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Department of Geological Sciences

Prospective Graduate Students

Thinking of applying for an advanced degree in Earth and Planetary Sciences from the University of Florida?

Wondering about Grad School?

Ask A Grad Student

Before you apply:

First, explore our faculty web pages to identify those professors working in a research area of interest to you.

Next, we rarely admit applicants who have not been in contact with Department faculty prior to applying:

  • Get in touch with potential faculty mentors (email is best).
  • Don’t be shy – faculty are ready to hear from you!
  • Don’t wait until the last minute to do so.
  • Introduce yourself, explain your research interests and professional goals, and ask whether faculty are taking on new students during the semester you wish to begin studies.
  • Inquire about funding opportunities that could support your graduate studies.
  • A faculty member who is excited about having you at UF as a graduate student is your best advocate!

To be considered for UF Fellowships or Teaching Assistantships, you must apply by the January application deadline.  We award Fellowship and TA funding only once per year, shortly after that deadline.  If your potential faculty advisor is able to provide Research Assistantship funding, you can apply at any time to begin your studies as early as the start of the next semester.

International Applicant?

Please check the requirements for international applicants here:

International Admissions

IMPORTANT:  If you are applying to matriculate for Spring or Summer term admission, please contact the Graduate Coordinator.

Funding for Students from Under-Represented Groups

Many funding opportunities for Ph.D. applicants from under-represented groups require separate applications that must be completed at the time you apply to our program.  With the help of your potential faculty mentor, you can explore applying for these funding awards.

The Graduate Record Exam (GRE): 

Submission of GRE scores is no longer required.

Ok, your application is submitted – now what?

What does the Graduate Admissions Committee consider when making admission and funding decisions?  We carefully consider evidence of the following when assessing an application:

  • Establishment of a rapport with a potential faculty advisor
  • Prior research experience
  • Strong letters of recommendation from scientists who know you well
  • Excellent performance in undergraduate/graduate STEM education
  • Well-developed writing skills

We are committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse graduate student body.  Please contact the Graduate Coordinator if you have any questions.

Submit your application online to the University of Florida Graduate School

 

Application Deadline for Fall Semester 2025: January 15, 2025

You will be assigned a UFID number:  retain this number! You can use it to check on your application status.

Application Instructions

  1. Access the online application.
  2. Create an application name and a password. You will be able to return to this site to add or change information before you submit your application. When all the information is complete, press submit.
  3. You will need three letters of recommendation from people who can evaluate your potential to succeed in graduate studies. Letter writers may use the UF Letter of Recommendation Form (PDF); use of this form is optional. Letters may be submitted online or emailed to Graduate Program Assistant: Diana Adams
  4. You must include a complete and up-to-date curriculum vitae (CV) or résumé as part of your application.  Pursuant to Florida Statute, your application requires the inclusion of all post-high school education and employment, as well as information about ongoing international affiliations and research funding.  Please ensure this information is included in your curriculum vitae or résumé.
  5. Submit only one two-page personal essay describing your reasons for undertaking graduate study in Earth sciences, your planned area of research, relevant previous experiences, and future career plans. Please include the names of any faculty contacts in our Department.
  6. Pay the $30 application fee. If you don’t, your application will not be processed by the University and will not be forwarded to the department for evaluation.
  7. Submission of scores of the Graduate Record Exam (GRE)is not required for admission to the Geological Sciences Graduate Program.
  8. Order official transcripts from all your prior undergraduate and graduate school(s) and have them sent to the University of Florida Office of Admissions. If you are attending a foreign university, you must submit transcripts and degree/diploma statement(s) both in the native language and with an official English translation (if applicable).  IMPORTANT: DO NOT SEND YOUR OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPTS TO THE    DEPARTMENT — THEY MUST BE SENT TO THE UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA GRADUATE ADMISSIONS OFFICE THROUGH THE GRADUATE ADMISSIONS PORTAL.
  9. International students whose native language is not English must have language exam (TOEFL, IELTS, etc) scores sent directly to the University of Florida Office of Admissions. More information can be found here:

    Graduate School English Language Requirements

    Citizens of countries whose official language is English are not required to submit TOEFL (or equivalent) scores.  A list of these countries can be found here: Exemptions

  10. To be considered for financial support (TA, RA, or Fellowship) you must complete the Fellowship and Assistantship Application form, and email it to the Graduate Program Assistant: Diana Adams. Please note, disregard instructions to submit a second essay as part of the financial assistance form: only one essay is required  (see #4, above).
  11. Be sure to print copies of your application files.