Graduate Programs in Geosciences
The Geosciences Department offers the following Graduate Degree programs:
- Ph.D. in Geosciences
- M.S. in Geosciences with Thesis
- M.S. in Geosciences with concentration in Earth and Space Sciences (NOT accepting applications for 2025-26 Academic Year)
- M.S. in Geosciences with concentration in Hydrogeology (NOT accepting applications for 2025-26 Academic Year)
- M.A.T. in Earth Science (through the School of Professional Development)
As the core discipline examining Earth's natural processes and materials, Geosciences
boasts unparalleled diversity. Spurred by urgent scientific and social questions,
ranging from environmental concerns to the origin and evolution of the planet itself,
the Geosciences are experiencing remarkable growth, with excellent career opportunities.
The Geosciences encompass many disciplines including geology, geochemistry, and geophysics,
and its interdisciplinary nature fosters natural links not only with chemistry and
physics, but also with environmental science, materials science, engineering, biology,
and health fields. Developments in technology and new innovative approaches have transformed
graduate study in many areas within Geosciences, and students participate in research
utilizing state-of-the-art instrumentation and facilities.
Graduate students may choose among degree programs with emphasis in different areas
in Geosciences. Ph.D. programs are offered with areas of emphasis that include seismology
and tectonics, mineral and rock physics, crystal chemistry, geochemistry, petrology,
and sedimentary geology, planetary geosciences and hydrogeology. The department is
always eager to admit new qualified graduate students, particularly students with
an interest in our current areas of research.
The Department of Geosciences occupies a modern, well-equipped building that houses
extensive experimental and analytical labs, faculty and graduate student offices,
numerous computers and workstations, and an electronics support group. The Center
for Environmental Molecular Science, Mineral Physics Institute, the Long Island Groundwater
Research Institute (LIGRI), the Marine Sciences Research Center (MSRC), the Seawulf
cluster computing facility and nearby Brookhaven National Laboratory offer additional
support and laboratory facilities for graduate student research. In particular, the
National Synchrotron Light Source (NSLS) at Brookhaven offers unparalleled opportunities
for faculty and graduate students to perform unique experiments requiring high-intensity
X-rays and is only 20 miles away.