Geology MS

Geology Master of Science Program

Master of Science in Geology

Program Overview

The Master of Science in Geology at Northern Arizona University’s School of Earth and Sustainability provides students with advanced training in geological sciences through hands-on research and comprehensive coursework. Our program has an excellent track record of success, with about 90% of graduates employed in environmental consulting, the energy industry, teaching, and government agencies.

Research Opportunities

Our MS in Geology program offers diverse research opportunities across multiple geological disciplines:

Core Research Areas

Sedimentary Rocks - Depositional systems, diagenesis, and basin analysis
Igneous Rocks - Petrology, geochemistry, and volcanic processes
Metamorphic Rocks - Metamorphic petrology and tectonometamorphism
Stratigraphy - Sequence stratigraphy and chronostratigraphy
Structure - Structural geology and tectonics
Volcanology - Volcanic processes and hazards
Surficial Processes - Geomorphology and Quaternary geology
Water Resources - Hydrogeology and groundwater systems

Research Themes

Our geology faculty and students conduct research across four major interdisciplinary research themes:

🌡️ Past & Present Climate Change

Paleoclimatology and paleoceanography
Proxy development and climate reconstruction
Modern climate system interactions

🌋 Tectonics & Earth’s Interior

Structural geology and tectonics
Geophysics and seismology
Metamorphic petrology
Regional geological studies

🏔️ Sedimentary Geology & Geomorphology

Basin analysis and sequence stratigraphy
Quaternary geology and surficial processes
Landscape evolution and geomorphology
Sedimentary geochemistry

💧 Water Management, Policy & Science

Hydrogeology and groundwater flow
Water-rock interactions
Environmental hydrogeology
Hydrological system modeling

Program Structure

Degree Requirements

Coursework: Minimum of 30 credit hours of graduate-level courses
Thesis Research: Original research project culminating in a master’s thesis
Thesis Defense: Oral presentation and defense of research findings
Duration: Typically 2 years of full-time study

Core Curriculum

Students work with their advisory committee to design a program of study that includes:

Advanced courses in their area of specialization
Supporting courses in related geological disciplines
Research methods and analytical techniques
Professional development and communication skills

Thesis Research

All students complete an original research project under the guidance of a faculty advisor. Research projects are designed to:

Address important geological questions
Contribute new knowledge to the field
Provide hands-on experience with research methods
Prepare students for professional careers or PhD studies

Faculty Expertise

Our geology faculty are internationally recognized researchers with expertise spanning the full range of geological sciences. Faculty research programs provide numerous opportunities for student involvement in cutting-edge research projects funded by national agencies and foundations.

Research Specialties Include:

Tectonics and structural geology
Igneous and metamorphic petrology
Sedimentary geology and stratigraphy
Paleoclimatology and paleoceanography
Hydrogeology and water resources
Volcanology and geochemistry
Quaternary geology and geomorphology

Career Outcomes

Our MS in Geology graduates have excellent employment prospects, with about 90% finding positions in their chosen career paths:

Environmental Consulting (30-40%)

Environmental site assessment and remediation
Geotechnical engineering support
Hydrogeological consulting
Environmental compliance and permitting

Energy Industry (20-30%)

Oil and gas exploration and production
Geothermal energy development
Mining and mineral resources
Renewable energy site assessment

Government Agencies (20-25%)

U.S. Geological Survey (USGS)
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
State geological surveys
National Park Service
Bureau of Land Management

Education and Academia (10-15%)

K-12 earth science teaching
Community college instruction
Educational outreach and museums
PhD program preparation

Other Professional Opportunities

Geological research institutions
Non-profit environmental organizations
International development projects
Entrepreneurial consulting practices

Funding Opportunities

We are committed to supporting our graduate students through various funding mechanisms:

Research Assistantships (RA)

Yearly stipend: At least $15,000
Work directly with faculty on funded research projects
Gain valuable research experience and skills
Opportunities for conference presentation and publication

Teaching Assistantships (TA)

Yearly stipend: At least $15,000
Assist with undergraduate laboratory and field courses
Develop teaching and mentoring skills
Gain classroom and instructional experience

Additional Benefits

Tuition coverage included with assistantships
Health insurance coverage provided
Additional scholarships and fellowships available
Conference travel support for research presentations

External Funding Opportunities

National Science Foundation fellowships
Geological Society of America grants
Professional society scholarships
Industry-sponsored research projects

Application Requirements

Application Deadline: January 1st

Required Application Materials:

Online Application - Submit through NAU Graduate College
Statement of Interests and Goals - Describe your research interests and career objectives
Unofficial Transcripts - From all previous colleges and universities
Names of Potential Faculty Advisors - Identify faculty members you would like to work with
Three Letters of Recommendation - From academic or professional references
GRE Scores - General test (may be waived for qualified applicants)

Before You Apply: Essential Steps

1. Identify Potential Faculty Advisors

Review faculty research profiles and recent publications
Identify 2-3 faculty members whose research aligns with your interests
This is crucial - admission is largely based on faculty availability and interest

2. Contact Faculty Members

Email potential advisors about your research interests
Attach your CV/resume and unofficial transcript
Ask about current research projects and funding opportunities
Discuss potential thesis research directions

3. Read Faculty Research

Review recent publications by faculty you’re interested in working with
Understand current research directions and methodologies
Prepare thoughtful questions about their research programs

4. Discuss Funding

Ask about research and teaching assistantship availability
Inquire about additional funding sources and opportunities
Understand expectations and responsibilities

Application Tips

Start early - Begin contacting faculty at least 6 months before the deadline
Be specific - Clearly articulate your research interests and career goals
Show preparation - Demonstrate knowledge of faculty research and program strengths
Highlight experience - Emphasize relevant research, field, or laboratory experience
Professional communication - Use formal, professional language in all correspondence

Program Contact Information

General Program Information:

Email: SES.Admin@nau.edu
Phone: 928-523-9333
Location: Room A108, Building 11, Ashurst, Flagstaff, AZ 86011

For Research and Faculty Information:

Visit our Faculty Profiles to learn more about individual faculty research programs
Review current Graduate Research Opportunities for available positions

Why Choose NAU Geology?

🏔️ Exceptional Location

Located in the geologically diverse Colorado Plateau
Easy access to world-class geological field sites
Year-round fieldwork opportunities

🧑‍🏫 Faculty Excellence

Internationally recognized research programs
Low student-to-faculty ratios ensuring personalized mentoring
Active collaboration with government agencies and industry

🔬 Research Infrastructure

Modern analytical laboratories and instrumentation
Extensive rock, mineral, and sediment collections
High-performance computing resources

🌟 Professional Development

Conference presentation opportunities
Professional society involvement
Career networking and placement support

🤝 Collaborative Environment

Interdisciplinary research opportunities
Strong collegial atmosphere among students and faculty
Integration with broader SES research community

Ready to Apply?

Take the first step toward your graduate education in geology:

Explore Faculty Research - Visit our faculty profiles to learn about current research opportunities
Contact Potential Advisors - Reach out to faculty whose research interests align with yours
Prepare Your Application - Gather all required materials well before the January 1st deadline
Submit Your Application - Apply through the NAU Graduate College online system

Questions? Contact our admissions team at SES.Admin@nau.edu or 928-523-9333.

Apply to NAU

The MS in Geology program combines rigorous academic training with hands-on research experience, preparing graduates for successful careers in industry, government, education, and academia.