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

Chemistry and Biochemistry Seminar - “Fluorescent Probes of RNA Structure: Photophysics and Applications in RNA-Based Sensing”
Oct6
Chemistry and Biochemistry Seminar - “Fluorescent Probes of RNA Structure: Photophysics and Applications in RNA-Based Sensing” Oct 6 Willie and Donald Tykeson Hall
Unlocking Graduate Student Career Resources
Oct8
Unlocking Graduate Student Career Resources Oct 8
Autumn Songs: A Korean Jazz Performance with Jordan VanHemert and Band
Oct9
Autumn Songs: A Korean Jazz Performance with Jordan VanHemert and Band Oct 9 Kalapuya Ilihi
Ten Years Since Obergefell: Past and Present Fights for LGBTQ Rights
Oct9
Ten Years Since Obergefell: Past and Present Fights for LGBTQ Rights Oct 9 William W. Knight Law Center
Beyond the Dissertation: Preparing for the Academic Job Market
Oct10
Beyond the Dissertation: Preparing for the Academic Job Market Oct 10 Straub Hall
How to: Resume and Cover Letter Tips (Workshop)
Oct13
How to: Resume and Cover Letter Tips (Workshop) Oct 13 Willie and Donald Tykeson Hall
WGSS Presents: “Writing Queer Women’s History: Finding A Place of Our Own” Talk and Light Reception with June Thomas
Oct14
WGSS Presents: “Writing Queer Women’s History: Finding A Place of Our Own” Talk and Light Reception with June Thomas Oct 14 Erb Memorial Union (EMU)
Experiential Learning Opportunity Scholarship - Student and Alumni Panel
Oct14
Experiential Learning Opportunity Scholarship - Student and Alumni Panel Oct 14 Willie and Donald Tykeson Hall
Next Level Resumes and CVs
Oct15
Next Level Resumes and CVs Oct 15
Resume Extravaganza! (Drop-In Resume Reviews with Career Coaches & Peer Coaches)
Oct15
Resume Extravaganza! (Drop-In Resume Reviews with Career Coaches & Peer Coaches) Oct 15 Willie and Donald Tykeson Hall