We are pleased that you are interested in the graduate study in geology/geophysics at the University of California, Santa Barbara. The Department of Earth Science offers programs in the Masters of Science in Geological Science, Masters of Science in Geophysics, and a Ph.D. in Geological Science and NEWLY offered PhD in Geophysics. Admission is not restricted to having Geology degrees—individuals with degrees in physics, chemistry, biology, engineering, mathematics and other science-based disciplines are encouraged to apply.

Our Department requirements coincide with the UCSB Graduate Division requirements:
- GRE Scores from the last 5 years
- 3 letters of reccomendation with completed cover sheets.
- Complete Statement of Purpose
- Transcripts from all academic institutions attended.

For financial information please go to the the graduate financial support section of this web site.

Applications to Earth Science are due January 1. We suggest you take the GRE as soon as possible in order to receive scores by the January deadline; no decision can be made on an incomplete application. For information on the GRE exam contact Educational Testing Service at 1-800-473-2255 or http://www.ets.org/gre , or check with your campus Counseling and Career Center for brochures. GRE scores up to 5 years old can be accepted for application.

Andy Wyss
Admissions Committee Chairman
Department of Earth Science

We use five main criteria to judge applicants, but none of the criteria are absolute. Admittance depends upon the total profile. The criteria are:

1. One year of chemistry, mathematics (through calculus), and physics with "B" grade or better. Poorer science grades may be counterbalanced by other criteria such as, very high quantitative GRE scores, performance such as publication(s) or exceptional letters of recommendation.
2. Willingness of a faculty member to sponsor a student. Sponsorship is motivated by potential and/or match in research interests. You should contact one or more faculty with whom you may be interested in working.
3. Overall upper-division GPA above 3.0 (junior and senior years). Slightly poorer GPAs (no lower than 3.0) may be counterbalanced by high GRE scores, performance such as publication(s) or exceptional letters of recommendation. The upper-division major GPA is also taken into consideration.
4. GRE verbal and quantitative scores. Total points of the quantitative and verbal scores should exceed 1100. The quantitative score is examined in conjunction with grades in basic courses in mathematics, physics and chemistry. The verbal score is important because scientists must have good communication skills. Weak GRE scores may be counterbalanced by superior letters of recommendation and/or proven productivity or performance. Now a writing score of four (4.0) or higher is desired.
5. Superior letters of recommendation from other professionals who have high standards. Letters of recommendation are essential for evaluation of an applicant. These letters are one of the few means that portray an applicant in a manner other than a collection of numbers. Intangible and qualitative aspects such as dedication, inquisitiveness, and persistence can only be elucidated by letters, and many times the letters of recommendation can override every other aspect of an application. Be sure to seek recommendation letters from people who know you well and can evaluate your scholastic performance.

The Admissions and Fellowship Committee (A/F) and Graduate Advisor review all applications. Action is taken as follows:

a. Exceptional applicants are approved for admission immediately, recommended for University and Departmental Fellowship, and contacted by faculty in the applicant's areas of interest;

b. Weak applicants are recommended for rejection;

c. The balance of the applicant files are circulated to faculty members and researchers with interests similar to those of the individual applicant. These persons are best able to judge the student's background and potential, and commonly know the persons who write the letters of recommendation. They review the files in detail, and recommend admission (with or without sponsorship and possible financial support) or rejection.

Based on the faculty evaluations, the A/F Committee and Graduate Advisor rank the students in category c) for admission and support.

In early March the entire faculty meets to consider the A/F Committee rankings. Final decisions on admission and support are made at that time. These decisions are based primarily on quality, but also involve an element of balance within the Department's wide range of interest.

Students are admitted each year for Fall quarter only. Students who desire admittance in mid-year (Winter or Spring quarters) may be allowed to defer beginning their studies until these later quarters with departmental approval. All possible candidates for admission in any given year are judged at the same time to allow competitive comparison. We do not process applications at any other time of the year.

Note To Prospective Applicants

When you submit your application, please be sure to indicate courses that you expect to complete before entering the graduate program if you have not yet completed all requirements for your degree. This will be helpful to the persons evaluating your application. Also please submit what field emphasis you would like to study.





Additional Admission information is available from the graduate division.