Geology​ Master's Degree

Students who pursue graduate studies in Geology at UT Permian Basin benefit from the outstanding natural laboratory of West Texas. In the Master’s of Science program, you will achieve mastery of the fundamentals in geology at a professional level. You will also broaden your background to pursue a career in any of the geoscience subdisciplines. You will be prepared to enter and succeed in the work force or pursue doctoral level training and research.

Graduate Geology Program Admission Requirements 

• Bachelor’s Degree in geosciences or closed related field from an accredited college or university
• Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better for all undergraduate work, no exceptions (The overall GPA for international transcripts will be converted and reviewed by graduate program head)
• One-page statement  of interests in graduate education in the geosciences and related interdisciplinary fields
• Two letters of recommendation from the applicant’s most recent academic advisor, professor, or current supervisor at their place of employment

Conditional Admission

• Bachelor’s Degree in geosciences or related field from an accredited college or university
• Cumulative GPA of 3.0 - 2.75 or a 3.0 - 2.75 in the last 60 credit hours (The overall GPA for international transcripts will be converted and reviewed by the graduate program head)
• One-page statement of interests in graduate education in the geosciences or related interdisciplinary fields
• Two letters of recommendation, one letter from the applicants most recent academic advisor, and one letter from the applicant’s supervisor at their current place of employment
• At least one year of work experience in the geosciences or the related interdisciplinary field they are interested in pursuing
• In rare circumstances, an applicant with GPA below 2.75 may be considered if they have substantial work experience (three or more years) in the geosciences or the related interdisciplinary field they are interested in pursuing
• Other evidence deemed appropriate by the graduate program head

M.S. in Geology Non-Thesis Degree Requirements

• The Non-Thesis Option does not require any credit hours of original research. 
• Students electing this option need to complete a minimum of 30 semester credit hours of graduate level courses in geosciences. 
• A Non-Thesis student may transfer to the Thesis option provided that they fulfill all the requirements needed for the M.S. in Geology Thesis Degree. 

M.S. in Geology Thesis Degree Requirements

• Students must complete at least 30 semester credit hours in geology and supporting fields.
• Six semester credit hours of original research resulting in a thesis is required.
• After final approval of the thesis by the graduate committee, the student must present a seminar on the thesis and defend its conclusions orally to the general faculty and representatives of the Graduate Studies Office.