GRADUATE PROGRAMS

DIRECTOR OF GRADUATE STUDIES
Dr. Tracy K.P. Gregg
office: 860 Natural Sciences Complex
phone: (716) 645-6800 ext 2463
email: tgregg@nsm.buffalo.edu
website: Dr. Tracy Gregg's webpage

INTRODUCTION

The Department of Geology at UB offers a comprehensive graduate program designed for those with either academic or professional aspirations. We present a robust sequence of courses specifically designed to play on the strengths of our department, and to ensure that graduate students leave here with an integrated understanding of geology. The combination of this curriculum and our faculty of internationally renowned researchers make ours an outstanding graduate program.

DEGREES

The Department of Geology offers traditional M.A. (non-thesis), M.S. and Ph.D. degrees. Students interested in paleontology also may participate in the interdisciplinary graduate programs in Ecology, Evolution and Behavior.  In addition, we are a participating department in two NSF-sponsored IGERT
programs for PhD students at UB: ERIE is for students who's dissertation research emphasizes an element of ecosystem restoration and the GI Science program is for students who will integrate geospatial information into their dissertation research.

CERTIFICATES

The Department of Geology offers an advanced, graduate certificate program in Professional Science Management . The Professional Science Management (PSM) certificate is designed to allow students to pursue advanced training in science without a Ph.D., while simultaneously developing highly-valued business skills without an MBA. The PSM is best suited for students who seek science careers in business, government or non-profit organizations.

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

The Department of Geology offers monetary support in the form of Teaching Assistantships, and Research Assistantships are available through individual faculty members. Most graduate students receive either a Teaching or Research Assistantship during their time at UB. In addition, opportunities exist for students to apply for UB scholarships, such as the University Presidential Fellowship and Arts and Sciences Dean's Scholarship. Funds commonly are available for students presenting their research at conferences, and there are a variety of annual awards offered by the department.

CAREER POSSIBILITIES

Most employers favor advanced degrees in geology, and our graduates find positions in environmental, natural resource, engineering, or energy related corporations, as well as federal and state governmental agencies. A degree in geology also combines well with specialization in law, business, and teaching.

YOUR BACKGROUND

Students entering the department are expected to have a solid background in geology and to have successfully completed courses in mathematics, physics, and chemistry. However, students with training in other natural science disciplines and engineering are encouraged to apply; any deficiencies in their knowledge of geology can be overcome with additional study.

Upon entering our graduate program, students select a primary faculty advisor and an advisory committee to guide them in the selection of a balanced program that may include supporting coursework in other departments. Members of the faculty are prepared to supervise theoretical, experimental, and field research.

GRADUATE STUDENT HANDBOOK (PDF)

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