Department of Geosciences, Stony Brook University

Department of Geoscience, Stony Brook University

Graduate Programs in Geosciences		INFORMATION Click here for information about how to apply to the Geosciences Program and for requirement information
As the core discipline examining Earth's natural processes and materials, Geosciences boasts unparalleled diversity. Spurred by urgent scientific and social questions, ranging from environmental concerns to the origin and evolution of the planet itself, the Geosciences are experiencing remarkable growth, with excellent career opportunities. The Geosciences encompass many disciplines including geology, geochemistry, and geophysics, and its interdisciplinary nature fosters natural links not only with chemistry and physics, but also with environmental science, materials science, engineering, biology, and health fields. Developments in technology and new innovative approaches have transformed graduate study in many areas within Geosciences, and students participate in research utilizing state-of-the-art instrumentation and facilities. Graduate students may choose among degree programs with emphasis in different areas in Geosciences. Ph.D. and M.S. thesis-based programs are offered with concentrations in areas including seismology and tectonics, mineral and rock physics, crystal chemistry, geochemistry, petrology, and sedimentary geology (described in more detail below). The department is always eager to admit new qualified graduate students, particularly students with an interest in our current areas of research. The Department of Geosciences occupies a modern, well-equipped building that houses extensive experimental and analytical labs, faculty and graduate student offices, numerous computers and workstations, a machine shop, an electronics support group. The Center for Environmental Molecular Science, Mineral Physics Institute, the Long Island Groundwater Research Institute (LIGRI), the Marine Sciences Research Center (MSRC), and nearby Brookhaven National Laboratory offer additional support and laboratory facilities for graduate student research. In particular, the National Synchrotron Light Source (NSLS) at Brookhaven offers unparalleled opportunities for faculty and graduate students to perform unique experiments requiring high-intensity X-rays and is only 20 miles away. New graduate students in these programs are typically supported with a full tuition waiver and an annual salary of approximately $22,000. Other graduate student fellowship opportunities offered by Stony Brook University are another means of support. In addition, qualified students might also wish to submit proposals to the NSF (National Science Foundation) for pre-doctoral support. Students who maintain good academic progress in course work and research almost always enjoy continued support (at the same or higher levels as described above) until they have obtained their degree. The department also offers a non-thesis M.S. program in hydrogeology focused primarily on training professionals in environmentally related fields. In addition there is an M.A. in Teaching Earth Science, which leads to provisional certification for teaching earth science in secondary schools of New York State. These programs generally do not provided tuition waivers or salary support. If you are interested in applying to any of our programs, please see the "INFORMATION" link. Click here to download the Department of Geosciences Graduate Program Brochure as a PDF document.
Areas of Emphasis in Graduate Study and Research The Department's philosophy has been to pursue excellence by concentrating its research initiatives in specific areas of the Geosciences. Graduate students benefit from greater focus and also enjoy close interaction with faculty members. A distinctive aspect of graduate study in the Geosciences Department is the opportunity for collaborative research, often involving several faculty members. The Department's extensive state-of-the art computers, laboratory facilities and modern instrumentation have helped to foster a well-earned reputation for observational, experimental, multi-faceted approaches to Geosciences research. Cooperative programs with other departments, nearby institutions, and national laboratories provide access to unique facilities (e.g., NSLS). Areas of Emphasis in Graduate Study and Research Areas of Emphasis by Individual Faculty
Programs: M.S. in Geosciences with Thesis M.S. in Hydrogelogy M.A.T in Earth Science Ph.D. in Geosciences Geosciences Graduate School Bulletin (pdf) Download for the most current information on all the Geoscience Graduate Programs, including course requirements.
Contacts Director of Graduate Studies: Lianxing Wen Email: Geosciences_Graduate_Program@notes.cc.sunysb.edu For more information on applications, please contact: Graduate Program Coordinator: Loretta Budd Room 255 ESS Building Tel. (631) 632-8554 email: lbudd@notes.cc.sunysb.edu Or go directly to the Stony Brook Graduate School Website Further information on the Geosciences programs, please contact: Director of Graduate Studies: Lianxing Wen Room 230 ESS Building Tel. (631) 632-1726 Email: Geosciences_Graduate_Program@notes.cc.sunysb.edu Further information on the Master of Sciences in Hydrogeology program, please contact: Hydrogeology Advisor: Teng-fong Wong Room 356 ESS Building Tel. (631) 632-8212 Email: teng-fong.wong@sunysb.edu Further information on the Master of Arts in Teaching program, please contact: Earth Science Education Advisor: Gilbert Hanson Room 310 ESS Building Tel. (631) 632-8210 Email: gilbert.hanson@sunysb.edu

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