MS Geology & Environmental Science at University of Pittsburgh

Programme overview

The Department of Geology and Environmental Science offers MS and PhD degrees in Geology and Environmental Science, as well as a professional MS in GIS and Remote Sensing. Research areas include tectonic, volcanic and surface processes, planetary science and astrobiology, paleoclimate, environmental geochemistry, energy geosciences and hydrologic processes.

Faculty: Kenneth P. Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences | Department: Department of Geology and Environmental Science | Duration: 30 credits; thesis defence expected in years 2 to 4 | Intake: Fall (applications due January 15) | Location: Pittsburgh, PA, United States

What you will study

Minimum of 30 credits beyond the bachelor's degree, at least 12 from formal courses (and at least 12 credits from courses within the department), a preliminary exam based on a suite of six courses (including GEOL 2001 and GEOL 2468 plus three core courses), a thesis based on independent research, a public oral defence and presentation of results at a national or international meeting. A 3.0 GPA must be maintained.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Online application through GradCAS with all materials by January 15: $75 fee, 5-10 page writing sample, unofficial transcripts for all colleges attended, a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, three letters of recommendation and a CV/resume. Applicants are strongly encouraged to contact faculty before applying. International applicants: TOEFL, IELTS (minimum 7.0, at least 6.5 in each section) or Duolingo (minimum 120), unless exempt; an English proficiency test is taken on arrival.

Domestic applicants: USD 27,412 a year (2026-27). Pennsylvania-resident graduate tuition, Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences, full-time two terms (fall and spring). Tuition only; mandatory fees and other expenses excluded. Source

International applicants: USD 49,272 a year (2026-27). Out-of-state (non-PA resident) graduate tuition, Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences, full-time two terms (fall and spring). Tuition only; mandatory fees and other expenses excluded. Source

Entry terms (Fall, Spring, Summer) and deadlines are set by each school or department; the University's graduate catalog lists Fall, Spring and Summer terms for new graduate students.

Graduate and professional applications are made online to the school or department of intended study, with deadlines set by each school or department; official English-test results are required from applicants from countries where English is not the official language.

Explore more study programmes

Engineering