Our master's in geology prepares you for a high-demand career that addresses critical environmental issues facing our world today from energy, water and mineral resources to climate, natural hazards, and environmental monitoring and cleanup.
Our geology program combines advanced coursework, fieldwork, and laboratory work to equip you with a deep and broad foundation in the geological sciences that are required for work in the oil and gas industry, minerals and mining, state and federal agencies, private consulting firms, and education.
We offer two paths for our master's degree in geology depending on your academic and professional interests:
- The master of science or arts degrees blend rigorous coursework and intensive research experience that culminate in a masters-level research thesis or project. The programs are designed to prepare you for continued study at the doctoral level or begin a career as a professional geologist.
- The geohydrology option provides you with an opportunity to explore the hydrology subfield of the geosciences with topics ranging from well dynamics to groundwater geology.
Portland State's comprehensive graduate geology classes delve into just what is at play when we make decisions about resource use, the impact of natural hazards such as earthquakes and floods on the safety of building projects, mineral exploration and extraction, the basic workings of the Earth, and how the events and processes of the past might influence the future.