The Department of Geosciences offers outstanding opportunities for graduate studies in the fields of geography and geology. Admission to the department’s programs is very competitive. Graduate students must be admitted to Oregon State University by the Graduate School as well as being accepted by the Department of Geosciences. Prospective students should refer to the frequently asked questions section of this website for more detailed information on how the admissions process works and for answers to other questions.

Admission for graduate study in Geosciences (geography or geology) at Oregon State University requires:

• Minimum Graduate Admission Requirements
• A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university
• A scholastic record indicating capability for doing satisfactory graduate study (at least a 3.00 GPA in the last two years--90 quarter credits or 60 quarter credits)
• Appropriate academic background
• A completed OSU admission application form

  Application for US Students
  Application for International Students

• A statement of objectives
• Transcripts from all institutions of higher education attended
• GRE scores (submitted electronically if possible)
• Three letters of recommendation or completed reference forms

  Geology Graduate Student Reference Form (Word Format)
  Geography Graduate Student Reference Form (Word Format)

• For international applicants: TOEFL scores (submitted electronically if possible)
  Minimum scores: paper based TOEFL (550), computer TOEFL (213), internet TOEFL [iBT (80)] and IELTS (6.5). Scores may not be more than two years old at the time you plan to enroll.
• For non-native English speakers applying for a teaching assistantship: Test of Spoken English (TSE) with a score of 50 or higher.
• Acceptance into a Geosciences' graduate program
• Admission to Oregon State University Graduate School

All application materials are DUE in the Department of Geosciences office no later than February 1.  Please  be aware that it can take several weeks for submitted  materials to be processed by the Graduate School before being sent to the department, so if you apply later than January 1, please send copies of ALL materials directly to Geosciences. Questions about the graduate application procedures not answered here or not addressed in the FAQ should be directed to the departmental office.