Geological Sciences

The Geological Sciences program at Cornell University offers students a comprehensive education in the Earth’s physical structure, processes, and history. Designed to provide both a solid theoretical foundation and practical research experience, the program prepares students for careers in environmental consulting, resource exploration, geotechnical engineering, and academia. Students have access to state-of-the-art laboratories, field equipment, and extensive research opportunities that enable hands-on learning in diverse geological settings. The curriculum encompasses core courses in mineralogy, petrology, sedimentology, structural geology, and geophysics, complemented by advanced electives such as geochemistry, paleontology, and planetary geology. The program emphasizes the integration of scientific principles with real-world applications, fostering skills in data analysis, critical thinking, and problem-solving. Throughout their studies, students engage in fieldwork across various environments, from mountain ranges to coastal regions, gaining valuable experience in sample collection, mapping, and interpretation. Cornell’s faculty includes leading experts in the field, providing mentorship and guidance to inspire innovative research projects. Graduates of the program are well-equipped to pursue graduate studies or enter professional fields such as environmental management, natural resources, and geological consulting. The program also encourages interdisciplinary collaboration, allowing students to explore related fields like atmospheric sciences, ecology, and sustainable development. Overall, Cornell’s Geological Sciences program offers a rigorous and stimulating academic environment where students can develop a deep understanding of the Earth’s systems and contribute to addressing global environmental challenges.

The one-year M.Eng. (Geological Sciences) degree program provides future professional geoscientists or engineers with the geoscience and engineering background they will need to analyze and solve engineering problems that involve Earth System variables and concepts. Individual programs are developed within three established options: Geohydrology, Environmental Geophysics, and Ocean Science and Technology (joint with the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution [WHOI]).

Incoming students are expected to have a strong background in mathematics, the physical sciences, and chemistry and have a strong interest and substantial background in the geosciences. The 30 credit M.Eng. program is intended to extend and broaden this background to develop competence in a defined number of subject categories. Typical categories for the various options might include:

• Geohydrology: porous media flow, geology, geochemistry, and numerical modeling.
• Environmental Geophysics: geophysics, geology, porous media flow, and computer methods.
• Ocean Science and Technology: acoustical oceanography, observatory infrastructure, observatory cyberinfrastructure, optical oceanography, satellite remote sensing, observatory science and applications related to real-time data streams, and underwater vehicles.

The courses a student selects in a category will vary depending on the student’s background. No courses may be required in some categories, and the categories can be adjusted to the student’s interest and needs. Alternatives to numerical modeling in the Geohydrology option could be economics or biochemistry, for example. To count toward the 30 credit degree requirement, courses must be at a graduate or advanced undergraduate level.

At least 10 of the 30 credits in the program must involve engineering design. Much of this requirement is normally met through a design project, which can account for over one-third of the program (12 of 30 credits) and must constitute at least 3 credits. The design project must involve a significant geoscience or technology component and lead to concrete conclusions or recommendations of an engineering nature. The project topic can be drawn from a student’s nonacademic work experience which is then carried out or further developed with advice from a Cornell faculty member with expertise in the project area selected by the student. A design project in Geohydrology would normally involve groundwater flow and mass transport. A design project in Environmental Geophysics might involve implementation of a field survey using seismological, geoelectrical, or ground-penetrating radar methods to map subsurface stratigraphic or structural features that control groundwater flow or contamination at a site. A design project in Ocean Science and Technology might involve aspects in the design, implementation, or operation of ocean observing systems. Projects are presented both in written form and orally in a design seminar at the end of the year.

• Diplom Bakalavra; or, for institutes that do not award Diplom Bakalavra,a Diplom accompanied by transcript of courses taken and a letter from the university confirming that the applicant completed 3 years of study
• Transcripts 
• TOEFL. A minimum TOEFL score of 600 (paper-based) or 250 (computer-based) is required.
• 3 recommendations
• GRE general test
• M.Eng. applicants who are Cornell undergraduates should contact the field office for requirements

Students who are self-motivated and self-directed with strong quantitative backgrounds and a keen interest in and curiosity about the Earth are encouraged to apply. While helpful, prior study of geology is not a requirement for admission; applications from students with undergraduate degrees in other fields are welcome. 
 
Applicants are required to submit an online application, a statement of purpose, an official transcript from each college or university attended, three letters of recommendation, and GRE general test scores. Applicants whose native language is not English must also submit TOEFL scores.

Financial support for the Geological Sciences program at Cornell University is available through a variety of funding options designed to assist both undergraduate and graduate students in pursuing their studies. Undergraduate students enrolled in the program can access scholarships, merit-based awards, and need-based financial aid through the university’s Office of Financial Aid. These funds may be awarded based on academic achievement, financial need, or a combination of both. Graduate students typically secure funding through research assistantships, teaching assistantships, or fellowships provided by the department, university, or external organizations. These assistantships often include a stipend and tuition remission, enabling students to focus on their research and coursework. In addition, students may apply for specialized fellowships in Earth sciences and related fields, which are sometimes offered by governmental agencies, professional societies, and private foundations. The university also offers external scholarship opportunities that graduate students can pursue to supplement their funding. It is important to note that financial aid packages often require students to maintain certain academic standards and fulfill specific responsibilities tied to their assistantships. The department may provide guidance and assistance in navigating the application process for various funding sources. Overall, the Geological Sciences program at Cornell emphasizes financial accessibility, aiming to support talented students throughout their academic journey through a combination of internal scholarships, assistantships, and external funding opportunities.

The undergraduate program in Geological Sciences at Cornell University offers students a comprehensive education in the fundamental and applied aspects of geology, earth sciences, and related disciplines. The program aims to equip students with a solid understanding of Earth's materials, processes, and history, preparing them for careers in natural resource exploration, environmental protection, and academia. The curriculum includes coursework in mineralogy, petrology, structural geology, sedimentology, geomorphology, and geophysics, combined with opportunities for fieldwork, laboratory research, and internships. Students are encouraged to develop scientific skills such as data analysis, critical thinking, and problem-solving, which are essential for understanding complex geological systems. The program also emphasizes the importance of sustainability and human interaction with Earth's resources, integrating interdisciplinary approaches from chemistry, physics, and environmental science. Students can pursue research projects under faculty supervision, participate in field expeditions both locally and internationally, and engage in collaborative studies that address pressing issues like climate change and natural hazards. The department fosters an environment of scholarly inquiry, encouraging students to contribute to ongoing research efforts and to prepare for advanced study or careers in geology-related fields. Graduates of the program have gone on to work in industries such as natural resource extraction, environmental consulting, government agencies, and academia, leveraging their knowledge to address real-world challenges related to Earth's processes and resources. The program is designed to provide a balanced combination of theoretical knowledge and practical skills, ensuring that students are well-prepared for a variety of professional pathways within the geosciences.