Department of Geology

The requirements for admission to our graduate program are stated in the Graduate Catalog and on the University’s Graduate Admissions website. In general, you must successfully complete an undergraduate degree in Geology or a related area. The department and the Graduate College require that applicants take the General Graduate Record Examination (GRE); scores must be sent prior to consideration for financial aid / assistantships. Transcripts and three letters of recommendation are also required.

Before applying, prospective students are encouraged to contact the Graduate Coordinator, Dr. Jeffrey Snyder, to learn more about the program, and email potential faculty advisors to discuss graduate research options.

In addition to the university’s Application for Admission, prospective students should also complete the department’s Application for Graduate Assistantship, if they wish to apply for an assistantship which provides tuition waivers and stipend support. The Assistantship application and three letters of recommendation should be sent directly to the Department of Geology by March 1 for Fall admission and October 1 for Spring admission. Generally, students with a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or better are eligible for consideration for assistantships.

International Students

The BGSU Center for International Programs is responsible for coordinating your application process and orientation to the university. Please feel free to contact them with any questions about transcripts, financial requirements, immigration regulations and visas, etc.

If English is not your native language, you must take the TOEFL, MELAB, or IELTS exam in addition to the requirements listed above. The recommended minimums are: 80 for TOEFL (IBT), 77 for MELAB and 7.0 for IELTS for Master’s degree applicants. International students who meet all minimum standards are eligible for consideration for graduate assistantships.