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 Planeary Sciences being pursued. At the time of application the student should state the field in which they intend to study. Occasionally additional preporatory coursework wll be required after entrance into the program if gaps in your prior training are identified.
For MS students, the graduate program chair, using policies set by the department's Greduate Studies committee and your advisor will discuss with you the options and determine the suitability of Plan A (thesis) and Plan B (non-thesis) pathways at the preliminary conference. .