MSc in Geology in College Park United States | University of Maryland, College Park

The Department of Geology provides graduate programs for both M.S. and Ph.D. degrees. Full-time M.S. students typically complete their degree in two to three years, involving coursework, an original research thesis, and an oral defense. For the Ph.D., full-time students usually spend three to four years after completing an M.S., or four to five years if starting directly from a Bachelor's degree. The Ph.D. curriculum generally includes advanced coursework, qualifying exams, dissertation proposal defense, original research, and a final dissertation defense. Students work closely with faculty mentors, conducting independent research that often aligns with departmental projects. Geology explores Earth's formation, development, life origins, and ongoing changes to its atmosphere, surface, and interior. Our research focuses on four key areas: Geochemistry (examining chemical processes from Earth's surface to its core and beyond), Solid Earth Science (studying Earth's composition and tectonic processes), Surficial Processes (analyzing Earth's surface interactions with water, sediment, and life), and Geophysics (investigating planetary structures and dynamics). Students can tailor interdisciplinary programs to their interests, with emerging opportunities in planetary geology and forensic applications.