The UB Department of Geology offers a comprehensive graduate course that meets the needs of students with both professional and academic aspirations. Our goal is to ensure that graduate students leave our program with an integrated understanding of geology and a thirst for further discovery.
Students with an interest in paleontology may also participate in the interdisciplinary graduate program in Ecology, Evolution and Behavior.
Career opportunities. In today's competitive job market, most employers favor advanced degrees in geology. Graduates of our program have found positions in environmental, natural resource, engineering, and energy related corporations, as well as federal and state governmental agencies. Forbes recently ranked geology #7 on its list of the top 15 most valuable college majors.
More time to explore. If you've just completed your BS or BA in Geological Sciences at UB, you already know some of the amazing opportunities our department supports. We are committed to providing a wealth of experiences for our hard-working students. We conduct field and camping trips to local (and not-so-local) sites, sponsor guest speakers, hold cookouts and bake sales, and conduct several yearly workshops on the issues most pertient to graduate students and professionals in the geosciences.
The planet needs you. It's no secret that environmental concerns are top priority in every corner of the globe. Geoscientists are on the front lines when it comes to assessing risks and developing solutions for natural hazards, resource distribution, and climate change. No matter where you go from here, you'll be equipped with the critical thinking and problem-solving skills necessary to make an impact that will resonate for millennia to come.
We expect that students entering our department possess a solid background in geology and to have successfully completed courses in mathematics, physics, and chemistry. However, students with training in other natural science disciplines and engineering are encouraged to apply!
Upon entering our graduate program, students choose their primary faculty advisor and an advisory committee to guide them in the selection of a balanced program. Members of the faculty are equipped to supervise theoretical, experimental, and field research.
The Department of Geology also offers monetary support in the form of Teaching Assistantships (TAs) and Research Assistantships (RAs). Assistantships are available through individual faculty members. The majority of our graduate students receive either a TA or RA during their time at UB.
Opportunities also exist for students to apply for UB scholarships, such as the University Presidential Fellowship and Arts and Sciences Dean’s Scholarship, and our department offers a variety of annual awards. We also attempt to provide funds to students presenting their research at conferences.
Information on the cost of attendance is available through UB's Financial Aid department. Precise graduate tuition and fees can be found at Student Accounts.
Daniel Hamner
Graduate Coordinator