Candidates are accepted from undergraduate majors in the natural sciences, mathematics, and engineering, and they normally would have completed at least one year each of college mathematics, geology, physics, and chemistry. Adequacy of each applicant's additional preparation will depend on the particular branch of Earth and Planetary Sciences being pursued.
For MS students, the graduate studies committee of the department will determine suitability of Plan A (thesis) or Plan B (non-thesis) at the preliminary conference. Virtually all students are required to follow Plan A.
