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

Department of History Coffee Hour
May6
Department of History Coffee Hour May 6 McKenzie Hall
Lecture: Jacob Hamblin, Models of Harm for Radiation Effects in the Nuclear Age
May6
Lecture: Jacob Hamblin, Models of Harm for Radiation Effects in the Nuclear Age May 6 Lillis Business Complex
Archaeological Discoveries in the Indo-Pacific Shed Light on Long-term Subsistence Practices
May7
Archaeological Discoveries in the Indo-Pacific Shed Light on Long-term Subsistence Practices May 7 Chapman Hall
Writing Lab Drop-In Workshop: Revision Strategies
May8
Writing Lab Drop-In Workshop: Revision Strategies May 8 Willie and Donald Tykeson Hall
Bridging the Impasse: 21st Century Practices for a Stronger Democracy
May8
Bridging the Impasse: 21st Century Practices for a Stronger Democracy May 8 Erb Memorial Union (EMU)
Chicana Feminism: Locating the Lesbi/Queer Genealogy
May8
Chicana Feminism: Locating the Lesbi/Queer Genealogy May 8 Erb Memorial Union (EMU)
Graduate Research Forum
May8
Graduate Research Forum May 8 Ford Alumni Center
Opening Event for Blue Visions: Thinking with Ocean Ecologies across the Arts and Humanities
May8
Opening Event for Blue Visions: Thinking with Ocean Ecologies across the Arts and Humanities May 8 Knight Library
Blue Visions: Thinking with Ocean Ecologies across the Arts and Humanities
May9
Blue Visions: Thinking with Ocean Ecologies across the Arts and Humanities May 9 Erb Memorial Union (EMU)
Theatre Arts Presents: “Curiosity in Practice: Q&A with Actor Rachel Keller”
May9
Theatre Arts Presents: “Curiosity in Practice: Q&A with Actor Rachel Keller” May 9 Erb Memorial Union (EMU)