Geology and Earth Science Graduate Application Process

Reach out to a potential graduate advisor first!

Each fall, we list available graduate positions in our Department on our website. If you are interested in one of the positions, please contact the faculty member directly before you prepare your application. If these positions do not match your interests and skillset, you are unlikely to be accepted into our program. If you do not identify and communicate with a faculty member about an open position and your application, your application will be denied.

Read our list of open graduate positions – 2026

Application Instructions

1. Identify a potential faculty advisor from the list of faculty who are actively recruiting or through direct contact with a faculty member. Note the position and the faculty member in your pre-application.
2. Submit an application for Graduate Admission through the ISU Office of Admissions portal.
   Select the program to which you are applying (Geology or Earth Science) and the degree you are pursuing (M.S. or Ph.D.). We typically only admit M.S.-seeking students for thesis-based M.S. programs.
3. Include the following documents:
   • An official transcript for all academic degrees completed
   • A statement of purpose outlining:
     • Why you want to pursue a graduate degree; and
     • What characteristics or experience you have that are likely to make you successful.
   • Three letters of recommendation.
   • Departmental Assessment of Coursework Qualifications (Microsoft Word Doc or PDF)
4. Fee waivers will be applied to all applicants who are accepted into the program, and there is no fee for students who are not admitted.
5. We recommend submitting your application by December 1 to ensure a timely review.

Review of Application

1. Graduate College requirements apply to all graduate students admitted to graduate programs at Iowa State University. Any applicant who does not meet these criteria will be denied.
2. A prospective-student’s application is screened by the Director of Graduate Education, the potential faculty advisor, and/or a third faculty member of the program with the following criteria:
   • Excellence in undergraduate coursework
   • Preparedness for graduate research
   • Writing ability
   • Letters of recommendation
3. Many potential advisors will schedule in-person or virtual visits for prospective students.
4. Most applications are reviewed during December-February for admission in the following Fall semester, but positions are generally open until filled. Admission decisions are typically made by March or earlier, and students have until April 15 to accept the offer. Despite this, applications are reviewed year-round, because some appointments may become available at other times.

Pay and Benefits for Geology Graduate Students

All students in the Geology Graduate Program are “funded,” that is, paid a salary and benefits for their work and receive a scholarship equivalent to their tuition. In most cases, the money for these comes from various sources at Iowa State (e. g., the Department or College). In some cases, students bring support with them from another source (e. g., the military, a private company, or an NSF fellowship).

• Full Tuition Waiver – Students on assistantship do not pay tuition
• Teaching Assistantships – A nine-month, part-time appointment. These generally involve 20 hours per week in the form of preparation, teaching, and grading for laboratories and recitation sections in undergraduate courses.
• Research Assistantships – A nine-month, part-time appointment. These are typically funded from a professor’s research grant.
• Summer Assistantships – Part-time and full-time appointments of varying lengths. Duties vary but may involve assisting at the ISU Geology Field Station (in Wyoming), aiding faculty in their research projects, or supporting summer teaching on campus.
• Fellowships – Part-time and full-time appointments of varying lengths and remuneration, usually available through competitive processes
• Medical and Dental Benefits
• Other benefits of enrolling in graduate school at Iowa State University can be found at Iowa State Graduate College Resource website.
  

  Additional Information

  Please do not hesitate to contact the Geology Program if you require additional information! Questions about the application process can be sent to the Director of Graduate Education Dr. Elizabeth Swanner.