Geology, MS
Advance your understanding of Earth’s history and formation while learning how to address the real-world issues of today. The Geology MS program invites curious and passionate learners to engage in impactful research around the dynamic systems of our planet. Find out how our program helps you take the next step in turning your interest in geology into a rewarding future.
Program Overview
The MS in geology prepares students to explore the study of the earth, while developing scientific expertise in earth, environmental, or planetary science.
As a graduate student, you can choose from an extensive network of courses. You will have the opportunity to learn about hydrogeology and the hydrosphere, paleoecology, volcanology, geomicrobiology, geographic information systems (GIS), and more. Plus, with exceptional lab spaces and field-based courses, you will gain hands-on research and field skills in geospatial mapping, data analysis, scientific writing, and laboratory analysis, preparing you for careers in government, academia and research, or even non-profits.
Our program also offers the option for a concurrent master’s degree if you’re interested in pursuing a PhD.
PhD and Concurrent Master’s Degree Option
Our program currently offers PhD students the opportunity to complete a concurrent master’s degree as part of their coursework. That means you will receive a master’s degree in geology as progress towards your PhD after completing 30 hours of coursework and a project. This opportunity not only accelerates your academic journey but also sets you apart in the job market and beyond.
What Sets Us Apart
Faculty at the Cutting Edge of Research
Our purposive-driven faculty are trailblazers in their fields, contributing to ground-breaking research on possible signs of life on Mars and a new “Earth system engineering” concept, which offers a new way to interpret humans’ impact on the planet’s ecosystem.
UT Does Fieldwork Like No Place Else
With UT’s unique location near the Great Smoky Mountains and the Tennessee River Watershed, you will have ample opportunities to conduct fieldwork and research on geologic topics ranging from hydrogeology to geomicrobiology to petrology.
Connect with Visiting Scholars and Scientists
Every semester, our program invites visiting scientists and faculty members to give presentations on the exceptional research they are working on, providing you with networking and collaboration opportunities that will help you discover new dimensions to your research.
Why Study Geology?
With faculty conducting cutting-edge research and a university uniquely positioned in some of the most geologically rich areas—such as the Great Smoky Mountains and the Tennessee River Watershed—you will have opportunities to conduct fieldwork and gain practical, hands-on skills, preparing you for how work is done today.
Additionally, our excellent teaching and research facilities equip you with advanced laboratory and analytical skills, meaning you will graduate ready to make meaningful contributions to the geologic body of knowledge.
Whether you’re interested in pursuing a doctorate to gain more advanced research skills or want to hit the ground running in a career, our master’s in geology allows you to tailor your path to your unique research and career interests.
State-of-the-Art Facilities
Electron Microprobe Lab
The Electron Microprobe Lab allows students to conduct geology, geochemistry, and petrology-related research on rocks, minerals, and more using the Department of Earth, Environmental, and Planetary Science’s electron microprobe.
Stable Isotope Lab
Equipped with Thermo-Finnigan Delta mass spectrometers, the Staple Isotope Lab prepares students to conduct research on isotopes, contributing to research in the program’s core areas: earth, environmental, and planetary science.
ICPMS Core Facility
Equipped with ThermoFisher and excimer laser ablation systems, the Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICPMS) Core Facility provides students with a space to test water, rock, and soil samples.
What Can You Do with an MS in Geology After Graduation?
Through the Geology program at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, students are equipped with a comprehensive curriculum on Earth’s physical, chemical, and biological processes, as well as field experience and research opportunities. Our program prepares students to go into their career with the scientific and practical knowledge needed to be successful.
Many of our alumni go into the energy industry, working in fields such as economic geology, fossil energy, geophysics, sedimentology, and sustainable energy geology. Others work in more environmental fields, as hydrogeologists, environmental consultants or scientists, engineering geologists (volcanology, seismology), or landslide geoscientists.
Structural geology, stratigraphy, and geologic engineering are other common fields, where federal government agencies, private research groups, and consulting firms look for employees who are well-versed in the field. Additionally, many of our students go on to work in planetary science research positions at NASA centers. With a master’s degree in Geology, you’ll gain next-level experiences that help you excel wherever you end up.
Featured Courses
EEPS 523 Paleoecology
Major concepts across paleoecology, including diversity patterns, niche occupation, community structure, trophic interactions, and trace fossils. Instruction will be divided between discussions of methods and the primary literature, and hands-on activities, providing students with opportunities to practice introduced concepts.
EEPS 532 Geochemical Modeling
Petrogenetic modeling provides a framework for interpreting igneous processes that operate in the Earth and planets. End-member petrogenetic models make fundamentally different assumptions about the physics of partial melting, melt extraction and melt migration. In this course we will review and critically evaluate models for partial melting of planetary interiors. Students will build a suite of MATLAB programs to apply to data from real samples.
EEPS 554 Environmental Restoration
Applications of ecology and geological sciences toward restoring natural systems to become more fully functioning ecosystems. Topics include geological mitigation, ecological succession, non-native species, and many case studies. At least one field trip to a nearby ecological restoration site will be required.
EEPS 586 Computational Models in Hydrogeology
A hands-on course that will introduce the multiple applications of computer models in quantitative hydrological studies. The focus will be on the practical skills necessary to develop a computer model, from conceptualization to interpretation. Students will train with software widely used by groundwater modelers, allowing them to acquire skills that are applicable and in high demand within a variety of industries.
Complementary Majors, Minors, and Certificates
The Department of Earth, Environmental, and Planetary Sciences has substantial breadth within their graduate students, who often come from majors outside of the geosciences, such as physics, chemistry, and biology.
Looking For More Options?
The College of Arts and Sciences offers students the broadest range of academic programs and opportunities for research and creative activities at the University of Tennessee, powered by faculty expertise across every discipline.
Admissions and Aid
Are you ready to become a Vol? Learn how to apply and explore tuition, cost, and aid below.
Request Information
Want to join us in creating what’s next? Learn more about the Geology, MS program and become a Vol-in-Progress!