Admission and Degree Requirements
Graduate handbook information is updated and maintained by each program. Graduate handbooks are available within each program's office and online at https://utexas.box.com/v/UTAustinGraduateHandbooks. Please contact the program with concerns or questions.
The preliminary education of students who intend to become candidates for a graduate degree in geological sciences usually includes coursework in general geology, paleontology, mineralogy, petrology, structural geology, and field geology, as well as physics, chemistry, and calculus. Geophysicists and climatologists are expected to have a sound foundation in both mathematics and physics; paleontologists should include suitable preparation in the comparative morphology and genetics of living organisms. Students without the necessary foundation for advanced study and research may be required to take additional coursework.
The department offers both the Master of Science in Geological Sciences and the Master of Arts.
Master of Science in Geological Sciences
The Master of Science in Geological Sciences requires 24 semester hours of coursework and a thesis; it is designed for those planning doctoral study or seeking employment in which research and problem-solving skills are essential. The degree program is designed for each student by their committee.
Master of Arts
The Master of Arts degree program requires 30 hours of coursework including a three-hour Master's Report (Geological Sciences 398R); it is designed for students who wish to enhance their technical education. The Master of Arts degree program is designed in coordination with the student’s faculty supervisor and requires approval of the graduate advisor.
Doctor of Philosophy
A degree program for the Doctor of Philosophy is designed for each student by their committee. Within that design, students must complete 24 credit hours of formal coursework. A minimum of 15 credit hours must be taken in the major area, and six outside the major area for a letter grade. All graduate students must take Geological Sciences 298T, Supervised Teaching in Geological Sciences in their first semester and Geological Sciences 193, Technical Lecture Series for two semesters for those entering with a Master's, or three semesters for those entering with a bachelor's. Doctoral students must also take Geological Sciences 191, Seminar in Geological Sciences (any topic) during the spring semester of their first year as a PhD aspirant. All PhD students must earn at least 30 credit hours at The University of Texas at Austin for the degree.