UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, LOS ANGELES · UNITED STATES
Earth, Planetary, and Space Sciences - Geology, M.S. & Ph.D.
Master's · Taught in en
At a glance
24 mo
Duration
—
IELTS
€31k
Tuition / yr
en
Language
Master's
Level
- M.S. and Ph.D. degrees offeredDegree Levels
- Specializations in Geology, Geochemistry, Geophysics & Space Physics, Planetary ScienceAreas of Study
- Comprehensive examination or thesis for M.S.M.S. Capstone Options
- Written and oral qualifying exams for Ph.D.Ph.D. Advancement
- Annual departmental progress reviewsStudent Progress
- No foreign language requirementLanguage Requirement
The Department of Earth, Planetary, and Space Sciences at UCLA offers Master of Science (M.S.) and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degrees with specializations in Geology, Geochemistry, Geophysics and Space Physics, and Planetary Science. The Geology program allows for in-depth study across a broad range of subdisciplines, including geobiology, mineralogy, paleontology, structural geology, and tectonics, among others. Students work closely with a faculty adviser and a committee to tailor their course of study to their specific research interests. Both M.S. and Ph.D. programs emphasize original research and academic rigor. The M.S. program can be completed through either a thesis plan or a comprehensive examination, while the Ph.D. program requires successful completion of written and oral qualifying examinations before advancement to candidacy. Students are expected to engage in rigorous coursework and research, with specific requirements including graduate-level courses, seminars, and colloquia. The program encourages students to develop strong communication skills through presentations and, for Ph.D. candidates, teaching assistant roles. The department aims to prepare graduates for advanced research and academic careers in Earth and space sciences.
Curriculum
The curriculum is designed to provide a strong foundation in Earth, Planetary, and Space Sciences, with specific requirements tailored to the Geology specialization. Students work with their faculty advisors to create an individualized course of study that meets degree requirements. Full-time students must enroll in a minimum of 12 units per quarter. The program emphasizes both breadth and depth through required courses, seminars, and research.
- Year 1 (M.S. & Ph.D.)
- Geologic MapsEPSS 61
- Stratigraphic and Field GeologyEPSS 111
- Graduate/Upper Division Courses (24 units minimum, letter graded)
- Required Seminars (e.g., Current Research in Tectonics, Geochemistry, Seismology)EPSS 245, 235, or 287 series
- Weekly ColloquiumEPSS 295 A,B,C
- Subsequent Years (M.S. & Ph.D.)
- Additional Graduate/Upper Division Courses (total of 36 units required)
- Directed Individual Study or Research (up to 8 units towards total course requirement, 4 units towards graduate course requirement)EPSS 596
- Thesis or Comprehensive Examination Preparation (M.S.)
- Qualifying Examinations and Dissertation Research (Ph.D.)
- Teaching Assistantship (Ph.D. requirement - at least two quarters)
Careers
Graduates from the Earth, Planetary, and Space Sciences program are prepared for a variety of career paths in academia, research institutions, and industry. The program equips students with advanced analytical, research, and problem-solving skills applicable to diverse scientific challenges.
- University Professor/Researcher
- Postdoctoral Scholar
- Geoscientist
- Planetary Scientist
- Geochemist
- Geophysicist
- Data Scientist in Earth Sciences
- Environmental Consultant
Frequently asked questions
- What are the tuition fees for international students in the Earth, Planetary, and Space Sciences program at UCLA?
- For non-California residents, the annual tuition and fees are approximately $36,297. These costs are subject to change.
- What is the duration of the M.S. and Ph.D. programs in Earth, Planetary, and Space Sciences?
- The program descriptions and curriculum outline suggest that the M.S. program involves at least one year of study, while the Ph.D. program extends into subsequent years with dissertation research. Specific total durations are not provided.
- What are the application deadlines for the Earth, Planetary, and Space Sciences graduate programs?
- The application deadline for Fall admission is December 15. Admission decisions are typically released in the Spring.
- What are the career outcomes for graduates of the Earth, Planetary, and Space Sciences program?
- Graduates are prepared for roles such as University Professor/Researcher, Geoscientist, Planetary Scientist, and Environmental Consultant in academia, research institutions, and industry.
- Are there any English language requirements for international applicants?
- While specific requirements are not detailed in the provided text, international applicants whose native language is not English are typically required to provide TOEFL/IELTS scores.
- What funding or scholarship opportunities are available for graduate students?
- Merit-based financial support, including fellowships and assistantships, is available and awarded based on academic achievement. Additional funding may come from the Division of Graduate Education and external sources.
Entry requirements
Bachelor's DegreeA bachelor's degree in a related field is required. Specific undergraduate coursework equivalencies will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Students admitted into the Ph.D. program may have up to 12 units of prior graduate study in a similar discipline applied towards their course requirements.
Admission is competitive. Applicants are evaluated based on academic record, research experience, statement of purpose, and letters of recommendation. Specific course requirements for the first year (EPSS 61 and EPSS 111) may be waived if equivalent courses have been completed elsewhere.
Fees
Tuition (international)Approximately $36,297 per year for non-California residents.
Tuition (home)Approximately $21,115 per year for California residents.
LivingNot specified.
Tuition and fees are subject to change. Professional degrees and self-supporting programs may have different fee structures. Fee remissions (benefits paid by the hiring department) may cover partial tuition and fees for eligible graduate students.
How to apply
1. Review Program InformationFamiliarize yourself with the specific M.S. and Ph.D. programs offered in Earth, Planetary, and Space Sciences, including specializations like Geology.
2. Check Application RequirementsVisit the UCLA Graduate Admissions website and the department's specific admissions page for detailed requirements, including prerequisite coursework and standardized tests (if any).
3. Prepare Application MaterialsGather necessary documents such as transcripts, letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and potentially a resume or CV. International applicants may need to provide official English translations of academic records.
4. Complete Online ApplicationSubmit the application through the UCLA Graduate Admissions online portal. Ensure all sections are completed accurately.
5. Submit Application and FeePay the application fee and submit the application by the specified deadline. Late applications may not be considered.
6. Monitor Application StatusAfter submission, monitor your application status through the admissions portal and respond promptly to any requests for additional information.
7. Await Admission DecisionAdmission decisions are typically released by the department after the review period.
Scholarships
Merit-Based Financial SupportVaries
Division of Graduate Education FundingVaries
Extramural FellowshipsVaries
Doctoral Student Research/Professional Development FundUp to $1,000 total reimbursement
Frequently asked questions
What are the tuition fees for international students in the Earth, Planetary, and Space Sciences program at UCLA?
+
For non-California residents, the annual tuition and fees are approximately $36,297. These costs are subject to change.
What is the duration of the M.S. and Ph.D. programs in Earth, Planetary, and Space Sciences?
+
The program descriptions and curriculum outline suggest that the M.S. program involves at least one year of study, while the Ph.D. program extends into subsequent years with dissertation research. Specific total durations are not provided.
What are the application deadlines for the Earth, Planetary, and Space Sciences graduate programs?
+
The application deadline for Fall admission is December 15. Admission decisions are typically released in the Spring.
What are the career outcomes for graduates of the Earth, Planetary, and Space Sciences program?
+
Graduates are prepared for roles such as University Professor/Researcher, Geoscientist, Planetary Scientist, and Environmental Consultant in academia, research institutions, and industry.
Are there any English language requirements for international applicants?
+
While specific requirements are not detailed in the provided text, international applicants whose native language is not English are typically required to provide TOEFL/IELTS scores.
What funding or scholarship opportunities are available for graduate students?
+
Merit-based financial support, including fellowships and assistantships, is available and awarded based on academic achievement. Additional funding may come from the Division of Graduate Education and external sources.