Graduate Programs
Graduate Programs
Advance Your Knowledge. Expand Your Opportunities. Shape Your Future.
Take the next step in your geoscience career at Western Michigan University. Our graduate programs combine advanced coursework, hands-on research, field experiences, and professional development to prepare students for rewarding careers in industry, government, environmental consulting, and academia.
Whether you're seeking specialized technical training or pursuing independent research, you'll benefit from personalized mentorship, experienced faculty, and opportunities to apply your knowledge to real-world challenges.
Explore Our Graduate Programs
Master's Degrees
Accelerated Master of Science in Earth Science (Non-Thesis)
An accelerated pathway for eligible students to advance their education and earn a master's degree.
Explore the Accelerated M.S. in Earth Science
Master of Science in Earth Science (Non-Thesis)
A coursework-focused graduate degree designed to strengthen technical knowledge and professional preparation in the earth sciences.
Explore the M.S. in Earth Science
Master of Science in Geosciences
A research-focused graduate program offering opportunities for advanced study and faculty-guided research.
Prospective students must identify a potential faculty research advisor before applying.
Explore the M.S. in Geosciences
Doctoral Degree
Doctor of Philosophy in Geosciences
Pursue advanced research and develop specialized expertise through doctoral study in the geosciences.
Prospective students must identify a potential faculty research advisor before applying.
Explore the Ph.D. in Geosciences
Graduate Certificates
Graduate Certificate in Hydrogeology
Develop specialized knowledge and skills in groundwater science and hydrogeology.
Explore the Graduate Certificate in Hydrogeology
Graduate Certificate in UAV Applications
Explore applications of unoccupied aerial vehicles (UAVs) for scientific data collection, mapping, and geospatial analysis.
Explore the Graduate Certificate in UAV Applications
Graduate Courses
Explore available graduate courses and plan your program of study using WMU's official course resources.
Graduate Course Descriptions | Course Schedule
Admissions and Application Deadlines
WMU's Geological and Environmental Sciences graduate programs offer rolling admissions, allowing prospective students to apply throughout the year.
Application deadline: All required application materials must be submitted at least six weeks before the first day of the semester in which you intend to begin. Applications received after this deadline will be considered for the following semester.
Teaching assistantship consideration: Students applying to the M.S. or Ph.D. in Geosciences who wish to be considered for a teaching assistantship must complete their application by February 15.
Download the Teaching Assistantship Application (PDF)
Learn more about teaching assistantships through our departmental graduate student resources.
Graduate Student Resources
Find additional information about graduate study, departmental policies, and professional opportunities.
- Teaching Assistantships
- Internship Policy
- Readmission Policy
- Faculty Research Advisors
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Connect with our department to explore graduate opportunities, discuss your academic goals, and begin your application.