Florida State University

What you'll study

The programme combines core courses, electives and supervised research or project work. Students typically follow either a thesis (research) track or a non-thesis (professional/project) track, completing advanced coursework in subjects such as sedimentology and stratigraphy, structural geology and tectonics, geophysics, geochemistry, hydrogeology, paleontology and basin analysis. Training in quantitative methods is emphasised, with courses in GIS and remote sensing, numerical modelling and statistical analysis for earth-science data. Field methods and field-based courses form an important component; students gain practical experience in mapping, sample collection and stratigraphic logging during regional field trips.

Elective options allow specialisation in topics including coastal and marine geology, stable isotope geochemistry, petroleum geology, environmental and engineering geology, groundwater and contaminant transport, and planetary geology. Laboratory training covers mineral and rock petrography, geochemical analysis, sediment grain-size and provenance techniques, and common geophysical methods. The programme concludes with either a written thesis or a capstone project and oral examination, depending on the chosen plan of study.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a relevant bachelor’s degree in geology, earth science, environmental science, physics, chemistry or a closely related discipline. A strong upper-division undergraduate record in earth-science courses is expected. Typical application materials include official transcripts, a statement of purpose outlining research interests and career goals, a current CV or résumé, and two or three academic or professional letters of recommendation.

International applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency through recognised tests unless otherwise exempt. The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) may be optional or not required depending on departmental policy; applicants should check current department guidance. Background preparation in foundational topics such as mineralogy, petrology, structural geology, sedimentology and quantitative methods will strengthen an application; applicants with deficiencies may be asked to take prerequisite courses.

Career prospects

Graduates enter a wide range of careers in the public and private sectors or continue to doctoral study. Common pathways include environmental and hydrogeological consulting, water-resources management, geotechnical engineering support, natural-hazard assessment, oil and gas and mineral exploration, coastal management and marine geology, and roles in government agencies such as state geological surveys and the US Geological Survey. Skills in GIS, data analysis, field techniques and laboratory methods also prepare graduates for positions in environmental monitoring, remediation, and mapping, as well as technical roles in research institutions and non-profit organisations focused on climate and coastal resilience.

Why study at Florida State University

Florida State University’s Department of Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Science offers interdisciplinary training with access to diverse research expertise spanning geochemistry, geophysics, sedimentary geology, coastal processes and hydrology. Located in Tallahassee, the department benefits from proximity to varied field environments—from carbonate platforms and coastal systems to temperate sedimentary sequences—and to state and federal agencies, enabling collaborative projects and applied research opportunities.

Graduate students have access to departmental laboratories, computing resources for modelling and GIS, and opportunities for fieldwork and professional development. Faculty supervision is available across multiple specialties, and students may pursue teaching or research assistantships to gain experience and financial support. The programme emphasises hands-on training, quantitative skills and an applied perspective that together equip graduates for research and professional careers in the earth sciences.