Marine Geosciences

The Marine Geosciences program at the University of Texas at Austin offers students a comprehensive education in the geology and geophysics of the Earth's oceans and seafloor. This interdisciplinary program combines principles of geology, geophysics, sedimentology, and oceanography to explore the processes shaping the marine environment, including plate tectonics, sediment transport, marine mineral resources, and hydrothermal systems. Students will gain a deep understanding of marine sediments, composition of the seafloor, and the techniques used to investigate underwater geological features through advanced geophysical methods such as seismic imaging, magnetic surveys, and acoustic methods. The curriculum emphasizes both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, providing hands-on experience in laboratory analysis, field studies, and data interpretation. Students have the opportunity to participate in research projects, including collecting core samples, mapping seafloor features, and analyzing geophysical datasets. The program is designed to prepare graduates for careers in academia, industry, government agencies, and environmental consulting, where expertise in marine geological processes and resource assessment is highly valuable. Additionally, the program fosters interdisciplinary collaboration with oceanographers, geophysicists, and environmental scientists to address critical issues related to marine resources, coastal hazards, and sustainable development. Equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and laboratories, students can engage in cutting-edge research both locally and internationally. Graduates from this program are well-positioned for roles in offshore exploration, marine resource management, environmental impact assessment, and scientific research. The program emphasizes fostering critical thinking, technical proficiency, and environmental stewardship, ensuring students are prepared to contribute meaningfully to understanding and preserving the Earth's marine environments.

On a general level, Marine Geosciences is a multi-disciplinary endeavor and students take a broad range of courses. This includes a Marine Geology & Geophysics Field Course to provide hands-on instruction for graduate and upper-level undergraduate students in collecting and processing Marine Geosciences data.

Marine Geology & Geophysics

Sedimentology & Stratigraphy

Geophysics

Structure and Tectonics

Hydrogeology

Climate

Requirements

• Application for Admission 
• Official GRE scores 
• Resume and/or Curriculum Vitae
• Letters of Recommendation from three individuals
• The application fee is $65 for U.S. applicants and $90 for International applicants
• Official Transcripts. Include transcripts from all colleges and universities you have attended. You will uploadyour transcript as a PDF after you submitted your application and paid the applicationfee. Upload your transcript(s) on the Status Check page. 
• Official TOEFL Scores
• Financial Responsibility Form 

On average, Jackson School graduate students admitted with support receive some of the best overall packages in the country. In 2011-12, starting salaries for TAs and RAs were approximately $1,950 a month. Full fellowships were $36,000 for a 12-month period and are now eligible for the same UT Austin benefits package as any TA or RA. JSG support, in addition to being generous, is guaranteed (subject to requirements) and includes outstanding health benefits. Our students further benefit from living in Austin, a comparatively affordable U.S. city.

Standard offers of admission guarantee support for established durations, subject to satisfactory work performance and progress toward a graduate degree.

Durations of guaranteed institutional support:

• Ph.D. Program: 10 semesters (fall and spring).

Guaranteed support takes the forms of fellowships, teaching assistantships (TAs), and graduate research assistantships (GRAs). Students pursuing the M.A. degree are not eligible for this support.

The Jackson School also provides:

• Professional development support:
  • $3,000 for all Ph.D. students.

The Marine Geosciences program at the University of Texas at Austin is an interdisciplinary field that integrates geological, oceanographic, and geophysical sciences to study the Earth's marine environments. This program prepares students to understand the processes shaping the ocean floors, including plate tectonics, sedimentation, and underwater volcanic activity. Students gain hands-on experience through research projects and fieldwork conducted in diverse marine settings. The curriculum includes courses in marine geology, geophysics, sedimentology, marine chemistry, and geophysical data analysis, enabling students to develop a comprehensive understanding of marine systems. The program also emphasizes the use of advanced technologies such as seismic imaging and remote sensing to explore subsurface structures beneath the ocean. Graduates are equipped to pursue careers in academia, research institutions, government agencies, and the oil and gas industry, where they analyze marine data for resource exploration and environmental management. The university collaborates with national laboratories and maritime research organizations, providing students access to cutting-edge facilities and real-world research opportunities. Faculty members are leading experts in marine geosciences, offering mentorship and fostering innovative research. The program promotes a strong foundation in scientific principles, critical thinking, and technical skills necessary for addressing global challenges related to ocean health, climate change, and sustainable resource management. Overall, the Marine Geosciences degree offers a rigorous, comprehensive education designed to prepare graduates for impactful careers in understanding and protecting the Earth's marine environments.