Graduate work in geology and geophysics is offered at both the master of science (thesis and non-thesis) and doctoral levels. Programs are designed to provide you with an understanding of the fundamentals and principles of geology, geochemistry, and geophysics. Research investigations comprise a significant part of each program, and at the doctoral level an original contribution to the science is required.
Research emphasis of the program is in:
- Low Temperature and Environmental Geochemistry
- Mineralogy/Petrology/Economic Geology
- Geophysics/Tectonics/Remote Sensing
- Sedimentology/Paleontology/Stratigraphy/Petroleum Exploration
In geology and geochemistry, opportunities for research at both the M.S. and Ph.D. levels are available in mining geology, petroleum geology, environmental geochemistry, stratigraphy and sedimentation, clay mineralogy, remote sensing, GIS, palynology, structural geology, igneous and metamorphic petrology, volcanology, and planetary geology.
In geophysics, opportunities for research at both the M.S. and Ph.D. levels are available in the areas of reflection and refraction seismology, theoretical seismology, geophysical data analysis, gravity, magnetics, seismic hazards, and computational geophysics.
The study of the Earth and other planets includes all areas of scientific inquiry. To work effectively in so broad a discipline requires considerable depth and breadth of understanding of physical principles and advanced proficiency in mathematics, particularly for those students contemplating advanced studies in geophysics. A thorough undergraduate training in an earth or physical science is a prerequisite for advanced study in geology or geophysics.
Earth sciences have been an integral part of the university since its founding. The program has a long and proud history of faculty and students who have contributed to the advancement of the science, to mineral and hydrocarbon exploration, and to protecting the environment. The university was formerly the Missouri School of Mines. Because of the school's tradition and location near the Missouri Lead District, the emphasis of the program has been in exploration for mineral and petroleum resources. The program has expanded to include environmental geochemistry, geophysics, soft rock geology, and planetary geology. Our graduates find employment in the mining, petroleum, and environmental industries, as well as with government agencies and academia. The program provides students with diverse educational opportunities to prepare themselves to seek employment in any area of the earth sciences.
The program has a wide variety of equipment for research and exploration in geology, geochemistry, and geophysics. Interaction with mining engineering, geological engineering, petroleum engineering, metallurgy, environmental engineering, biological sciences and various other programs/departments is routine. Our faculty and graduate students commonly participate in collaborative research with other departments on campus as well as universities worldwide. In addition, cooperative research and internship opportunities with the Missouri Geological Survey, the U.S. Geological Survey's National Geospatial Technical Operations Center and the Mark Twain National Forest Service, all located in Rolla, are available. Cooperative programs with local mining companies, petroleum companies, or other industries are also possible. Thus, your research interests need not fall entirely within the interests of our faculty or within the bounds of the equipment directly available within the program.
A B.S. degree is essential for professional practice in geology or geophysics in industry. Due to the increasing complexity of jobs in the geosciences, the M.S. degree is recognized as the "professional degree" for geoscientists desiring employment in the Petroleum, Minerals, and many other industries. The Ph.D. degree is for those students that want to conduct original research with purpose of adding new knowledge in a specific area of the geosciences. Successful Ph.D. candidates find employment in academia or research centers in government agencies or corporate research labs.
Two M.S. degree options are available: thesis and non-thesis. All Geology and Geophysics MS students are required to take the Professional Geosciences Skills course (GEOLOGY 5100) and either Advanced Physical Geology (GEOLOGY 5111) or Global Tectonics (GEOPHYS 5096). For students whose native language is not English, a minimum score of 79 TOEFL, or a minimum of 53 PTE, or a minimum of 6.5 IELTS is required for admission. GRE scores are not required.