Graduate Admissions

Admission to the Geology Graduate Program

Applications for the Graduate Program in Geology at KU are made through Graduate Admissions.

Apply for KU Graduate Admission

**Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores are not required for the application. Applicants may choose to submit GRE scores if they feel it will help inform the department of their academic abilities. However, choosing not to submit scores will not affect your chances of admission.** 

 

The Department of Geology will review applications only after the application deadline. *Please note that it is essential for all applicants to contact and communicate with a potential faculty supervisor in the Geology Department. Their evaluation and acceptance of graduate students is an important part of the admission evaluation.

 

You will need the following for your application:

  1. Official transcripts and proof of graduation: U.S. universities generally indicate on transcripts if a degree has been conferred. However, if such a statement does not appear on a transcript, separate proof in the form of a degree certificate or diploma, issued directly by the institution, is required. Photocopies are not accepted. Transcripts from all post secondary institutions that you have attended are necessary for your application. Failure to provide them could result in delay processing your application. If a student is admitted before completing his or her undergraduate degree, the documentation proving he or she did graduate must be supplied to the Dept. of Geology before the end of the student's first semester at KU.
  2. 3 Letters of Recommendation: You will be asked for the names and email addresses of three people who can write a recommendation letter describing your qualifications for graduate school in geology. Once you submit the application, an email will be sent requesting a letter from each person that you name. Once the applicant submits the online application form (see point 1), referees will receive an email notification with detailed instructions on how to submit a letter of reference. 
  3. Resume/CV: Please include awards, extra curricular activities (student organizations, community outreach), presentations, and publications. 
  4. Personal Statement: This is included in the on-line application form and should be about 2 pages, typed.  The Graduate Studies Committee places considerable importance on the thoughtfulness of your remarks – in particular, we are interested in learning about (1) your specific interests within geology and why they are important and interesting to you, (2) what you envision as your educational and career objectives and how a degree from KU Geology helps to meet those objectives, and (3) which of our faculty members you think would be an appropriate graduate advisor and mentor.
  5. Proof of English Proficiency: All applicants to graduate study at the University of Kansas must provide proof of English proficiency. Please visit English Proficiency Requirements for more information regarding verification of English proficiency for non-native English speakers.

Deadline for Spring admission is October 1.

Deadline for Fall admission is January 5. 

*If either of these dates is during a weekend the application will be due the following business day.

If you have questions about the application or application process, please contact the Graduate Program Coordinator, Kate Collins - katecollins@ku.edu.

The Admissions Committee uses a rubric to evaluate applicants for admission into the Geology Graduate Program.

 

ADMISSION TO NON-DEGREE SEEKING STATUS (NDS)

Any applicant seeking to be admitted as a non-degree seeking student must apply at Graduate Admissions. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Applicants must include the following materials in their application:

  1. Statement of Goals and Purpose: The applicant should address their academic preparedness and personal motivation for taking coursework in the department. If you intend to enroll in coursework via NDS status for non-graduate study pursuits and personal interests, please specify what courses you would like to complete in the department in the personal statement.
  2. Copy of Official Transcript(s): Applicants must  provide a copy of an official transcript from all post-secondary institutions they've attended. Copies of official transcript(s) can be uploaded directly into the online application. If admitted, applicants must have an official, sealed transcript sent to the Office of Graduate Admissions.
  3. Proof of English Proficiency: All applicants to graduate study at the University of Kansas must  provide proof of English proficiency. Please visit English proficiency Requirements for more information regarding verification of English proficiency for non-native English speakers.