The Department of Geological Sciences at New Mexico State University offers graduate study leading to a Master's degree (MS) in Geological Sciences.
Admissions and Financial Assistance
Applicants for admission to graduate study in the NMSU Department of Geological
Sciences must have a Bachelor's degree in geology or a closely related field. Admission to
the graduate school is based on an evaluation of the student's potential for satisfactory
performance in the graduate program. Assessment is made on the basis of the applicant's
scholastic record, scores on the Graduate Record Exam, and appropriate letters of
recommendation.
Graduate teaching and research assistantships are available on a competitive basis to qualified graduate students. In addition, the department, the New Mexico Geological Society, and other organizations offer scholarships to defray the cost of field and laboratory work for thesis research.
To apply for a teaching or research assistantship, contact the department at the address below. Normally applications should arrive at the Department of Geological Sciences by February 15, but late applications will be considered if positions are unfilled.
A student who does not qualify for financial aid may enroll and take classes leading to the department's MS degree in geology. If a TA position opens up during a subsequent semester, and if the student has the required minimum 3.0 GPA, there may be an opportunity to receive financial assistance.
It is necessary to complete an application for both the Graduate School and the Department of Geological Sciences. Application forms are available for download below.
Deadlines for Fall Semester:
Department application for financial assistance: February 15
Department application without financial assistance: July 1
Graduate school application: July 1
Deadlines for Spring Semester:
Please contact the Graduate advisor (see below).
GRE Scores
GRE scores should be sent directly to the Geological Sciences Department.NMSU GRE Institution Code: 4531
Geological Sciences GRE Department Code: 0504
Graduate School Application Form
The departmental application consists of the Financial Assistance form and a form for letters of recommendation. If a student is interested in applying to the program without applying for financial assistance, only the Recommendation Letter form is necessary.
Department Financial Assistance form (Adobe PDF)
Department Recommendation form (Adobe PDF: print three copies).
If you prefer, we can mail you these forms:
Click here to request an application packet from the Department of Geological Sciences.
For more information contact:
Dr. Jeffrey Amato, Graduate Advisor
Dept. Geological Sciences/MSC 3AB
P.O. Box 30001
Las Cruces, NM 88003
(505) 646-3017
amato@nmsu.edu