Master of Arts in Earth Sciences

Shortlist

# 151-200QS Subject Rankings

24 monthsProgram duration

Earth and Marine SciencesMain Subject Area

Program overview

Main Subject

Earth and Marine Sciences

Study Level

Masters

The Department of Earth Sciences offers programs of graduate study leading to Master of Science (MS), Master of Arts (MA), and doctor of philosophy (PhD) degrees with opportunity for research in a wide variety of specialty fields. Course work is designed to meet individual needs, and students may pursue independent research in geobiology, geochemistry, geodesy, geomechanics, geomorphology, geophysics, mineralogy, petrology, volcanology, paleontology, stratigraphy, sedimentary petrology, structural geology, and ore deposit geology. The masterâ€™s degree program requires two years or more for completion. Graduate study in earth sciences is offered in five broad areas: volcanology-petrology-geochemistry, stratigraphy-surface processes, paleontology-paleopedology-geobiology, structural geology-geophysics, economic geology (mineral deposits). Volcanology-Petrology-Geochemistry: The department has excellent analytical and other research facilities for studies in these sub disciplines, and the volcanic and metamorphic terrane of the Northwest offers unsurpassed opportunities for field studies. Active research programs are diverse and include studies of eruption dynamics, magma volatile inventories, and magma theology; experimental studies of igneous phase equilibria and trace element partitioning; calculations of multi component equilibria in aqueous systems and volcanic gases; and studies of igneous protogenesis. Stratigraphyâ€“Surface Processes: The stratigraphic record of tectonically active sedimentary basins indicates the dynamic interactions among basin subsidence, sediment input from eroding sources, evolution of depositional systems, and active faulting and folding that govern these processes. Research in this area combines field-based stratigraphic, sedimentologic, and geomorphic analysis with provenance studies and concepts derived from theoretical models to decipher the complex structural and climatic controls on the filling histories of active basins. Paleontology-Paleopedology-Geobiology: Studies of fossil soils, plants, and vertebrates aim to reconstruct life on land and its role in global change. Global changes of interest include Neogene paleoclimate and paleoenvironment of ape and human evolution in East Africa, environmental effects of terminal Cretaceous impact and dinosaur extinction in Montana, consequences of mass extinction and methane clathrate degassing at the Permian-Triassic boundary, and the effect of early land plants and forests on weathering and atmospheric composition during the early Paleozoic. Geobiology focuses on the interaction of microorganisms with the geologic environment and the ways life forms affect geological processes, such as weathering and mineralization. Structural Geologyâ€“Geophysics: Graduate work in the structural geologyâ€“geophysics area involves the study of the earthâ€™s dynamic processes. Seismic imaging techniques using regional arrays provide tools for understanding regional tectonics. Studies of upper-mantle and lithosphere structure beneath the Rocky Mountains and in the Pacific Northwest seduction zone are providing essential constraints, unavailable from surface geology, for detailed dynamical models of plate-lithosphere deformation. Structural geology focuses on applying modern field and analytical techniques to solving problems in Cenozoic tectonics and active faulting. Detailed field mapping, trench logging, and geomorphic analysis are combined with seismic array data, land- and space-based geodetic data, and theoretical modeling to address problems including Oregonâ€™s Basin and Range province and coastal deformation, active tectonics of the San Andreas Fault system, and seismic risk along the Pacific margin of the United States and southeast and central Asia.

Program overview

Main Subject

Earth and Marine Sciences

Study Level

Masters

Admission requirements

Exam Scores

IELTS

Tuition fee and scholarships

Scholarships

One of the important factors when considering a master's degree is the cost of study. Luckily, there are many options available to help students fund their master's programme. Download your copy of the Scholarship Guide to find out which scholarships from around the world could be available to you, and how to apply for them.

In this guide you will find:

Where to look for scholarship opportunities

How to apply to scholarships relevant to you

A list of available scholarships around the world

A scholarship application checklist

Download Scholarship Guide

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At the University of Oregon, you will quickly become part of a community of students and faculty members dedicated to academic excellence and making a difference in the world: A group of scholars united in their commitment to the highest standards of academic inquiry, learning, and service and their belief that knowledge is the fundamental wealth of civilization. Whether you want to make an impact in a neighborhood, school, legal system, arts organization, or scientific theory, the University of Oregon will provide you with the resources and inspiration that you need to succeed.The University of Oregon is committed to educating the next generation of leaders and citizens -- graduates who are intellectually curious, engaged in the life of the mind, knowledgeable of themselves and the world, and committed to contributing to their communities. Students are required to complete courses designed to provide them with the research, writing, and critical thinking skills that are the hallmark of a liberal arts education and the foundation for continued success in an increasingly diverse global marketplace. All students, graduate and undergraduate alike, should come to the University of Oregon expecting to have face-to-face interactions with outstanding faculty and opportunities to work with internationally recognized professors in internationally renowned research laboratories.The University of Oregon's 295-acre main campus is located in Eugene, a small city that is nationally recognized as one of America's most livable cities as well as one of its best college towns. In the heart of the rugged Pacific Northwest where the dramatic Oregon coast is an hour's drive to the west, and the Cascade Mountains are an hour to the east, there is easy access to both winter and summer sports and activities. With 20,000 students, the university's mid-range size gives it the ambience of a smaller institution, but with the benefit of the resources of a major research institution.

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