Apply to study earth sciences
As an Earth Sciences student in the School of Science, you’ll earn an IU degree from one of the nation’s premier urban research universities.
January 15 is the application deadline for fall entry with priority consideration for financial aid. However, applications will be considered through the year.
Talk to someone about earth sciences programs
Undergraduate programs
Tenille Bullock
Academic Advisor
317-274-2724
tbullock@iu.edu
Graduate (M.S./Ph.D.) programs
Lin Li, Ph.D.
Professor, Graduate Program Director
317-274-0225
ll3@iu.edu
Undergraduate admission
Our undergraduate students enter the School of Science as direct admits or through University College. Either way, you will follow the same degree requirements.
Graduate admission
In order to join us as an Earth Sciences graduate student, you must meet the minimum admission requirements of the Graduate School as well as our departmental requirements.
Requirements for international student graduate admission
All international students from countries where English is not an official language must provide proof of English proficiency through taking the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or an equivalent (e.g., IELTS, Duolingo). Scores required for admission follow the Indiana University (IU) Graduate Program Minimum Requirements.
International students should visit the Office of International Affairs for application and requirement information.
Master of Science in Geology
To be eligible for graduate admission in this program, you should hold a baccalaureate degree in Geology from an accredited institution of higher learning including a summer field course, and one year of chemistry and mathematics through college algebra and trigonometry. Individuals with a baccalaureate degree in another area of science are also encouraged to apply. The departmental graduate advisory committee will prescribe a plan of study to remove deficiencies.
A grade point average of 3.0 or higher in geology classes is expected. Applicants are required to submit three letters of recommendation.
Doctor of Philosophy in Applied Earth Sciences
To be eligible for graduate admission in the Department of Earth Sciences' Ph.D. in Applied Earth Science, you should hold a baccalaureate or master’s degree in the physical, biological, or health sciences. A cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher is expected. Applicants are required to submit three letters of recommendation.
January 15 is the application deadline for fall entry with priority consideration for financial aid. However, applications will be considered through the year.
How to apply
Step 1: Complete the online application
Complete the online graduate school application.
On the Application Information tab, select
- Intended degree: Select Masters or Doctoral/PhD
- Academic Program: Select Earth Sciences (IU Graduate School)
- Academic Plan: Select Geology MS or Applied Earth Sciences PhD
Under the Department Information tab, you will provide a personal statement (2-3 pages) explaining why you want to enter this program.
You must pay your fee in order to submit your application.
Step 2: Submit all application materials
A complete set of materials, consisting of your online application, transcripts, letters of recommendation and TOEFL scores (for international students) are required before admission will be considered. Be sure to include your name on all submitted documents.
- Transcripts: Two official transcripts from every college attended are required, Please have official copies sent directly from your school to our department at the address below.
- Letters of Recommendation: Three confidential letters of recommendation are required. Letters of recommendation should be provided by professionals (consider faculty members, administrators, internship/co-operative education supervisors, and employers.) who are familiar with your work and strengths. The recommendation form may be submitted by the recommenders through the online application or mail. Download the Recommendation Form if you plan to submit your letters by mail.
- Exams (GRE & TOEFL): GRE scores are optional for graduate admission. TOEFL—or its equivalent—scores (for international students) are required. Scores should be sent directly to us from Educational Testing Service. The GRE and TOEFL code for IU Indianapolis is 1325.
- Financial statement (International students only): The form can be obtained from OIA
Department mailing address for all application submissions
Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences
Attn: Graduate Application
723 W. Michigan St., SL 118
Indianapolis, IN 46202-3275