How to Apply

Review of applications will begin on January 10th for fall admission. Delay in receipt of any of the application materials will delay consideration of your application.

An application for admission can be submitted either online or by mail.

To submit your application online, complete the online application at the link below and submit a $50 (non-refundable) fee using a VISA, Master Card, Discover Card or choose the new eCheck option.

• Online Application

To submit your application by mail, download the application from the link below and mail one completed and signed copy of page 2 (of the pdf) to the UO Geological Sciences Admissions and Awards Committee. Mail another signed copy of pages 2 and 3 (of the pdf), plus a $50 (non-refundable) check to UO Admissions. The appropriate addresses are found near the bottom of this webpage.

• Download Application

Arrange to have at least three Report on Applicant forms (a.k.a., letters of recommendation) completed on your behalf by individuals who are familiar with your academic work and abilities. Please request that the forms be sent to the Geological Sciences Admissions and Awards Committee.

• Download Report on Applicant Forms

Have one set of official degree transcripts sent to University of Oregon Admissions. Have a second set of official transcripts of all previous college work sent to the Geological Sciences Admissions and Awards Committee. For international students, all non-English transcripts are required in the original language and with English translation.

In no more than one page, write a statement in which you describe your objectives in applying to the graduate program in Geological Sciences at the UO, your preparation and skills, your personal and academic accomplishments, your scientific interests, and your goals for the future.

All applicants to the graduate program in Geological Sciences are required to submit scores on the General Test of the GRE. Consult your local institution or contact the Education Testing Service (http://www.ets.org) for details about these examinations. The UO school code 4846 and the Geological Sciences Department code 0504 will be required at the time of the examination.

If your native language is not English, take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and send your results to the Geological Sciences Admissions and Awards Committee. The department requires proof of English proficiency since graduate students often serve as teaching assistants in undergraduate courses. The minimum TOEFL scores for admission are shown in the table below. Students are encouraged to take the internet-based exam which includes a speaking component.

All international students are required to submit the Supplementary Application and Financial Statement to UO Admissions. Please visit the Graduate School’s website for international applicants for further information on international student affairs.

• Download Supplementary Application and Financial Statement

Send 1) your application for admission, and 2) your Statement of Purpose to the Department of Geological Sciences at the address below. Also arrange to have 3) your Report on Applicant Forms, 4) transcripts, and 5) all test scores forwarded to the department as well.

Awards and Admissions Committee
Department of Geological Sciences
1272 University of Oregon
Eugene, OR 97403-1272

You also need to send 1) a set of transcripts, 2) the Supplementary Application and Financial Aid Statement (only if you are an international student) and, 3) your application plus $50 check (if you did not apply online) to UO Admissions at the address below.

Office of Admissions
University of Oregon
Eugene, OR 97403

Please contact the graduate secretary, Shari Douglas (541-346-4573 or sharid@uoregon.edu), with any questions you may have about the application process.

The admissions committee will begin to review applications beginning January 10th. All components of an applicant's materials (including the statement of purpose, grades, test scores, and reference forms) are considered in roughly equal proportions when evaluating one's potential for graduate study. Successful candidates are typically notified by late March.

Online Application
Download Application
Download Report on Applicant Forms
Download Supplementary Application and Financial Statement
Graduate School’s website for international applicants