Geoscience, M.S., Ph.D.
Saint Louis University’s graduate programs in geoscience can prepare you for careers in private industry and government agencies.
About the Program
SLU offers M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in geoscience and has long boasted a strength in seismology and geophysics. The program recently expanded its research expertise to include the interdisciplinary area of environmental science and remote sensing.
Concentrations are available in geology, geophysics and environmental geoscience in
the master’s program and geophysics and environmental geoscience in the Ph.D. program.
Active research areas include tectonics, Precambrian crustal evolution, remote sensing,
sedimentary geology and sedimentation, igneous and metamorphic petrology, geochemistry,
geochronology, structural geology and fluid-rock interaction.
About the Department
SLU’s Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences has a tradition of combining strong classroom and field-based instruction with internationally recognized research. Our work encompasses a broad spectrum of the physical sciences, including seismology and solid earth geophysics, tectonics, synoptic meteorology, environmental systems and the study of modern and ancient climate change.
Program Highlights
SLU’s geology research facilities include a network of seismograph stations surrounding
the New Madrid fault zone, state-of-the-art seismic observatories that transmit data
by satellite from sites distributed across a broad region of the central United States;
excellent computing facilities consisting of LINUX, Solaris, MAC and PC workstations;
rock preparation and mineral separation facilities; a stable isotope geochemistry
lab; a remote sensing lab; and a digital image analysis lab.
Extensive research is conducted at SLU's Earthquake Center and the Seismic Analysis
and Remote Sensing Laboratories.
Curriculum and Program Details
Master of Science in Geoscience
The M.S. program prepares students for careers in private industry and government agencies or for further advanced studies. The non-thesis option requires 30 credit hours to complete; the thesis option requires 24 credit hours to complete, plus six credit hours of thesis credit.
Doctor of Philosophy in Geoscience
The Ph.D. program prepares students for careers in academic research, teaching, government or industrial research environments. A minimum of 48 credit hours of preparation is required when the doctorate is pursued directly from the baccalaureate.
Faculty
- Karl Chauff, Ph.D.
- David J. Crossley, Ph.D.
- John Encarnacion, Ph.D.
- Daniel M. Hanes, Ph.D.
- Elizabeth A. Hasenmueller, Ph.D.
- Robert B. Herrmann, Ph.D.
- Linda M. Warren, Ph.D.
- Abuduwasiti Wulami, Ph.D.
- Lupei Zhu, Ph.D.
Careers
After graduating, you might pursue a career as an earthquake hazard analyst, environmental consultant or an exploration geophysicist.
Tuition and Fees
Saint Louis University takes pride in being one of Barron's Best Buys in College Education
and Kiplinger's Best Values in Private Colleges.
For information regarding the upcoming academic year’s tuition rate, fees and financial
aid, visit SLU Financial Services.
Scholarships and Financial Aid
More than 80 percent of SLU geoscience graduate students are supported through fellowships
or grants. External grant funding typically runs more than $500,000 per year. The
main funding agencies are the U.S. Geological Survey, National Science Foundation,
Defense Threat Reduction Agency and Department of Energy.
Applicant Criteria
Successful applicants possess sufficient test scores, a sufficient GPA and sufficient TOEFL scores (for international students).
To apply, you’ll need:
| Application Requirements |
|---|
| Application form and fee |
| Transcript(s) |
| Three letters of recommendation |
| GRE G |
| Résumé |
| Professional goal statement |
Requirements for International Students
- A completed Declaration of Financial Support packet with all accompanying documents
- TOEFL or PTE Academic score
- Check our English Proficiency Policy page for specific TOEFL and PTE score requirements. You may also visit our international prospects, applicants and students page for more information about international application requirements.
Assistantship and Application Deadlines
Students who want to be considered for an assistantship must submit their applications by Feb. 1.
U.S. students should apply for the fall semester by July 1 and for the spring semester by Nov. 1. International students should apply for the fall semester by May 1 and for the spring semester by Oct. 1.
Review Process
Faculty committee members examine qualified applicants' materials and make recommendations.