teaching and research assistantships.

The program regularly hosts seminars held by noted geologists and offers field excursions. Recent field trips include California, West Texas, Florida, Wyoming, and East Africa.

Requirements

Entry Requirements

Provide a complete set of your undergraduate (and, if applicable, graduate) transcripts showing one of the following:
- You have earned a bachelor's degree (or its equivalent) from a nationally or regionally accredited college or university
- You are within one academic year of earning a bachelor’s degree (or its equivalent) from a nationally or regionally accredited college or university
- You are eligible to apply as part of a memorandum of understanding between your current institution and Binghamton University
Have earned, at minimum, one of the following:
- A 3.0 GPA over your entire undergraduate career
- A 3.0 GPA during the last 60 semester credits or 90 quarter credits of your undergraduate degree, with most courses graded regularly (not as "pass/fail")
- A 3.0 GPA in a graduate degree, with most courses graded regularly (not as "pass/fail")
- In consideration of the different grading scales used around the world, each academic department evaluates international transcripts to determine on a case-by-case basis whether they demonstrate one of the above requirements.

English Requirements

PTEMin 53
IELTSMin 6.5
TOEFLMin 80

Career

Beyond educating our students through research and coursework, we believe helping them find internships and full-time employment are a critical part of our responsibility. We achieve this through:

Invitations to private companies and government entities to campus to engage and recruit our students directly.
Mentoring our students on the job market
Sending our students to regional, national, and international conferences where they build their professional development and participate in student job fairs

Our recent alumni have found employment in:

Environmental consulting
Public sector, both state and federal
Academia
Energy industry, material science

Fee Information

Application Fee 70

How to Apply

Submit the online application and all required application materials.
- You will need a valid email address to create an online application.
  - For best performance, we recommend using Google Chrome to apply.
- Upload all required application materials for your program to the online application.
- Pay the $75 (USD) non-refundable graduate degree program application fee.
  - You can use a Visa, MasterCard, Discover or American Express credit card. Your credit card bill serves as your receipt.
  - We are happy to be able to grant application fee waivers to CSTEP, EOP, HEOP, LSAMP Program, Project 1000, SEEK Program or TRIO Program (McNair Scholars Program, Student Support Services, Upward Bound, etc.) students. Please provide a certified letter from your program official attesting to your participation. Documents can be uploaded directly on the application or by emailing [email protected].
  - We are happy to be able to grant application fee waivers to GEM Fellowship applicants. Please submit a copy of your GEM interface homepage indicating that your overall application status is complete. Documents can be uploaded directly on the application or by emailing [email protected].
  - United States Armed Forces veterans and active duty service members are also eligible for an application fee waiver. Please submit a copy of your Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty (DD Form 214) or your Status Report Pursuant to Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (as downloaded from https://scra.dmdc.osd.mil). Documents can be uploaded directly on the application or by emailing them to [email protected].
  - Please note that a request for an application fee waiver may take 2 to 3 business days to process. Please wait for an email stating that your request has been approved before submitting your application. If you have any questions about this process, please contact us at [email protected].
- Submit the online application and all required application materials by your program's application deadline.
Review these reminders before you apply:
- We recommend you begin the application process at least one month before your program's application deadline.
- You may apply to more than one program at a time. If you receive an admission decision for more than one program, you can only confirm your intent to enroll for one program at a time. Any remaining applications will be automatically withdrawn once you have confirmed your intent to enroll by paying your admission deposit. Exceptions will be made for individuals applying to approved dual- and double-degree programs.
- Take care when selecting your program. The Office of Graduate Admissions cannot make any changes to your program once we receive and begin review of your application.
- If you are a former Binghamton University student (undergraduate, graduate or non-degree/non-matriculated) and have changed your name, file an official name change form with the Office of Financial Aid and Student Records before submitting an application.
- If you are an international student, review the additional admission requirements for international students before submitting an application.
- If you are interested in transferring graduate credits from another institution to Binghamton University, review the policies regarding the transfer of graduate credits before submitting an application. The application process is the same for students who are planning to transfer graduate credits as it is for those who are not.

Geological Sciences