Master of Geology at Western Washington University

Western Washington University offers the Master of Geology as a full-time degree delivered on campus at its WWU - Bellingham campus in Bellingham , United States of America. Taught in English and completed over 2 years, the program equips students with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills required for geology and related professional fields. The next available intake begins on September 27, 2026.

About Master of Geology

Western Washington University offers a Master's program in Geology that aims to prepare students for professional employment in geoscience careers in the Pacific Northwest and beyond or for continuing graduate studies at the doctoral level. We specialize in structure/tectonics, petrology, volcanology, geomorphology, geophysics, hydrogeology and environmental/engineering geology, geothermal energy, sedimentology, planetary geology, and geoscience education.

This program normally leads to employment in consulting firms; in local, state, or federal government resource-based or planning agencies; and in teaching at community colleges or at a secondary level. The degree also serves as a foundation for graduate studies beyond the M.S. level, and for those interested in pursuing related careers, such as environmental law, natural resource management, or policy. The Department encourages an integrative, multi-disciplinary approach.

The M.S. program produces professional geoscientists with the ability to conduct original and meaningful scientific research. Graduates possess a broad grounding in geosciences and sophistication in their area of concentration.

Prerequisites

Students with a bachelor's degree and who meet the requirements of the Graduate School are invited to apply for admission to the graduate program in geology. Students with a BS/BA degree in geology, which includes a recognized geology field course, generally will be offered full admittance into the program provided they have the appropriate math, chemistry, and physics background. Prerequisite course work may be necessary, depending on the applicant's chosen field of study. Applicants without a BS/BA degree in geology will need to take a minimum of 19 quarter credits, including physical geology, historical geology, stratigraphy/sedimentology, mineralogy, petrology, geomorphology, structural geology, geophysics, and a recognized geology field camp, up to a maximum of 42 geology credits, which may include additional prerequisites in chemistry, physics and math, depending on each individual situation. Students who have not completed these courses before entering the geology MS program must do so and maintain an average of B or better in prerequisite courses before being advanced to candidacy. Courses taken to make up these deficiencies are not counted toward the MS degree.

Application Information

Deadline: The geology department admits students to enter in fall quarter. Admittance to the program also will depend on the availability of an advisor in the student's area of interest.

TA Deadlines: To be considered for a teaching assistantship, application and supporting materials must be on file by January 15.

Supporting Materials:

A statement of the student's background and purpose
Reference letters
Unofficial transcripts
CV/Resume

Disciplines

College of Science and Engineering

Requirements and Admission Criteria for Master of Geology at Western Washington University

Entry Requirements

Transcripts

You are required to upload a scanned or electronically generated unofficial transcript from each post-secondary institution attended as part of the application. Provide a copy of your diploma if your transcript does not list the degree awarded.

If you are admitted, a final, official transcript from each institution is still required before you can enroll. If your undergraduate degree is still in progress, please upload current transcripts at the time of application. If you are admitted and choose to attend WWU, you will be required to submit a final official transcript showing the award of the bachelor's degree prior to registration.

Documents must be issued within the last two years at the time of application.
To be considered official, transcripts must be in sealed envelopes prepared by the university or college; attested / certified copies prepared by the institution may be accepted if originals cannot be provided by the institution.
All transcripts and diplomas must be translated into English by the institution, Ministry of Education (or equivalent), or an accredited agency.

Credential Evaluation

This is NOT in lieu of official transcripts, but an additional requirement.

If your degree was earned outside the US or Canada, submit an official course-by-course credential evaluation. We accept both WES evaluations (standard course-by-course or ICAP), and Educational Perspectives evaluations through the CertiFile Certified Credential Attachment service.
- Note: If you choose to submit a WES evaluation, we recommend the ICAP product, because it includes verified copies of your official transcripts and eliminates the need to provide a separate official transcript to our office if you are admitted and choose to attend WWU.
- Please see Certifile Order Process for detailed information about ordering a degree evaluation through the CertiFile service.
You must have earned, or must be in the process of earning the equivalent to a four-year U.S. bachelor's degree prior to beginning the graduate program.
The degree-granting institution must be recognized by the Ministry of Education (or equivalent) in the country where the degree was earned.

Please contact the Graduate School office if you have questions or need clarification on these requirements. Applications cannot be sent to the department for admission consideration until all required documents are received.

English Requirements

IELTSMin 7
TOEFLMin 86

Tuition and Fee Information for Master of Geology at Western Washington University

Application Fee 70

How to Apply for Master of Geology at Western Washington University

Most materials, including unofficial transcripts, your statement of purpose, and writing samples (if required), are required to be uploaded at the time you submit your application. Preparing them in advance will expedite your process.

If you have questions about the application, please do not hesitate to contact us for assistance. Our staff is available Monday-Friday, 8 am to 5 pm (Pacific Time), at (360) 650-3170 or [email protected].

Master of Geology at Western Washington University

Western Washington University

United States of America, Bellingham