MS Geological Sciences at University of South Carolina

Programme overview

Join a close-knit program to dig deeper into Earth sciences and advance your career in fields such as energy, climate, conservation research and more. Study Earth’s dynamics and history, its composition and the chemical, physical and biological changes that it undergoes. Complete research and a thesis with mentorship from our faculty, who span the entire breadth of the geoscience disciplines.

Faculty: McCausland College of Arts and Sciences | Department: School of the Earth, Ocean and Environment | Study mode: full-time | Location: Columbia, SC, United States

What you will study

Courses include advanced study in your chosen specialization using laboratory, computational and field equipment. Conduct original research and complete a thesis or publish a peer-reviewed scientific paper.

Career pathways

Potential careers include Geologist, Educator, Researcher, Consultant.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Admissions (University of South Carolina Academic Bulletin): Applicants for a graduate degree in the School of Earth Ocean and Environment must have a baccalaureate degree from an approved and accredited college or university. Requirements for admission to all programs within the School of Earth Ocean and Environment conform with the general regulations of The Graduate School. Applicants whose native language is not English are also required to submit a satisfactory score on an English proficiency test according to The Graduate School guidelines. Programs Master of Earth and Environmental Resources Management, M.E.E.R.M. Geological Sciences, M.S. Geological Sciences, Ph.D. Marine Science, M.S. Marine Science, Ph.D. Applications Requirements Requirements that are common to all programs: 1. Completion of an online Graduate School application; 2. A resume/CV 3. Transcripts from all institutions attended. 4. Three letters of recommendation from...

Tuition is charged per credit, so the total depends on the modules you register for each year. Current fees are listed in the official fee schedule.

Graduate applications are accepted for Fall, Spring and Summer terms; Fall applications open the prior September, Spring applications open in January and Summer applications open in May.

The graduate application fee is $50 per primary application, reinstated effective August 1, 2026. Deadlines are programme-specific. The Moore School of Business, the Arnold School of Public Health and the College of Nursing use their own applications; the Moore School charges an additional $50 application fee for graduate programmes.

Apply through the official page: https://www.sc.edu/admissions-at-sc/applications/index.php

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