Graduate Programs
The Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences offers a PhD (Doctor of Philosophy degree) in Earth and Environmental Sciences and a MS (Master of Science degree) in Geological Sciences as well as a MS (Master of Science degree) in Environmental Geosciences.
Students in our graduate programs develop skills to address problems facing the modern environment and problems related to understanding the Earth's past and future. The Department's graduate programs emphasize the study of the biological, chemical, and physical processes of the Earth and the application of knowledge about these processes to solve applied and basic problems.
Admission into EES graduate programs
We welcome the application of motivated students during our annual fall admissions cycle. The application process is described in detail via this link. Research and teaching assistantships are available for highly qualified applicants. In addition, several fellowships and scholarships provide additional financial support for summer stipends, research involvement by undergraduate students, conference travel, and research and field expenses.
Admission into the EES graduate program requires a faculty sponsor within EES who will act as the direct research advisor to the student and whom assumes the associated financial responsibilities of their continuation through the degree program. Linked here is a list of faculty with primary EES affiliations although some faculty with secondary EES affiliations can be found via the EES department's research description pages. The best path to success for obtaining a sponsor is to contact faculty who may share research interests with you and develop a relationship with them well in advance of the submission of your graduate application. Because of the central role individual EES faculty play in the graduate application process, you are directed to contact prospective faculty advisors—not the graduate secretary or graduate director—with questions about applying to EES and application progress and timelines following submission. Some of the many research opportunities being specifically sought for admission are listed here.
The Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences at Michigan State University is committed to the principles of equal opportunity and non-discrimination. As such we welcome inquiries and applications from prospective graduate students without regard to race, color, gender, gender identity, religion, national origin, political persuasion, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, height, weight, veteran status, age or familial status.