Graduate Program

The Department of Geosciences offers a Masters of Science degree and a Doctor of Philosophy degree. Completion of a graduate degree is excellent preparation for a career in governmental agencies, private industry, teaching, or research. The strong placement record and extensive alumni network attest to the high quality of our graduate program.

Each graduate student follows a custom-tailored program of coursework and research developed with their advisor and graduate committee. Strengths of the department include diverse field-driven scientific specializations; an interdisciplinary approach to addressing earth resource education and professional preparation; global research interests; cutting edge analytical, field, and computational facilities; and close student/faculty working relationships.

Areas of Study

The CSU Geosciences Program is internationally recognized for its strong emphasis on field-oriented studies in non-renewable resources and surficial processes. Faculty and students in the Department of Geosciences have been involved in research projects on all seven continents. Areas of specialization include:

For detailed course descriptions, please see Geosciences Graduate Curriculum.

Master Of Science

The normal duration of the M.S. program in Geosciences is two academic years, and a minimum of 30 semester credits must be completed. A thesis describing the results of an original research project is required for the Plan A Master’s degree. The thesis is defended in an oral presentation and examination.

Doctor Of Philosophy

The Department of Geosciences offers a Ph.D. program in Geosciences (GEOS-PHD). Prospective Ph.D. students should visit the Geosciences website to identify likely advisors and contact them directly for further information about Ph.D. opportunities.

The Ph.D. program ordinarily takes three or more years beyond the M.S. degree. Candidates must complete a total of 72 semester credits beyond the B.S. degree. A master’s degree from an accredited college or university may be accepted for a maximum of 30 credits. Candidates are typically expected to assist in at least one semester of teaching. Written and oral qualifying exams are normally taken by the end of the second year, with successful completion advancing the student to Ph.D. candidacy. An original research project must be presented as a dissertation and defended in an oral exam.

Please Note: The Department of Geosciences offers a Ph.D. program in Geosciences.  A Ph.D. in Watershed Science is now offered solely through the Department of Ecosystem Science & Sustainability. Please see Ecosystem Science & Sustainability Graduate Program in Watershed sciences for more details.

Visit our Graduate Application Assistance Program (GAAP) Information Page

GAAP is a free mentorship program, created and operated by current CSU Geoscience graduate students. By participating in this program, you can get advice on a wide range of topics including how to connect with professors before applying, write a personal statement, or how to ask for letters of recommendation. Additionally, volunteer mentors can offer guidance on the technicalities of the application process.  

1. Explore faculty research interests

2. Collect Application Materials for SLATE Online Application

Document Checklist:

Three letters of recommendation.

Using the online system, applicants must provide contact information for three individuals who have agreed to write a letter of recommendation. These individuals will be contacted (via secure email) with instructions for submitting their letter. Please do not have your recommenders mail their letter directly to the department. Recommenders can include:

• A faculty member at a previous or current institution who is familiar with your academic work and potential for graduate-level research
• A previous or current relevant professional supervisor who can comment on your skills, professionalism, and workplace contributions
• Observers other than supervisors who can verify your experience, capabilities, and work ethic

 

Statement of Research Interest

The Statement of Purpose serves as an academic writing sample for the faculty to learn more about you and ascertain how your goals align with the program.  Please consider addressing the following in your statement:

• Describe your research or professional interests and motivation for attending graduate school. What are your goals that motivate you to pursue an advanced degree in Geosciences?
• Describe how your academic background and other previous experiences have prepared you for graduate study in the Department of Geosciences.
• Provide an example(s) where you engaged in creative problem solving, collaborative work, leadership, and/or an instance where you persevered to overcome challenges.

One official or unofficial copy of your transcripts for every institution you have attended.

This includes institutions where coursework was brief and/or seemingly unrelated to the program(s) you wish to pursue in Geosciences (e.g. community college classes).  Exception – for coursework completed at Colorado State University, official transcripts are not necessary. All transcripts not in English must include a certified translation into English. CSU institution code is 4075

Curriculum Vitae.  A CV or resume outlining all relevant academic, research, and professional experience.

Writing Sample.

An optional writing sample can be uploaded with your application. Please consider submitting one supplemental writing sample. Examples of representative writing samples include a senior class project report, an undergraduate or graduate thesis, a research paper or poster, or other evidence of previous academic writing.

International Student Applicants – additional requirements:

English Proficiency: Please see https://graduateschool.colostate.edu/english-proficiency/ for detailed information on requirements, tests, and minimum scores. For qualifying exempt countries, click on the “Review TOEFL exemptions” link.  CSU institution code is 4075 and the code for Geosciences is 0504.

Certified proof of financial support, GS Form 3F

3. Apply Online and Pay Application Fee

Please go to How to Apply to complete the online application.  Applications to multiple programs at CSU require a $60 application fee for each program.  International applicant fees are $70 per application. Fees are non-refundable.

The Graduate School at Colorado State University supports fee waivers for applicants who can demonstrate participation in or affiliation with specific programs and/or partnerships. Fee waivers are not granted based on financial hardship alone.  See Ways to apply for free for details.

4. Follow Up

Maintain contact with any department faculty member(s) that you have corresponded with, being mindful of their limited availability because of course loads and advising obligations.  If they inform you that they are not accepting graduate students for the semester you wish to begin your program, ask them if they would advise you to delay your semester applied for to one in the further (you are eligible for one such change at no additional cost and would submit your request through your RAMweb page).

Frequently Asked Questions

When are applications due?

Our deadline is well before the Graduate School’s suggested deadline, usually on January 15th.  Applications may be submitted at a later date but be advised that student funding such as graduate assistantship will begin at the end of January. Applications received in full before the deadline will get full consideration. Applications received after the deadline date will be held until after the first round of decisions are made before being reviewed.

Do you accept spring semester applicants?

No, we do not accept application for new grad students for spring or summer semester unless it is requested by a faculty member.  Please do not apply for a spring semester unless you have contact and agreement with a faculty member the you should do so.

Can I get a fee waiver?

Fee waivers are only given if requested by the faculty member who agrees to be your advisor. CSU supports fee waivers for Graduate School applicants who can demonstrate participation in or affiliation with specific programs and/or partnerships (see Ways to apply for free for details). Fee waivers are not granted based solely on financial hardship.  

Are assistantships available?

We have a limited number of financial assistantships (GTA and GRA) available for new students. These are assigned by the department upon the recommendation of an advisor. For departmental teaching assistantships, a faculty member or potential advisor must put your name forward and it is voted on by the entire faculty. It is key that you have a faculty member who is willing to be your advisor to be considered for a teaching assistantship. In addition, many of our faculty have research assistantship funding from grant resources. Research assistantships are given at the discretion of the faculty members with such funding.

Can I get help with the application process?

Yes, additional assistance for completing an application is available through our Graduate Application Assistance Program (GAAP).

Also, please carefully review the Graduate School For Future Students and Apply webpages before starting a new application.

Information for international students can be found at the International Students and Scholars page.

[email protected]

Office: 322 Michael Smith Natural Resources Building

Phone: 970-491-3068