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Master's in Geology

M.A. or M.S.

Take your research to the field. Get your hands dirty and gain invaluable field experience as you prepare for your geoscience career.

As a graduate student in the University of North Dakota's Geology program, the classroom is just the start. Our master's programs encourages hands-on experience in the field, ensuring that you have the skills employers look for. And when you're back on campus, you'll have access to state-of-the-art labs and facilities that will help you convert your findings into knowledge.

Program type:
Master's Degree
Format:
On Campus
Est. time to complete:
2 years
Credit hours:
30
  • Requirements
  • Tuition & Fees
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Why earn a master's in geology?

Application Deadlines
Fall:
March 1* | Aug. 1
Spring:
Sept. 1* | Dec. 1

*Priority deadline

If you're an international student, refer to the international application process for deadlines.


Our close-knit Geology program offers you the opportunity to conduct research advancing theoretical and applied science while learning alongside committed, caring faculty.

The M.A. in geology is geared toward students with a background in the liberal arts as they prepare for careers in geoscience-related areas. If you're considering a Ph.D., take a look at our M.S. in Geology. A thesis is required for both the M.A. and M.S.

Geology Master's Research

Areas of research emphasis include:

  • Applied geology, such as hydrology and environmental, economic and petroleum geology.
  • Sedimentology, stratigraphy and paleontology.
  • Geomorphology and glacial geology.
  • Petrology and geochemistry.
  • Geophysics and tectonics.
  • And interdisciplinary geological projects involving several research areas, including integrated basin analysis, surface mining and reclamation, and underground coal gasification.

Geology Master's Programs

  • Access the largest geoscience library in the upper Midwest, which contains 100,000 maps and 50,000 volumes.

  • Get a chance to go far. Our students have conducted research in places as remote as the Himalayas and Antarctica.

  • The Geology program is based in the four-story, 70,000-square-foot Leonard Hall. It's a state-of-the-art facility for research in geophysics, hydrogeology, petroleum engineering, mining and more.

  • The Wilson M. Laird Core and Sample Library, across from Leonard Hall, contains cores from nearly every oil well drilled in North Dakota and is an invaluable research resource.

  • Enhance your professional skills at 60+ free workshops offered through the UND School of Graduate Studies. Our goal is to provide you with the workforce skills and job search strategies to succeed.

  • Study at a Carnegie R1 Institution ranked #151 by the NSF. Students are an integral part of UND research.

What can I do with a master's in geology?

93k

Median annual salary for geoscientists, 2023

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

5%

Projected job outlook for geoscientists through 2033

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

A geology degree is the gateway to careers in a wide range of fields. Employers include:

  • Environmental and engineering geology companies
  • Federal government
  • Laboratories
  • Mining and mineral industries
  • Oil and gas industry
  • State geological surveys
  • Universities and colleges

Geology Master's Jobs

Typical careers for those with a master's in Geology include:

  • Biostratigrapher
  • Geologist
  • Maturation geologist
  • Operations geologist
  • Sedimentologist
  • Senior geologist
  • Stratigrapher
  • Structural geologist

Master's in Geology Alumni

Our graduates have gone on to a variety of successful careers with entities like:

  • Center for Energy and Environment
  • Big Rock Exploration, LLC
  • Insight Environmental, Inc.
  • North Dakota State Water Commission

Master's in Geology Courses

GEOL 512. Advanced Petrology. 1-4 Credits.

Selected topics in petrology taught using conventional lecture and laboratory/field approach. Prerequisite: Demonstrable knowledge in petrology. On demand.

GEOL 515. Advanced Paleontology. 3 Credits.

Selected topics include (but not limited to): Invertebrate paleontology; vertebrate paleontology; paleoecology; taxonomy; museum studies; western continental stratigraphy; critical boundaries. May be repeated. Prerequisite: Demonstrable knowledge in invertebrate and/or vertebrate paleontology and organismal biology. Repeatable to 40.00 credits. On demand.

GEOL 522. History and Philosophy of Geology. 3 Credits.

Historical and philosophical development of the science of geology. Prerequisite: Permssion of instructor.

GEOL 551. Heat Flow. 3 Credits.

An exploration of Earth's thermal structure, thermal history and heat sources. The course begins with the theory of heat transfer within and through the surface of terrestrial planets. Methods of observation and modeling provide hands-on experience in field and laboratory activities. Applications of heat flow in tectonics, petrology, thermal maturity of kerogen, hydrogeology, geothermics and climate change are presented with current examples. Prerequisite: Graduate standing. Corequisite: Permission of instructor. On demand.

GEOL 540. Water Sampling and Analysis. 3 Credits.

Techniques of water and sediment sampling and analysis using equipment in the UND Water Quality Laboratory. Results are interpreted in the context of the natural systems from which the samples are taken. Enrollment is limited to eight students per section. A laboratory fee is required. Prerequisite: CHEM 121.

GEOL 516. Earth Materials: Components of a Diverse Planet. 3 Credits.

This course has three components. (1) We examine the context in which Earth materials are studied and some fundamental concepts about the Earth system. (2) We undertake a systematic look at the most important materials that make up our planet (elements, minerals, rocks of all sorts, soils, and water). We will examine their properties, their distribution and occurrences, the processes that form them, and how scientists use these materials to interpret Earth. The third, and perhaps most important focus of the class is on the importance of Earth materials in our society and lives. This includes consideration of mineral and energy resources, hazards, and engineering. Class time has both a lecture and a laboratory component. Students will be required to give class presentations and complete writing assignments. Students who have taken GEOL 316 cannot subsequently take GEOL 516 as an undergraduate or graduate student at UND. Prerequisite: CHEM 121 or equivalent. S.

Leaders in Geology

With hands-on learning guided by experienced professionals, you'll conduct ground breaking research at UND.

UND geologist unearths world’s oldest ice

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Explore More Options

Check out the faculty you'll work with at UND or discover additional education opportunities. 

  • Harold Hamm School of Geology & Geological Engineering
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