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UConn Geosciences Graduate Program

Some Useful Links:
Information on how to apply to the program
University of Connecticut's Graduate Catalog
University of Connecticut Graduate School Assistantships page
Graduate Information Brochure (pdf)
Affiliated Departments and Faculty
Comprehensive List of Fellowships for Graduates in Earth Sciences

Our overall objective is to create an environment in which students:

1. gain a deeper appreciation of the interconnectedness of the biological and the physical environments of the Earth;

2. learn to solve complex multidisciplinary problems by interacting with investigators from different fields within geosciences while developing the expertise needed to contribute to team solutions and

3. communicate effectively both with scientific peers in diverse fields within geosciences and with the public in order to improve the level of public awareness and understanding needed to intelligently shape public policy toward a sustainable future.

Our mission is to offer transdisciplinary programs of instruction and research that advance understanding of the interaction of biological, chemical, geological, and physical processes, including feedback mechanisms, at all spatial and temporal scales. It centers around the processes that have shaped the Earth through geologic time, continue to shape the environment today, and which provide the basis for understanding the present and future impact of human activity on the planet.

Degrees Offered

The Center for Integrative Geosciences offers graduate studies in the field of geosciences, leading to the degrees of Masters of Science and Doctor of Philosophy. At the masters level there are two options available:

1.
Plan A: requires 15 credits of advanced course work and completion of a research project, the results of which are reported in a thesis.
2.


Plan B: requires 24 credits of advanced course work and a final examination. No research project is required

Since the program is research oriented, most Masters students are in the Plan A-program.

Academic Qualifications

Students entering the program are expected to have a strong background in one of the basic sciences (e.g., biology, chemistry, physics, geology, applied math). We particularly look for talented and motivated students who are committed to graduate studies. For admittance with Regular status, you must hold a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university and have a 3.0 (B) grade point average in the last two years of your undergraduate education. Your application must include official college transcripts, three (3) letters of recommendation, and a statement of your interests and goals. Scores from the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) are also required and the subject test is recommended. Foreign students whose native language is not English must submit their TOEFL score.

Course Requirements

All Geosciences students will be required to complete:

1. Integrative Earth System Science (GSCI I & II) - a newly-developed, two-semester core course required of first-year students (see brief description below)

2. Three foundation-building courses selected by the student (with input from faculty) from a suite of existing courses in a variety of departments, with emphasis on interdisciplinarity

3. One course or semester-long project focusing on modeling and/or advanced analytical techniques, either selected from a list of courses offered by UConn faculty or developed through independent study with faculty.

We further expect that students admitted into the program will maintain their interdisciplinary interactions throughout their tenure as graduate students.

GSCI I and GSCI II - Integrative Earth System Science:

The objective of the two-semester core course is to introduce students to the common body of knowledge needed for productive interdisciplinary work and to foster an environment of shared learning and team building.

Integrative Geosciences Foundation-building Courses:

Integrative Geosciences students are expected to take three advanced courses (i.e., graduate level) selected with guidance of the Integrative Geosciences Steering Committee. Co-listing of upper level undergraduate and graduate courses (the latter with additional requirements) will be used to bring graduate students with diverse backgrounds together. For the advanced courses, a choice can be made from the wide variety of existing graduate courses offered in several participating departments. Students should seek interdisciplinary exposure through these courses.

Modeling Emphasis:

Mathematical models, ranging in complexity from algebraic "back of the envelope" calculations of biogeochemical residence time, to numerical solutions of arrays of partial differential equations describing the temporal evolution of complex interacting systems, are common to all the disciplines in the Integrative Geosciences program. Education of students in the development and use of models, their critical, objective evaluation, and how predictions can be combined with observations is an essential component of the Integrative Geosciences education program. Education in modeling will be initiated in the GSCI II course, and each student will be expected to further study modeling or advanced analytical approaches either through a formal course, independent study, or as part of the dissertation as the student's research program develops. Because the Integrative Geosciences program will attract students with a wide range of backgrounds, and a number of appropriate classes are available for Integrative Geosciences students, students will work with the Integrative Geosciences Admissions Committee and/or the student's Advisory Committee to select the most appropriate modeling/analytical component for the student's interests.

Integrative Geosciences Faculty/Student Seminar - 1 Credit, 1 hour per week

All Integrative Geosciences members will meet weekly for presentations by Integrative Geosciences faculty and senior graduate students on Integrative Geosciences research. Presentations will be more formal than those in individual research meetings and will be a focal point for maintaining a dialogue among the disciplines and various research groups.

While program integrity requires that Integrative Geosciences students complete GSCI I and II in their first year, students have a good deal of flexibility in completing the remaining Core and Modeling courses so that they can take advantage of opportunities to participate in off campus activities , including research cruises, extensive field work, visits to participating/other academic institutions and national labs.

For more information on graduate courses and requirements please visit the University of Connecticut's Graduate Catalog .

Tuition Costs and Funding

Awards of financial aid are highly competitive. Most students in the department are supported by departmental funds (research and teaching assistantship) or by external research grants awarded to individual faculty. Nine-month rates for full time work (20 hours per week) for assistants with a bachelor's degree are $17,737; for students with a master's degree the rates are $18,667 and for doctoral candidates who have passed their general examination $20,748. Many students also receive additional funding for the summer months from their major advisor. In addition, fellowships and need-base awards are available. All assistantships carry a full tuition waiver and subsidized health benefits . All students must pay University fees, a health-service fee, and a graduate-activities fee.
For the 2005-06 academic year, Connecticut residents pay graduate tuition of $3,762 per academic year if registering for nine or more credit hours. Students eligible for the New England Regional Student Program pay tuition of $5,661 per academic year if registered for nine or more credit hours. Tuition for out-of-state residents is $9,792 per academic year for nine or more credit hours. Students are also required to pay a general university fee, an activity fee and appropriate application fees. For a complete description of all fees, please visit the University of Connecticut Graduate Catalog .
For information on stipends, health-care and other benefits, please visit the University of Connecticut Graduate School Assistantships page.

Click here for Information on how to apply to the program.

Life In The Deparment

The Center for Integrative Geosciences is located where the former Geology and Geophysics department at UConn was, on the 1st and 2nd floors of Beach Hall on the main Storrs campus. The graduate student body usually consists of 10-25 students. Students come from around the country, as well as internationally, although approximately half are from the New England region.
UConn offers limited graduate housing on-campus, and many graduates live in apartments, houses, and condos around the Storrs area. An on campus shuttle system makes it easy to get around the Storrs area. For more information on housing, see the residental life housing board .
Center faculty come to us from a variety of diffrent programs and departments, to make the program truely interdisciplinary. Click here for Affiliated Departments and Faculty .

Download the Center Graduate Brochure here! (pdf)
For more information on students, visit the current graduate students page.

To view current and past funding sources for our grad students: click here!