Advising: Questions about the Geology Graduate Program
What graduate degrees does the Geology Department offer?
We offer an M.S. degree.
What do I need to be admitted?
To be admitted as a regular graduate student, you must have a B.S. degree in Earth Science or Geology with at least a 3.0 GPA. Students with B.A. degrees, or non-geology degrees, may have to make up certain courses.
For more detailed information about graduate admissions, please see the Graduate School web page.
I have less than a 3.0 GPA. Can I still be admitted?
Yes, if the department agrees, you can be recommended to the Graduate School as a provisional-admit..
Should I contact any of the faculty before I apply?
Yes! We strongly recommend that you discuss your application with the faculty member(s) you would like to work with before you apply.
Do I need to do a thesis?
Yes, a thesis (or a research paper published in a refereed journal) is required for our M.S. degree.
How do I choose a thesis topic?
Your thesis is an original research project, and should reflect your interests in Geology. You should contact the faculty member(s) whose work is most closely related to the topic you wish to pursue before you apply in order to determine if your thesis idea is practical, and to insure that you will have a thesis advisor formally selected shortly after you arrive at Western.
What support is available for graduate students?
We offer a limited number of TA-ships each year; these provide tuition waivers and a stipend. Some faculty also have funding for RA positions, but these are often limited to certain externally-funded projects.
