Why Pursue a Master's Degree in Geosciences
For students looking to follow their passion in geoscience, the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences pursues research and teaching in the following key areas:
- Geoinformatics
- Geology and Geophysics
- Paleoenvironmental Reconstruction
- Planetary Science
- Polar and Climate Sciences
- Water Cycle Science
Research
Recently completed thesis projects include:
- Kyle Gillespie: The geochemical record of paleoceanographic changes in the Austin Chalk near Langtry, west Texas
- Arnold Jordan: The significance of tributary sediment input in controlling main stem river morphology
- Rebecca Nunu: Using geochemical and statistical analyses to identify local and regional flow to a multi-outlet spring system: San Solomon Springs, Texas, USA
Admission & Application Requirements
Applications are submitted through the UTSA Graduate Application. Please upload all required documents (listed below) on your UTSA Graduate Application. It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure completion and submission of the application, a nonrefundable application fee, and all required supporting documents are on file with UTSA by the appropriate application deadline.
| Geosciences (MS) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Required Degree | Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university in the United States or have proof of equivalent training at a foreign institution. | |
| Minimum GPA | 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) Departments may consider GPA of last 60 semester credit hours | |
| Coursework | Completed adequate credit hours or foreign institution equivalent coursework as preparation for the program. | |
| Transcripts* | Required from all institutions attended; international transcripts must be recorded/translated to English | |
| Credential Evaluation | Required if you have earned university-level credit from foreign institutions. Submit an evaluation of your transcripts from Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE) directly from the graduate admission application platform | |
| English Language Proficiency | 550 TOEFL Paper / 79 TOEFL Internet / 6.5 IELTS / Duolingo 100 | |
| Purpose Statement | Required Describe your research interests within geoscience and reasons for pursuing graduate work. Additionally, you may as share other information about your background and experience you want considered in the evaluation of your application. | |
| Letters of Recommendation | 2 academic or professional reference(s) demonstrating your attributes for successful completion of this program (you will request these through the Graduate Admissions Application; let your recommenders know of your deadline to ensure submissions are on time) | |
| *Unofficial transcripts will be taken into consideration for admissions; however, if admitted into the program, you must submit official transcripts to the University. | ||
Application Deadlines
Applicants are encouraged to have their admission file completed as early as possible. All applications, required documents and letters of recommendation, if applicable, must be submitted by 5:00 PM U.S. Central Time on the day of the deadline. Deadlines are subject to change.
| Geosciences (MS) | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Timing on Admission Decision: Completed applications will be reviewed for admission on a rolling basis. Decisions generally will be made and sent to applicants within 4 to 6 weeks of receiving the application. | |||
| Application Deadlines for: | Priority | International | Domestic |
| Spring 2025 | Not Available | October 1 | October 1 |
| Summer 2025 | Not Available | Not Available | Not Available |
| Fall 2025 | March 1 | June 1 | June 1 |
| Spring 2026 | Not Available | October 1 | October 1 |
| Summer 2026 | Not Available | Not Available | Not Available |
Funding Opportunities
Qualified students are encouraged to apply for teaching and/or research assistantships and fellowships. Requests should be addressed to the Chair of the Department of Earth and Planetary Science when application is made for admission to UTSA. An application form for teaching assistantships is available at the degree website.
For information about department scholarships, click below.
Learn moreCareer Options
UTSA prepares you for future careers that are in demand. The possible careers below is data pulled by a third-party tool called Emsi, which pulls information from sources like the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau, online job postings, other government databases and more to give you regional and national career outlook related to this academic program.
This program is housed on UTSA’s Main Campus. Courses typically take place in the evening between 4:00 PM and 9:00 PM.
