Dartmouth College

What you'll study

The programme combines core courses, electives, independent research and field-based training. Typical core topics include structural geology and tectonics, sedimentology and stratigraphy, geochemistry, geophysics and quantitative methods (statistics and numerical modelling). Elective options commonly cover palaeoclimatology, hydrogeology, geomorphology, remote sensing and GIS, and planetary geology.

Students undertake a substantial independent research project or thesis supervised by a faculty advisor, supported by laboratory work (petrography, geochemical analyses, geochronology) and numerical or geospatial analysis as appropriate. Fieldwork is an integral component: students gain practical experience in mapping, sampling and field methods, often using nearby New England exposures and mountain environments for intensive field sessions.

The curriculum emphasises cross-disciplinary connections and quantitative skills, with opportunities to collaborate with engineering, environmental studies and computer modelling groups on campus. Coursework is delivered through seminars, lectures, lab practica and one-to-one research mentoring.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a bachelor’s degree in geology, earth sciences or a closely related discipline (environmental science, physics, chemistry or engineering) with a strong foundation in mathematics and physical sciences. Typical academic preparation includes courses in calculus, physics, introductory geology, and at least one quantitative course (statistics, numerical methods or programming).

Application components normally include:

• Academic transcripts demonstrating coursework and grades
• A statement of purpose describing research interests and fit with Dartmouth faculty
• Letters of recommendation, typically two to three from academic or professional referees
• A curriculum vitae or résumé outlining research, field or professional experience
• Proof of English language proficiency for applicants whose first language is not English

Research experience (undergraduate thesis, field projects or laboratory work) and demonstrated quantitative or programming skills strengthen applications. Requirements and tests may vary; prospective students should consult the department for current application policies.

Career prospects

Graduates pursue a range of careers across academia, government and industry. Common pathways include:

• Continued research training (PhD programmes) in earth sciences and related fields
• Environmental and geotechnical consulting, including site assessment, remediation and resource evaluation
• Natural resource and energy sector roles (exploration geology, reservoir characterisation, environmental stewardship)
• Positions with government agencies and research organisations focused on hazards, water resources, and climate science
• Data- and modelling-focused roles that apply geospatial analysis, remote sensing and numerical methods
• Education and outreach at museums, parks or community science programmes

The programme’s emphasis on hands-on field skills, laboratory techniques and quantitative analysis equips graduates to be competitive in both research and applied geoscience roles.

Why study at Dartmouth College

Dartmouth offers a small, collegial graduate environment where students receive close mentorship from faculty who are active in field-based and analytical earth-science research. The department’s scale enables personalised supervision of thesis projects and ready access to laboratory facilities, instrumentation and computing resources.

Geographic proximity to diverse field sites in New England and to mountainous terrain supports frequent field training and semester-long field research. Interdisciplinary collaboration is facilitated by links with other campus units, including engineering and environmental studies, allowing students to combine geoscience with applied problem-solving in climate, water and infrastructure contexts.

Students benefit from a tight-knit community, opportunities for teaching and outreach, and an academic culture that emphasises both rigorous research training and practical, field-hardened skills valued by employers and doctoral programmes alike.