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Degree
Programs
The course requirements for each of these degree programs are described in more detail in the Printable Brochure.
Master of Science
The M.S. degree is designed for students who wish to learn the skills and methods of scientific research. It requires 36 credit hours, 12 of which must be research hours. All students must write and defend a master's thesis.
Professional Master's in Environmental Geochemistry
This degree program is a non-thesis, interdisciplinary degree combining the study of geology, geochemistry and biogeochemistry. The program is intended to provide 1) an opportunity for CSM undergraduates to earn a Master's degree with as little as one extra year of study and 2) additional education for working professionals in the area of Geochemistry as it applies to problems relating to the environment.
This non-thesis program consists primarily of coursework in geochemistry and allied fields, with an emphasis on environmental applications. No research is required, though the program does allow for independent study, professional development, internship, or co-op experience. The program may be pursued on a full-time or part-time basis, depending on the needs of the individual.
A minimum of 36 credit hours are required. The overall course requirements will depend on the background of the individual, but may be tailored to professional objectives. CSM undergraduate students pursuing the Combined BS/MS format may transfer in 6 credits of 400-level or above courses taken as part of their undergraduate curriculum. The courses must be approved by the Geochemistry Committee.
Doctor of Philosophy
The Ph.D. program requires at least 72 credit hours beyond a bachelor's degree, of which no less than 24 hours should be research credits. A minimum of 30 hours must be taken at CSM. A maximum of 36 hours can be derived from a master's degree in a related field. A candidate will defend a dissertation that describes a significant and original research program.
Admissions/Entrance
Requirements
Our M.S. and Ph.D. programs accommodate students with undergraduate degrees in geology, chemistry, other physical sciences, or engineering. Applicants to the Professional Master's in Environmental Geochemistry program are expected to have completed a degree in chemistry or geology (or in a closely related field). Those with degrees in other fields are sometimes accepted; however, they must typically complete deficiency courses prior to or concurrent with taking graduate courses. In any case, students wishing to enroll in one of our graduate programs will need an appropriate background in general chemistry, physical chemistry, and mathematics.
Other admissions requirements include:
• Two sets of official transcripts from all universities attended;
• Three letters of recommendation;
• General GRE scores (may be waived for Professional Master’s and Combined BS/MS applicants);
• A personal statement indicating your goals and the reasons you wish to attend CSM.
When applying for the Geochemistry Program, students must select either the Geology & Geological Engineering Department or the Chemistry & Geochemistry Department as their home department. Students generally choose their research advisor's department as their home department. Thus, applicants should try to identify prospective research advisors before beginning the application process. Professional Master's students and students who have not identified a prospective research advisor should choose the department that is most closely aligned with their academic background.
Applications are reviewed by the Graduate Admissions Committee for Geochemistry, which will consider academic success and preparation for our Program and will make a recommendation to the Dean of the Graduate School and the appropriate host department. Students admitted provisionally will normally be given an estimate of the time required to make up deficiencies.
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| Fall
Admission |
Yes |
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Financial support priority deadline |
Jan.
15 |
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U.S. citizen application deadline |
July
1 |
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International application deadline |
April
1 |
| Spring
Admission |
Yes |
| U.S. citizen application deadline |
Nov. 1 |
| International application deadline |
Sept. 1 |
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GRE required |
Yes |
| Subject test required |
No |
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Average accepted Verbal |
557 |
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Average accepted Quantitative |
728 |
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Average accepted Analytical Writing |
4.4 |
Financial
Assistance
Financial aid for graduate studies is available through teaching assistantships (TA), research assistantships (RA), and scholarship and grant programs. All of these forms of financial aid are highly competitive. Students in the (non-thesis) Professional Master's in Environmental Geochemistry program generally are not offered financial aid, although a TA may in rare cases be available to continuing students in this program.
TAs are offered through the home department into which the student has been accepted, typically by the end of March for the next academic year.
Individual faculty members offer RAs to students whom they expect will contribute quickly to a particular funded research project. Applicants interested in RAs should contact the faculty members whose research interests most closely parallel their own.
Western
Regional Graduate Program
The MS and PhD Geochemistry degrees at CSM participate in the WRGP. The program offers students access to many high-quality graduate programs at reduced costs. Residents of Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming are eligible to enroll in our Geochemistry graduate programs at resident tuition rates. Students do not have to meet specific financial criteria, but they must meet all admissions requirements and deadlines set by the institution. All students who indicate residency of one of these states on the admission application will automatically be included in this program.
Contact
Dr. Ric Wendlandt, Program Chair
Geochemistry Program
Colorado School of Mines
Golden, CO 80401
Phone: 303-273-3809
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