Master of Social Work - Traditional
The traditional Master of Social Work (MSW) program at the University at Buffalo is des...
M.S. in Geological Sciences
Buffalo, New York
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The M.S. in Geological Sciences at UB is a 30-credit hour program that provides rigorous training in fundamental geological concepts and specialized research methodologies. The program is flexible, allowing students to tailor their coursework and research projects to align with their specific interests within the broad field of geological sciences. It aims to develop independent researchers capable of designing, conducting, and effectively communicating complex geological investigations. The program typically culminates in a thesis, requiring original research and a significant written component.
Curriculum: The 30-credit curriculum for the M.S. in Geological Sciences includes a combination of core graduate courses and specialized electives. Students generally take courses in areas such as "Quantitative Methods in Earth Sciences," "Field Methods in Geological Sciences," and advanced seminars in specific sub-disciplines like geophysics, geochemistry, hydrogeology, structural geology, or paleontology. The curriculum is designed to provide both breadth in geological knowledge and depth in a chosen area of specialization. A significant portion of the program is dedicated to thesis research (typically 6-9 credits), under the guidance of a faculty advisor. This research often involves laboratory work, computational modeling, and extensive field data collection, depending on the chosen topic.
Research Focus: The M.S. in Geological Sciences at UB has a strong and diverse research focus, with faculty members engaged in cutting-edge investigations across a wide spectrum of Earth science disciplines. Key research areas within the Department of Earth Sciences include glacial geology and paleoclimate (e.g., understanding past ice sheets and climate change), volcanology and igneous petrology (e.g., studying molten rock and volcanic processes), hydrogeology (e.g., groundwater flow and contamination), structural geology and tectonics (e.g., mountain building and plate movements), sedimentology and stratigraphy (e.g., formation of sedimentary rocks and Earth's history), and environmental geology (e.g., geological hazards, land use impacts). Students are actively involved in these research projects, contributing to original scientific discoveries and developing advanced analytical and problem-solving skills.
Industry Engagement: The M.S. in Geological Sciences program at UB is well-positioned to prepare graduates for careers in various industries and government sectors. The skills acquired, such as geological mapping, data analysis, environmental assessment, hydrological modeling, and hazard evaluation, are highly valued. Graduates often find employment in environmental consulting firms (e.g., site assessment, remediation), natural resource industries (e.g., mining, oil and gas, geothermal), geological surveys (e.g., USGS, state geological surveys), and geotechnical engineering firms. While specific formal internships are not always a mandatory part of the curriculum, the program's strong emphasis on practical field and laboratory research directly translates to industry-relevant experience. The university's career services and alumni network also facilitate connections to relevant professional opportunities.
Global Perspective: The M.S. in Geological Sciences program at UB inherently fosters a global perspective due to the planetary scale of most geological processes. Research often examines global phenomena such as climate change, plate tectonics, seismic activity, and resource distribution, requiring an understanding of interconnected Earth systems. Faculty and students may conduct fieldwork in diverse international locations, contributing to global scientific understanding. The University at Buffalo, as a major public research institution, attracts a diverse international student body and faculty, which further enriches the learning environment by bringing varied global viewpoints and research contexts to the study of Earth sciences, preparing graduates to contribute to international scientific collaborations and address global geological challenges.
Location
Buffalo, New York
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 28210
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 70% or above in their bachelor's degree.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.5 or 7.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 90 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 61 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 120.
The University at Buffalo (UB) offers a variety of scholarships and financial aid opportunities specifically aimed at supporting international students who wish to pursue their studies in the United States. These scholarships are designed to reward academic excellence, leadership, and community involvement, helping to make education more affordable for talented students worldwide.
Merit-Based Scholarships: UB provides competitive merit scholarships to outstanding international undergraduate and graduate students. Awards such as the International Student Academic Excellence Scholarship recognize high-achieving students based on their academic records, standardized test scores, and extracurricular involvement.
Graduate Fellowships and Assistantships: Graduate international students can apply for teaching assistantships, research assistantships, and fellowships which offer tuition remission and stipends. These opportunities allow students to gain valuable teaching and research experience while offsetting the cost of their education.
Departmental Scholarships: Many academic departments at UB offer scholarships tailored to students in specific programs or fields of study. These awards may consider academic merit, research interests, or financial need.
External Scholarships: UB encourages international students to explore external scholarship options from private organizations, governments, and international foundations that support study in the U.S. The university’s International Student Services office provides guidance on identifying and applying for such funding sources.
A Master of Science (M.S.) in Geological Sciences from the State University of New York at Buffalo (UB) provides graduates with a comprehensive and rigorous scientific education in the Earth sciences. Housed within the Department of Earth Sciences, this program emphasizes a deep understanding of Earth's processes, materials, and history through strong analytical, laboratory, and field research skills. UB's M.S. in Geological Sciences prepares graduates for diverse career paths in environmental consulting, natural resource management, geological surveying, and for further doctoral studies, enabling them to contribute to both fundamental scientific knowledge and practical applications in the geosciences.
Environmental Geologist/Consultant: These professionals assess and mitigate environmental hazards, conduct site investigations for contamination, design remediation plans, and ensure regulatory compliance for environmental consulting firms, government agencies, and industrial clients.
Hydrogeologist: Specializing in groundwater resources, hydrogeologists study the movement, distribution, and quality of water beneath the Earth's surface. They are vital for water resource management, groundwater contamination assessment, and sustainable development, working for environmental firms, government agencies, or water utilities.
Engineering Geologist: These specialists apply geological principles to engineering projects. They assess geological hazards (e.g., landslides, earthquakes), evaluate the stability of soil and rock for construction, and advise on foundation design for civil engineering and construction companies.
Geophysicist: Geophysicists use physical methods (seismic, gravity, magnetic, electrical) to study Earth's subsurface. They work in exploration for oil and gas, minerals, and groundwater, as well as in earthquake hazard assessment, environmental site characterization, and academic research.
Mining Geologist/Mineral Exploration Geologist: These professionals are involved in locating, evaluating, and extracting mineral resources. They conduct geological mapping, analyze rock and soil samples, and advise on mine design and operations for mining companies.
Petroleum Geologist: Working in the oil and gas industry, petroleum geologists identify and assess potential hydrocarbon reservoirs. They analyze seismic data, well logs, and rock samples to locate drilling sites and optimize extraction strategies.
Quaternary Geologist/Paleoclimatologist: Specializing in recent Earth history (the Quaternary Period), these geologists study past climate changes, glacial cycles, and sea-level fluctuations. They often work in academic research, geological surveys, or for environmental agencies focused on climate change.
Geological Survey Scientist: Graduates can work for national (e.g., U.S. Geological Survey) or state geological surveys, conducting regional geological mapping, assessing mineral and energy resources, evaluating geological hazards, and contributing to public scientific knowledge.
Geological Data Analyst/GIS Specialist (Geology Focus): Combining geological expertise with advanced data analysis and GIS skills, these professionals manage and interpret large geological datasets, create complex geological maps, and build spatial models for various applications across all sub-disciplines.
Academic Researcher / Doctoral Student: The M.S. in Geological Sciences provides a robust foundation for those interested in pursuing a Ph.D. in Geological Sciences or a related Earth science field. This path leads to careers in university-level teaching, advanced scientific research, and contributing to the global body of geological knowledge.
