Graduate programs in the Department of Geological and Environmental Sciences at Western Michigan University are designed for students with bachelor's degrees seeking to further their expertise in the field.
- Accelerated Master of Science in Earth Science (non-thesis): For upper-level undergraduate students interested in transitioning directly into a master's program.
- Master of Science in Earth Science (non-thesis): For students wanting to develop further expertise in the geosciences to pursue careers in industry, government, and non-profit organizations.
- Master of Science in Geosciences: For students wanting to develop further expertise in a specific discipline in the geosciences, where a MS thesis is needed to further a career in industry, government, or non-profit organizations. We strongly recommend that students identify and contact a potential faculty research advisor before applying to this program.
- Doctor of Philosophy in Geosciences: For students planning to pursue a career in high-level and cutting-edge research in industry and academia. We strongly recommend that students identify and contact a potential faculty research advisor before applying to this program.
- Graduate Certificate in Hydrogeology: For students wanting to further their careers in hydrogeology. This program emphasizes learning how to collect environmental field data, water and sediment sampling techniques, the principles and practices of near-surface geophysics, drilling and water well installation methods, environmental assessment and hydrogeologic measurement techniques, field geochemistry, scientific writing, data presentation, data analysis and problem-solving skills.
- Graduate Certificate in UAVs Applications: For students seeking a comprehensive understanding of the available geophysical and remote sensing sensors mounted on UAVs, and training on their applications in addressing geological and environmental problems.
Admission requirements
- M.S. in Earth Science (non-thesis)
- M.S. in Geosciences
- Ph.D. in Geosciences
- Graduate Certificate in Hydrogeology
- Graduate Certificate in UAVs Applications
The GRE is not required for graduate program admission. Prospective MS Geosciences and PhD Geosciences students are strongly encouraged to identify and contact a potential faculty research advisor, who may request optional GRE scores.
The department does not have the ability to waive application fees.
Note: Applicants are encouraged to bookmark the appropriate page of information for quick reference while working through the graduate application process.
Application deadlines
The Department of Geological and Environmental Sciences has rolling admissions. As such, students may submit a graduate application at any time. However, it is highly recommended that applicants submit completed applications no later than six weeks before the semester for which they are applying. This allows sufficient time for your required documents to be mailed, received, processed and uploaded to your application; for the committee to review your application and reach an admission decision; for the department and university to process the decision; for you to consult with your graduate advisor and, finally, enroll in courses. All of this must happen ahead of semester deadlines. As such, applications submitted without sufficient time will be considered for the following semester.
IMPORTANT: The department has rolling admissions. However, if you are applying for the M.S. in geosciences or the Ph.D. in geosciences and wish to be considered for a teaching assistantship, you must complete your application no later than Feb. 15. For more information about teaching assistantships, how to apply or access the application form, please visit our teaching assistantships page.