Department of Geosciences, campus box 8072 Pocatello Idaho 83209-8072 phone: 208-282-3365
Department of Geosciences Idaho State University Home Page

Graduate Degree Information

See ISU's Office of Graduate Studies for current and complete ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS.
-- For more information about geoscience graduate degrees and funding contact the graduate advisor -- Professor Michael McCurry (mccumich@isu.edu).

ISU Geosciences Students

The Geoscience program at Idaho State University has approximately 25 graduate students. Most come from colleges and universities across the country, with a few from Idaho and a few from overseas. Some students enroll immediately after completing their undergraduate degree while others worked for several years before returning to school. This variety of backgrounds increases the diversity and expertise of the department and adds an important dimension to our program.

Graduate students typically complete their MS degree in 4-5 semesters. Coursework and RA or TA duties occupy their time during the first year, while thesis research is progressively more emphasized during the second year. As time permits, students pursue the numerous outdoor recreation opportunities which abound in the Pocatello region.

After graduation, all students in recent years have obtained positions in the Geosciences, generally within 2-6 weeks of completing their degree. Many obtain employment with environmental consulting firms or government agencies responsible for environmental stewardship. A few students pursue careers with mining and petroleum companies, some find teaching positions, and about 15% of our students go on to Ph.D. programs.

Student Support and Costs

Graduate students typically receive partial to complete financial support from a variety of sources. All applicants are considered for teaching assistantships and research assistant positions when they apply. There are approximately five to seven teaching assistantships available every year while research assistant positions are available depending on current grant funding. Teaching and research assistantships include a stipend and waiver of all tuition and fees and out-of-state fee waivers. Information regarding scholarships and work-study positions may be obtained through the Financial Aid office at Idaho State University. Students have obtained part-time work with mining, soil-testing or other companies based in Pocatello and nearby cities.

Entrance Requirements and Academic Procedures

Applicants must hold the degree of Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts or the equivalent as determined by the department. The student's course of study will be determined by consultation and possibly and entrance examination. Students will normally be required to complete as deficiencies at the undergraduate level any courses required for the B.S. in geology at Idaho State University. Continued enrollment in the program is contingent upon maintaining a 3.0 grade point average and continued progress toward the fulfillment of the degree.

Admission

  1. GRE aptitude scores - 50th percentile or above in two of the three categories, or strengths clearly demonstrated in other components of the application.

  2. A letter of intent and statement of goals in Graduate School.

  3. Three letters of recommendation.

  4. An ISU Graduate School application form with official copies of transcripts from all previous coursework, and application fee submitted to the graduate school.

    • Fall semester enrollment application deadline is July 1st.

    • Spring semester enrollment application deadline is December 1st.

    • Summer session enrollment application deadline is May 1st.

  5. Notification to the department of application submitted to the graduate school. Call at 1-208-282-3235 or email geology@isu.edu.

Graduate Degrees Offered

For more indepth and current information on any of the following degrees please see the most current graduate catalog.

Additional cooperative degrees are offered through agreements with Geoscience departments at Boise State University and the University of Idaho, which facilitates the transfer of credits between the three institutions.