Graduate Programs

Explore our Graduate Programs

The Department of Earth Sciences offers programs of graduate study leading to PhD and master’s degrees with opportunities for research in a wide variety of specialty fields. The goal of these programs is to prepare students for careers in academia, applied research, employment with state and federal agencies, and positions with private consulting organizations.


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Master’s Degree in Earth Sciences

Our master's program provides rigorous training in all aspects of scientific research, including the formulation and testing of hypotheses, acquiring skills needed for a chosen project, collection and interpretation of original data, and writing up the results as a set of published papers.  

Master’s Requirements


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Doctorate Degree in Earth Sciences

Earth sciences doctoral candidates gain extensive experience designing and carrying out independent research on a focused topic. At the PhD level, the advisor provides guidance and input, but the student is expected to take the lead in designing, executing, and writing up the results of the work.

PhD Requirements


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Prepare for the Professional World

Whether you are interested in pursuing a career in or outside of academia, the University of Oregon offers a multitude of professional development resources for graduate students. 

Career and Professional Development


Graduate Courses in Earth Sciences

Graduate-level coursework is designed to meet individual needs, and students may pursue independent research in geobiology, geochemistry, geodesy, geomechanics, geomorphology, geophysics, mineralogy, petrology, volcanology, paleontology, stratigraphy, sedimentary petrology, structural geology, and ore deposit geology.

Courses


Funding your Graduate Studies

Our students typically receive graduate employee fellowships that provide tuition waivers, health insurance, and a stipend.

Funding and Research Support


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Our Graduate Students

Connect with other graduate students and provide support for undergraduates and peers in IgDEAS, a group focused on inclusion and diversity within our department.

Resources for the Graduate Community


Events

University Commencement Ceremony
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University Commencement Ceremony Jun 16 Autzen Stadium
2025 Biology Commencement Ceremony
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2025 Biology Commencement Ceremony Jun 16 East Campus Green
2025 Cinema Studies Commencement Ceremony
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2025 Cinema Studies Commencement Ceremony Jun 16 Straub Hall
2025 General Social Science Commencement Ceremony
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2025 General Social Science Commencement Ceremony Jun 16 Autzen Stadium
2025 Linguistics Department Commencement Ceremony
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2025 Linguistics Department Commencement Ceremony Jun 16 Erb Memorial Union (EMU)
2025 Computer and Data Science Commencement Ceremony
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2025 Computer and Data Science Commencement Ceremony Jun 16 Southwest Campus Green
2025 Economics Department Commencement Ceremony
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2025 Economics Department Commencement Ceremony Jun 16 East Campus Green
2025 History Department Commencement Ceremony
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2025 History Department Commencement Ceremony Jun 16 Straub Hall
2025 Physics Department Commencement Ceremony
Jun16
2025 Physics Department Commencement Ceremony Jun 16 Erb Memorial Union (EMU)
2025 Psychology Commencement Ceremony
Jun16
2025 Psychology Commencement Ceremony Jun 16 Autzen Stadium