Graduate Overview
Advancing solutions in Earth Sciences
Graduate study in Earth Sciences prepares students to address complex environmental and geological challenges through advanced coursework, research and professional development. With opportunities across thesis and non-thesis master’s programs and doctoral study, students gain the expertise needed for careers in industry, government and academia.
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Career opportunities: In today's competitive job market, most employers favor advanced degrees in earth sciences. Graduates of our program have found positions in environmental, natural resource, engineering and energy related corporations, as well as federal and state governmental agencies.
Time to explore: UB’s program supports a rich student experience beyond academics. Participate in field trips, workshops and networking events, and engage with a collaborative community of faculty and peers.
Make an impact: You’ll be on the front lines of addressing critical global challenges like climate change, natural hazards and resource distribution. UB equips you with the tools to create lasting solutions.
Life in Buffalo
A city with energy, culture and room to grow
Buffalo offers the culture and opportunity of a major city without the cost or congestion. You get professional sports, a nationally recognized orchestra, a vibrant theater district and one of the country’s leading art museums, all in a city that is easy to navigate. Restaurants, coffee shops and local markets make it easy to settle in and feel at home.
Love the outdoors? Lake Erie, the Niagara River and nearby state parks offer hiking, skiing, skating, camping and beaches throughout the year. Winter is part of life here and so is the energy that comes with it.
Buffalo is affordable, connected and growing. Toronto is just 90 minutes away, and the region’s expanding economy means new ideas and opportunities are always within reach.
Photographer: Douglas Levere
- MS in Geological Sciences (Thesis): A thesis-based graduate program designed for aspiring geologists seeking professional careers or those planning to continue to PhD-level studies.
- MS in Geological Sciences (Project): A non-thesis based graduate program for students seeking advanced education in geosciences without a heavy focus on research.
- MS in Computational Earth Science: Tackle critical challenges in Earth sciences using advanced computational techniques and complete a thesis or capstone project.
- PhD in Geological Sciences: In-depth training in research methodology, combining coursework and original research to prepare you for leadership roles in earth sciences and related fields.
Students with an interest in paleontology may also participate in the interdisciplinary graduate program in Ecology, Evolution and Behavior.
- Apply advanced geoscience concepts across areas such as climate, geohazards and environmental systems throughout coursework
- Analyze and interpret earth science data using field-based, laboratory and computational approaches
- Communicate scientific findings through capstones, written proposals, thesis or project reports and oral presentations or defenses
As a student, you'll learn from professors who have studied and worked around the globe in an incredible range of positions and have been widely recognized and honored for their groundbreaking work. Their expertise spans:
- Climate change
- Evolutionary biology
- Geodynamics
- Glaciology
- Hydrogeochemistry
- Mineralogy
- Volcanology... and more!
