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Graduate Studies in Earth Sciences

The Roy M. Huffington Department of Earth Sciences in Dedman College at SMU has an internationally distinguished faculty active in both field and laboratory-based studies. They are joined by a dynamic group of graduate students and postdoctoral fellows who benefit both from the Department's excellent laboratory and computational facilities as well as from the individual attention possible in a private university with a low student-to-faculty ratio.

Our location in Dallas offers all of the cultural benefits of a major metropolis at a much lower cost of living and with less congestion than in most cities of comparable size. The city’s mild climate allows for outdoor activities year-round.

Earth Sciences was one of the University’s first Ph.D. granting departments. SMU grants graduate degrees in geology, geophysics, and applied geophysics.

Geology M.S.

Admission Deadline

The deadline for Fall admission to the master's program is May 1.

Admission Requirements

  • GPA of 3.00 on a 4.00 scale

  • A GPA of 3.25 in the major

  • Majors may be in mathematics or other fields of science besides geology

  • Transcripts from all institutions attended (post high school; unofficial documents can be uploaded to your application).

  • 3 Letters of Recommendation

  • Résumé

  • Statement of Purpose

  • GRE Scores

  • International applicants must provide English Language Proficiency scores if their degree does not meet our waiver requirements. 

Geophysics M.S.

Admission Deadline

The deadline for Fall admission to the master's program is May 1.

Admission Requirements

  • GPA of 3.00 on a 4.00 scale

  • A GPA of 3.25 in the major

  • Majors may be in mathematics or other fields of science besides geology

  • Transcripts from all institutions attended (post high school; unofficial documents can be uploaded to your application).

  • 3 Letters of Recommendation

  • Résumé

  • Statement of Purpose

  • GRE Scores

  • International applicants must provide English Language Proficiency scores if their degree does not meet our waiver requirements. 

Applied Geophysics M.S.

Admission Deadline

Final deadline for Fall admission to the master's program is May 1.

Admission Requirements

  • GPA of 3.00 on a 4.00 scale

  • A GPA of 3.25 in the major

  • Majors may be in mathematics or other fields of science besides geology

  • Transcripts from all institutions attended (post high school; unofficial documents can be uploaded to your application).

  • 3 Letters of Recommendation

  • Résumé

  • Statement of Purpose

  • GRE Scores

  • International applicants must provide English Language Proficiency scores if their degree does not meet our waiver requirements. 

Geology PH.D.

Admission Deadline

Priority deadline for Fall admission to the Ph.D. in Geology is January 15.

Admission Requirements

  • GPA of 3.00 on a 4.00 scale

  • A GPA of 3.25 in the major

  • Majors may be in mathematics or other fields of science besides geology

  • Transcripts from all institutions attended (post high school; unofficial documents can be uploaded to your application).

  • 3 Letters of Recommendation

  • Résumé

  • Statement of Purpose

  • GRE Scores

  • International applicants must provide English Language Proficiency scores if their degree does not meet our waiver requirements. 

Geophysics PH.D.

Admission Deadline

Priority deadline for Fall admission to the Ph.D. in Geophysics is January 15.

Admission Requirements

  • GPA of 3.00 on a 4.00 scale

  • A GPA of 3.25 in the major

  • Majors may be in mathematics or other fields of science besides geology

  • Transcripts from all institutions attended (post high school; unofficial documents can be uploaded to your application).

  • 3 Letters of Recommendation

  • Résumé

  • Statement of Purpose

  • GRE Scores

  • International applicants must provide English Language Proficiency scores if their degree does not meet our waiver requirements. 

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Discovering Your Planet: A Complete Guide to Earning a Ph.D. in Earth Sciences

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