Overview

The Geological Sciences M.S. at the University of South Carolina provides students with a comprehensive platform to explore Earth’s history, composition, and dynamic physical changes. This programme emphasises the development of advanced technical skills through original research and the completion of a formal thesis or peer-reviewed publication.

Participants join a close-knit academic community within the McCausland College of Arts and Sciences, where they receive dedicated mentorship from a diverse faculty. The curriculum is designed to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application, ensuring graduates are equipped for the complexities of modern geoscience sectors.

Why Geological Sciences at the University of South Carolina?

The university offers a distinctive environment for scientific discovery, featuring the Center for Elemental Mass Spectrometry. Students gain access to cutting-edge research tools, including plasma-source mass spectrometers, which facilitate high-level analytical work in various geoscience specialisations.

Beyond the laboratory, the programme is noted for its strong Graduate Student Association and available financial support. The faculty's expertise spans the entire breadth of the discipline, providing unique opportunities for students to engage in geoscience education and innovative field methods across diverse environments.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 14880 per semester
National fee: USD 14880 per semester
Local fee: USD 6867 per semester

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum focuses on advanced study within a chosen specialisation, integrating laboratory work and computational methods. Modules may include:

Geological Sciences
Earth Dynamics
Geoscience Education
Data Analysis
Scientific Writing
Laboratory Research
Analytical Reasoning

Careers with Geological Sciences

Graduates from this programme are prepared for influential roles across the energy, climate, and conservation sectors. The training provided supports a variety of professional pathways in both the public and private spheres, focusing on technical expertise and environmental stewardship.

Common career titles for alumni include:

Geologist
Hydrogeologist
Marine Geologist
Environmental Consultant
Research Scientist
Geotechnical Specialist

Alumni have secured positions with diverse organisations such as the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control, Schlumberger, and Riverbanks Zoo and Garden. Employment settings typically include government agencies, the critical minerals industry, and environmental consulting firms.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Rocks and Minerals
Stratigraphy and Sedimentary Basins
Internal Earth
Igneous and Metamorphic Processes Structural Geology and Tectonics
Earth Systems Through Time
Surface and Near Surface Processes
Processes of Global Environmental Change

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 12 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-01-12 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-11-01 00:00:00
Starting 2027-08-18 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-01-08 00:00:00

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

120

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TOEFL^® IBT

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

30 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Columbia, United States

Disciplines

Geology View 177 other Masters in Geology in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

120

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Statement of Purpose (a 200 to 300 word essay, explaining your research interests in Geological Science, your professional goals and your current plans for fulfilling your goals)
Resume or CV
3 Letters of Recommendation (from faculty or other professionals in the field)
Official TOEFL or IELTS score (if applicable)
Undergraduate Transcripts
Graduate Transcripts (if applicable)

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

29760 USD / year

≈ 29760 USD / year
Out-of-State

29760 USD / year

≈ 29760 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

13734 USD / year

≈ 13734 USD / year

Living costs

Columbia

United States

999 - 1508 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Financing

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Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Geological Sciences.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

On this page

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Columbia

Financing

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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