Students are trained to conduct research that leads to publishable work, advancing knowledge in one of the following subdisciplines: environmental geosciences, climate system dynamics, sedimentology and surficial processes, geochemistry and petrology, and geophysics and remote sensing. As research activities are often diverse and interdisciplinary, students are encouraged to tailor their study to their individual interests with the help of faculty members.

Master's Degree, MS, Master's of Science in Geological Studies
Doctoral Degree, PhD, PhD in Geological Studies

Our Master of Science (M.S.) degree in Geological Sciences* is intended to prepare students for a job in industry or as a stepping stone to a Ph.D. degree either at Binghamton or another university. In addition to course work, students conduct independent research under the supervision of a faculty member that leads to a culminating MS thesis.

Our Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree in Geological Sciences is intended to train future academic, industry, or government research scientists. In addition to course work, doctoral students work with faculty members to develop research projects that advance the discipline in which they are studying, leading in most cases to multiple publications in national and international journals. The department boasts state-of-the-art laboratory facilities as well as specialized research and analytical equipment to aid students in their academic endeavors. Equipment includes a fluid-inclusion analysis lab, electron microprobe, X-ray diffractometer, hand-held X-ray fluorescence analyzer, laser-ablation inductively-coupled plasma mass-spectrometer (LA-ICP-MS), recirculating flume, high pressure equipment, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) for remote sensing, and 24-channel shallow seismic reflection instruments.