Future Graduates
Why Apply To USU Geo?
- Join our push to conduct high-impact research and address grand challenges
- Be part of our century-long tradition of graduate study and near-100% placement into geo careers and higher-education.
- Experience our commitment to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive learning and research environment.
- Tap our amazing regional landscape for learning, recreation, and high quality of life.
Questions About Our Program?
If you have questions about our program, or the application process, please contact:
Dr. Dennis Newell, Graduate Director
Dr. Kelly Bradbury, Graduate Program Coordinator
Application Instructions
Step 1 – Get in Touch with a Prospective Advisor
Please explore our Research Emphases and Faculty websites to identify faculty and research that aligns with your interest. Feel free to contact them via email about research opportunities and potential funding.
Step 2 – Apply Online at the USU School of Graduate Studies
Be sure to review the steps to apply, admission policies, and the frequently asked questions prior to completing your application. Please read below for important information and materials that you will need to complete your application.
Application Deadline: The Department of Geosciences full application deadline is within the first full week of January to be considered for acceptance the following academic year.
Waiver of GRE Exam Requirement: The Department of Geosciences no longer requires results of the GRE exam. Official GRE scores may be submitted, but this is optional and not part of our acceptance criteria.
Waiver of Application Fee: The Department of Geosciences will cover the graduate-student application fee upon request. Please discuss this with your prospective faculty advisor, and if a waiver is granted, you will be given a code to use in the application process.
Required Supplemental Items: (You cannot submit supplemental items until you have filled out all personal and demographic information, submitted the application, and paid the application fee – or entered a fee waiver code.)
- Academic Transcripts: Official transcripts from prior institutions other than USU are required
- Resume or CV
- Statement of Purpose: Prepare a no more than 1000-word statement that should weave a narrative of who you are and your research and educational interests and goals. It should explain your professional and academic background and experiences and how those shaped your interests going forward, why you want a graduate degree, and how you and your unique perspectives will add value to the graduate program and the broader Geoscience community.
- Letters of Reference: Three letters are required, preferably from course professors, research supervisors, or other job supervisors that are directly familiar with your experience and capabilities. It is highly encouraged that students communicate early on with their letter writer to allow plenty of time prior to application deadline.
- Student self-assessment: Please complete the "Geosciences Student Assessment".
- International students: TOEFL Scores (a minimum score of 79) or IELTS Academic Scores (a minimum score of 6.0) are required for admission.
Apply to the Climate Adaptation Science Program
If you are interested, discuss with your prospective graduate advisor whether you should apply for a CAS Specialization to your Geoscience graduate degree. Learn more about the separate CAS application process.