Graduate Program
Admission
In addition to departmental requirements for admission, applicants must also meet the University requirements for admission described in the “Graduate Education” section of the UCSB online catalog. Applicants are informed of acceptance or denial by early April. Students normally are not accepted into the graduate program during winter and spring quarters unless approved in early March of the previous year.
Admission is not restricted to persons with an undergraduate degree in Earth Science — individuals with degrees in physics, chemistry, biology, engineering, mathematics and other science-based disciplines are encouraged to apply. In fact, so are exceptional individuals with degrees in arts or the humanities who can demonstrate extraordinary motivation and a compelling argument behind wanting to pursue the study of Earth Science.
Five-Year Combined Bachelor of Science/Master of Science—Earth Science
The Department of Earth Science offers a five-year B.S./M.S. degree program in Earth Science. The five-year B.S./M.S. degree program provides exceptional undergraduates with the opportunity to obtain a master’s degree in combination with their work towards a bachelor’s degree. Interested students should contact the Graduate Program Assistant for more information on the admission process to the five-year B.S./M.S. program.
Master of Science—Earth Science (Requirements - PDF)
Doctor of Philosophy—Earth Science (Requirements - PDF)
Optional Interdisciplinary Emphasis
Students pursuing a doctoral degree in Earth Science may petition to add the following Optional Interdisciplinary Ph.D. Emphasis: Climate Sciences and Climate Change, Computational Science and Engineering (CSE is available to both Master's and Doctoral Students), Environment and Society.
Requirement sheets for each emphasis may be found on this page.