Geosciences

Program Description

The University of Montana enjoys an exceptionally interesting and varied geologic and environmental setting that provides a wide range of opportunities for study and research. The department encourages a broad, multidisciplinary approach of study. Because the solution to most geologic problems involves a combination of field and laboratory study, a wide range of field and laboratory courses are offered at the advanced undergraduate and graduate levels. The greatest departmental activities are in aqueous and environmental geochemistry; basin analysis; contamination of surface and ground water; hydrogeology; regional geophysics; environmental geophysics; paleoecology, reef sedimentation and carbonate petrology; glaciology; sedimentation and paleoclimate; evolution of orogenic belts and continents.

The northern Rocky Mountains provide a variety of environments within which to study. Classical geologic studies include the interpretation of thick sequences of deformed sedimentary rocks from Precambrian through Tertiary; a rich assemblage of plutonic igneous rocks, continental margin tectonic features; Mesozoic and Tertiary volcanic fields of a wide variety of rock types and eruptive styles; various economic mineral deposit types; Paleozoic to Cenozoic fossiliferous strata; and Quaternary glacial deposits, and young sedimentary basins.

Studies focused on environmental geology are set in the varied geologic framework of the region and include study of contaminated mine and industrial sites, ground water resource and management, contaminant transport in surface and subsurface systems, characterization of aqueous systems, and recent climate change recorded in Pleistocene to Holocene lake sediments.

Degrees Offered

M.S. Geology

Requirements

A total of 34 graduate semester credits: (1) at least 28 credits are required in formal coursework, (2) a minimum of 20 credits are required in formal geology courses, (3) a maximum of 6 hours of thesis research, and (4) no more than 10 hours may be at the graduate-designated 300 or 400-level. Cognate science courses taken outside the Geosciences department may be required depending on your field of study, adviser or research. All students must complete a year of freshman calculus, physics and chemistry; those who have not done so as undergraduates may fulfill the requirement as graduate students. After the thesis is approved, the student must pass a final oral examination that includes a defense of the thesis. We strongly encourage publication of graduate student research in a peer-reviewed journal.

Ph.D. Geology

Requirements

The fundamental requirement is a demonstration of outstanding scholarship and research ability. The Master's degree is not a prerequisite for admission to the program, but is strongly recommended. A dissertation and a minimum of 60 semester credits beyond the bachelor's degree is required: at least 30 credits in formal geology courses; a maximum of 14 hours of thesis research; at least 30 credits at the 500 and 600-level; 16 credits of graduate courses in cognate sciences; and proficiency in a foreign language or accepted substitute specialty in a cognate science. A comprehensive examination must be taken before admission to candidacy for the doctorate. The dissertation must be defended in an oral presentation and an examination conducted by the faculty.

Requirements

This degree program is offered to successful physical scientists (geologists, chemists, physicists, geotechnical engineers, etc.) who already have a master's degree. Residency requirements are adjusted to fit career demands; joint research with other graduate students and faculty may be used as independent study to fulfill some coursework requirements. Each proposal or request for such independent study will be evaluated and decided on by the student's Ph.D. adviser and committee. Beyond the coursework requirements, each student will be responsible for designing and solving a Ph.D. level research problem. Please inquire with the department chair or prospective adviser.

Admissions

1. Application Materials and Deadline

Application deadline: None (rolling admissions). If you wish to receive a Teaching Assistantship, your completed application packet must be postmarked by January 24 for Fall semester.

Instructions for applying to the Graduate School are in the Applying for Admission section on this web site.

In addition to the application materials required by the Graduate School, the Department of Geosciences also requires:

• A statement of purpose (100-300 words) of your background and goals.
• Form A (available from the Geosciences Department)or at this web address http://www.umt.edu/Geology/InfoAndAppForm.asp.

2. Program Requirements for Admission

• Incoming graduate students with geology degrees are required to have a background in math and science which includes a year each of calculus, physics and chemistry at the college level; those without can easily work those courses into their schedule. Students with undergraduate degrees in other sciences can construct a remedial course schedule in geology pertinent to their research interests.
• The department expects Ph.D. applicants to have made prior contact with a prospective advisor or to indicate with whom they want to work.
• The Department of Geosciences accepts GRE scores with a test date that is within the past five years OR verifiable GRE scores if the test date is over five years old.

3. Assistantship Application and Deadline

The application deadline for assistantships for fall semester is January 24. Those wishing to start during the spring semester may apply at any time.

4. International Students

• See information in the International Admission section on this web site.

Financial Assistance

For additional information about financial assistance, see the Money section on this web site.

Teaching Assistantships

Teaching assistantships are available to a limited number of students who have been admitted to a graduate program. Teaching assistantships are awarded on a competitive basis. All applicants are generally considered for teaching assistantships. Separate forms are not required. Teaching assistants are required to register for at least 9 credits each semester.

Research Assistantships

Research assistantships may be available, contingent on faculty research funds, and are arranged with individual faculty members. Applicants for assistantships are considered on the basis of scholarship and potential to undertake advanced study and research. Research assistants are required to register for at least 9 credits each semester.