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Eberly College of Arts & Sciences Department of Geology and Geography
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Geology Graduate Program

WVU Geology offers both research Master’s and Doctoral degrees as well as a rigorous Master’s professional studies degree.

The Geology Program at West Virginia University is currently recruiting M.S. and Ph.D. students, with competitive funding packages available through Research and Teaching Assistantships. Graduate students with strong GIS skills can also receive funding through the WV GIS Technical Center, which is part of the Department.

WVU Geology offers both research Master’s and Doctoral degrees as well as a rigorous Master’s professional studies degree. Our graduate program comprises core geology faculty with expertise in the interdisciplinary subfields including:

  • Earth’s system interactions, past and present
  • Energy resources
  • Environmental Geology and Geochemistry
  • Planetary Geoscience

The Geology program has a robust externally funded research program, with active grants from NSF, NASA, Department of Energy, Department of the Interior, EPA, National Park Service, and the United States Geological Survey. Graduate students regularly present at national and international conferences and publish their results in internationally recognized peer-reviewed journals. Graduate alumni have successful careers in energy and environmental/hydrology industries, state and federal government, and academia.

MS in Geology   PhD in Geology  

To Apply

To apply for Fall admission, submit transcripts, letters of recommendation, and statements of interest by January 15th through the WVU Application Portal.

For more information and questions, please contact  hope.stewart@mail.wvu.edu .

A tryptic image of a mountain and trees with a hiker on the left, a researcher looking at a fossil under a magnifying glass in the middle, and three smiling graduates at their commencement ceremony on the right.

Geology at West Virginia University

Geology is a dynamic field of natural science that aims to understand how the Earth works and provide solutions to pressing global challenges such as global climate change, evolving demands for energy and water, and environmental issues.

The Geology program prides itself on its strong connections to national research labs and industry, which provides exceptional training and networking opportunities for our grad students. The program resides within the Department of Geology and Geography in Brooks Hall, which is fitted with state-of-the-art classrooms and laboratories for teaching and research. The Department maintains over 300 computers and has access to the latest subsurface analysis and visualization software, including Schlumberger’s Petrel, SMT Kingdom Suite, CGG Jason PowerLog, BasinMod, ESRI ArcGIS, and Midland Valley’s MOVE structural modelling packages. The Department’s various research labs off access to mineral separation equipment, rock saws, handheld XRF, a fluid inclusion lab, a stable isotope lab (boasting a Thermo Finnigan DELTA V Advantage Mass Spectrometer and Costech ECS 4010 combustion Elemental Analyzer), IR thermal imaging camera, DJI Phantom 4 Advanced quadracopter drone, and GIS and 3D visualization software and expertise. Faculty and students also have access to XRD, TEM, FTIR, Raman, and SEM through the  Shared Research Facility. 

Located in downtown Morgantown, the Geology program benefits from close links to other Geological organizations, such as the West Virginia Geological and Economic Survey and the National Energy Technology Lab, as well as supporting regional geological societies.

Geology Graduate Student Handbook

WVU Graduate Resources

WVU Office of Graduate Education and Life provides resources for incoming and current WVU graduate students. As a graduate student at WVU, you are a part of internationally recognized academic programs. You have access to expert mentors and advisors, funding opportunities, and the chance to conduct research and present your findings — all within a welcoming community.

The WVU Office of Graduate Education and Life provides information on fellowships and scholarships.

Geo Graduate Group (GGG)

Within the Department of Geology & Geography, The Geo Grad Group is an organization aimed at helping geography and geology graduate students, providing a platform where graduate students can come with issues they are facing and provide an official voice. GGG creates opportunities for graduates in geography and geology to interact with each other, faculty and related professionals. GGG provides fundraising and community service opportunities to provide additional travel funds for students attending academic conferences and events.

Connect with the Geo Grad Group on WVUEngage