MSc in Earth and Planetary Sciences in Davis United States | University of California Davis

The Earth and Planetary Sciences (EPS) Graduate Program equips students to become impactful contributors in their professional fields and local communities. Our curriculum combines rigorous academic training in cutting-edge theory and practical applications, guided research mentorship to cultivate superior analytical abilities, communication expertise, and societal contributions through knowledge creation, education, and public outreach. We foster an educational atmosphere that honors each student's aspirations by enabling independent research initiatives, offering career preparation for varied professional trajectories, facilitating community-oriented education, and instilling habits of continuous learning and information exchange. To guarantee equitable participation in these opportunities, we strive to provide comprehensive financial assistance for all enrolled graduate students.

The field of earth and planetary sciences offers a vibrant cross-disciplinary setting for investigating terrestrial and planetary systems, Earth's biological history, and applied environmental geosciences. Scholars develop expertise in plate tectonics, structural geology, geophysical processes, geochemical analysis, rock formation studies, material deformation, sedimentary layering, and landscape evolution as they relate to planetary development, ancient ecosystems, evolutionary relationships, and organismal adaptations within prehistoric environments. The program also covers environmental geology, coastal processes, marine chemistry, historical climate patterns, and sedimentary deposits in the context of contemporary and ancient climatic shifts. Graduates emerge with both conceptual and technical proficiencies required for advanced research and instruction in planetary formation, natural resource geology, fossil studies, ancient environments, and climate variation throughout Earth's history. Our campus location provides exceptional access to diverse geological formations, the Bodega Marine Laboratory, and various University of California research facilities.