CUNY(The City University of New York)

What you'll study

This masters programme builds core knowledge across the physical, chemical and biological processes that shape the Earth, while developing quantitative and practical skills for research and professional work. Students take a mix of compulsory and elective modules and complete an independent research project or professional capstone.

• Core topics: mineralogy and petrology, sedimentology and stratigraphy, structural geology, and geophysics.
• Analytical and laboratory skills: geochemical methods, isotope geochemistry, petrographic microscopy, and rock/mineral analysis techniques.
• Quantitative and technical skills: GIS and remote sensing, seismic interpretation, numerical modelling of earth processes, and statistical methods for geoscience data.
• Applied and environmental modules: hydrogeology and groundwater management, environmental geology and contamination, geotechnical engineering principles, and climate-change impacts on earth systems.
• Fieldwork and practical training: field mapping, stratigraphic logging, sample collection protocols and hands-on lab sessions; opportunities for multi-day field trips to regional geological sites.
• Research project or capstone: an independent thesis or professionally oriented project supervised by faculty, integrating literature review, data collection and analysis, and written and oral presentation of results.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a bachelors degree in geology, earth science, environmental science, physics, chemistry or a closely related discipline. Admissions typically consider academic performance, the relevance of prior coursework (for example, courses in geology, mathematics, chemistry and physics), and demonstrated research or practical experience where applicable.

• Transcripts showing a strong undergraduate record in relevant subjects.
• A personal statement outlining academic and professional goals and a summary of any research or field experience.
• Two academic or professional references addressing preparedness for graduate study.
• Applicants whose first language is not English will need to demonstrate English proficiency through recognised tests or evidence of prior tertiary-level instruction in English, in accordance with university policy.

Additional requirements may apply for specific concentrations or for applicants seeking funding or assistantships. GRE scores are not universally required across all CUNY graduate programmes; prospective students should check the specific campus or department page for any programme-specific tests or prerequisites.

Career prospects

Graduates from this programme go on to a range of careers in the public and private sectors, as well as continued academic research. Typical roles include:

• Environmental consultant or remediation specialist working on site assessment and pollution mitigation.
• Hydrogeologist or groundwater specialist in water-resource management and civil projects.
• Geotechnical or engineering geologist supporting infrastructure, construction and urban planning.
• GIS/geospatial analyst applying remote sensing and mapping skills across natural-resource and urban-environment projects.
• Mineral and energy sector roles in exploration, data interpretation and resource evaluation (where regionally appropriate).
• Research assistant or doctoral candidate in earth and environmental sciences at universities, research institutes and government bodies.

The programme emphasises transferable skills valued by employers, including field competence, laboratory methods, quantitative data analysis, scientific communication and multidisciplinary collaboration.

Why study at CUNY(The City University of New York)

CUNY offers access to a diverse network of campuses, research centres and laboratories in a large metropolitan setting, providing strong links to government agencies, environmental consultancies and industry partners. Students benefit from faculty who combine theoretical expertise with applied research across urban geology, coastal processes, environmental assessment and geospatial science.

• Opportunities for collaborative research across CUNY campuses and with regional partners, including fieldwork in varied geological settings within reach of the city.
• Emphasis on practical training and professional preparation, with pathways to internships, lab assistantships and applied projects.
• A public-university environment that supports a diverse student body and offers connections to policy, planning and infrastructure organisations based in New York and the surrounding region.