Graduate Degree Programs

The Department of Geosciences offers four graduate degrees:

• Master of Science (M.S.) in Geology - Program Coordinator - Dr. Mark Schmitz,
  markschmitz@boisestate.edu , (208) 426-5907
   
• Master of Science (M.S.) in Geophysics - Program Coordinator - Dr. Kasper van Wijk,
  kaspervanwijk@boisestate.edu , (208) 426-4604
   
• Master of Science (M.S.) in Hydrologic Sciences - Program Coordinator - Dr. Jim McNamara,
  jmcnamar@boisestate.edu , (208) 426-1354
   
• Master of Science (M.S.) in Earth Science - Program Coordinator - Dr. David Wilkins, dwilkins@boisestate.edu , (208) 426-2390
   
• Doctorate (Ph.D.) in Geosciences - Program Coordinator - Dr. Mark Schmitz,
  markschmitz@boisestate.edu , (208) 426-5907
   
• Doctorate (Ph.D.) in Geophysics - Program Coordinator - Dr. Kasper van Wijk,
  kaspervanwijk@boisestate.edu , (208) 426-4604
  

Our department is relatively small, but our size creates a close relationship between the faculty and students that serves well to foster the professional development of our graduate students. Additionally, most of our students receive financial assistance -- teaching assistantships, research assistantships, traineeships or part-time professional employment. Assistantships typically include a stipend and a waiver of all tuition and fees.

ADMISSIONS PROCESS

The admissions process has two stages, both of which are important:

(1) admissions to the graduate college (for more information, go to the graduate college website and follow the link for admissions)

(2) admission to the graduate program in the Department of Geosciences.

A complete application consists of the following eight items:

Mail to Boise State University Graduate Admissions Office

1. The graduate admissions application form

2. Complete official transcripts from all universities attended

3. Recent GRE scores (Verbal, Analytical, and Quantitative, taken within the last 5 years)

Mail to Boise State University Geosciences Department

4. The graduate assistantship application form (pdf)

5. Three letters of recommendation (pdf)

6. A letter of intent outlining your plans for the future, including what you would like to study (generally or specifically) while in the graduate program.

7. College Course Summary Form (pdf)

8. Graduate Applications Checklist (pdf)

DEADLINES

January 15th — Graduate Residential Scholars Program admissions deadline (Fall Semester enrollment).
Candidates submitting applications by this deadline, and accepted into Geosciences degree programs, are given priority for offers of financial assistance and are eligible for promotion to the Graduate Residential Scholars Program (http://www.boisestate.edu/gradcoll).

February 7th — General admissions deadline (Fall Semester enrollment).
Candidates are highly encouraged to submit applications by this deadline, and if accepted into Geosciences degree programs are given priority for offers of financial assistance (stipends and tuition waivers).

Late applications — Late applicants are encouraged to submit applications materials through April 15th; late applicants remain eligible for offers of financial assistance pending availability.

International students — International student applicants are encouraged to begin the admissions process several months prior to the admissions deadline, in order to accommodate potential delays in the processing of visa and entry documents by the US Department of Immigration.

October 15th — General admissions deadline (Spring Semester enrollment).
Applications for mid-year admission to Geosciences degree programs are welcomed; offers of financial assistance depend upon availability.

If you have any questions regarding the program or admissions process, please feel free to telephone the Academic Programs Administrator (Teri Lobb) at the toll-free number (1-800-824-7017) or send an email message to teresalobb@boisestate.edu.

Note: The Graduate Assistantship Application Form, College Course Summary Form, and Graduate Applications Checklist may be emailed to teresalobb@boisestate.edu with a copy sent to ejohanse@boisestate.edu.