The FSU Department of Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Science offers advanced degrees in geology at both M.S. and Ph.D. levels. The M.S. is a professional degree. It is expected that students graduating with an M.S. in geology will have acquired the capability and skills to competently evaluate and pursue graduate level research and will also possess a sufficiently broad background for a professional career. The program of study for the M.S. includes formal coursework in several areas within geological sciences and a thesis project. Although an M.S. thesis is less comprehensive than a Ph.D. dissertation, it is complete in the sense that it is well-grounded in the scientific style of thinking and method, contains a clear defensible hypothesis, and involves a rigorous method of analysis. Successful completion of the M.S. program involves a significant commitment of time and energy, and a level of understanding, that goes well beyond the expectations of the baccalaureate degree.
A student usually enters the doctoral program in geology with a degree in a basic science and should have substantial undergraduate or master's work in at least one of the following or related field: geology, chemistry or physics. Applicants for graduate study will select an area of specialization in geology based on their undergraduate or master's work.
The Ph.D. is based on satisfactory completion of required coursework, broad scholarship built on wide and critical reading, and the ability to do original and independent scholarly work. The department strongly encourages the preparation of the dissertation as a series of published or publishable journal articles.
Doctoral students must participate in one seminar annually (GLY 6982). For details, consult the Geological Sciences Graduate Handbook. A minor subject outside the department may be pursued.
The candidate must present to the supervisory committee and publicly defend a description of proposed dissertation research (prospectus). In addition, students must demonstrate by the fourth semester, by means of written and oral examination (preliminary exam), proficiency in their area of specialty and the geology related to it. The oral examining committee normally will be comprised of the student's supervisory committee, appointed by the chair. During the term that this oral examination is scheduled, the student must enroll for GLY 8964r, Preliminary Doctoral Examination.
(Need more info on degree requirements? This came from the Arts & Sciences Bulletin)
The Department of Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Science offers only the thesis-type program for the master's degree in geology.
Coursework appropriate to the needs of the individual student should be arranged with the graduate student advisor or with the major professor and the supervisory committee. One semester per year of seminar (GLY 5931r) is required. For details, consult the Geological Sciences Graduate Handbook.
A thesis advisor and supervisory committee should be selected and a program of study approved no later than the end of the first semester of the student's graduate program. Students must present to the supervisory committee and publicly defend a description of proposed thesis research (prospectus). During the term that this is scheduled the student must enroll for GLY 8966r, Master's Comprehensive Examination.
(Need more info on degree requirements? This came from the Arts & Sciences Bulletin)
All applications reviewed by the Geology Graduate Admissions Committee are evaluated in the categories listed below:
1. Personal Statement/Statement of Purpose – In this section, prospective applicants can describe their:
- Motivation for the chosen area of research, potential faculty advisor, and future goals;
- Evidence of resilience and adaptability
- Examples of problem-solving and leadership skills;
- Descriptions of additional relevant non-academic experiences and/or self-awareness
2. Research Potential – Prospective candidates can add/address the following:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)/Resume that includes prior research experiences in academia/industry or equivalent
- In case of lack of prior research experience/opportunities, evidence of passion for research found in your personal statement and/or letters of recommendations;
- Evidence of relevant non-academic experiences and/or self-awareness
3. Academic Preparation– Prospective candidates can add/address the following:
- Provide a full copy of your transcript
- GPA within undergraduate geology major or closely-related discipline/field
- Information found in your letters of recommendation
- GRE waivers
4. Letters of Recommendations
- Please arrange three letters of recommendation from professors, mentors, and/or employers familiar with your academic preparation/research experiences/potential.
5. Personal Interview
- A short list of applicants will be contacted, after the application deadline for a brief zoom interview as a part of the admission process
6. GRE
- We strongly encourage all applicants to submit a “GRE waiver form” to the FSU-Graduate School as a part of the application process for graduate admissions in the geology program
- Online GRE Waiver request form can be found at connect.fsu.edu/register/eoastestwaiver.
1. What do I do if I don’t have prior research experience from an undergraduate program?
Faculty members and the admission committee will be interested to know how you have pushed yourself to excel within your set of opportunities or lack thereof. The committee will be keen on finding out how you have prepared yourself that distinguishes you from your peers with similar exposure(s).
2. What do I do if I don’t have a degree in geology?
We are open to and often do accept students with a background in natural sciences, including but not limited to students with undergraduate degrees and backgrounds in chemistry, biology, physics and engineering. However, we do look for interest in Earth science-related research projects.
3. As an undergraduate, I have worked in an analytical chemistry lab, can I apply for the Ph.D. program and specialize in quantitative hydrology?
We encourage you to find a professor whose research interest excites you. In your research statement, we will be looking at how your prior research experience and the course works that you have taken have prepared you for graduate school. And your willingness to engage in graduate-level courses and dissertation work that prepares you in your newly chosen sub-discipline.