EPS-MS - Earth and Planetary Sciences (MS)
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Program Overview
The purpose of the master’s program in Earth and Planetary Sciences is to continue a student’s training in a broad range of earth science disciplines and prepare students for either a professional career or doctoral studies.
Admissions Information
The following items must be received in the electronic application:
Online application (the online application opens in mid-September for the following next year’s autumn next start)
Application fee
Statement of purpose
Supplemental questions (Answered in the online application)
Three letters of recommendation
Scanned copy of official transcript(s)
TOEFL, if applicable
If you have additional questions, contact eps-admissions@stanford.edu. More university information and application system questions can be found on Stanford’s Graduate Admissions website and the online application.
Coterm Admissions Information
Stanford undergraduates who wish to continue their studies for the Master of Science degree in Earth & Planetary Sciences through the Coterminal program may apply for admission after earning 120 units toward graduation (UTG), as shown on the undergraduate unofficial transcript.
Applicants must submit their application no later than eight weeks before the proposed admit quarter starts. The application must prove that the student has the potential for strong academic performance at the graduate level. More information can be found here: https://epsci.stanford.edu/academics-admissions/coterminal-ms-program
Information and other requirements about the Coterminal program in Earth & Planetary Sciences may be obtained from the department’s Assistant Director of Student Services.
Minimum Units in the Program
Minimum University Units
First-year students must complete at least three graduate-level courses taught by a minimum of two different EPS faculty members by the end of spring quarter.
A minimum of 45 units of coursework at the 100 level or above.
Half of the courses used to satisfy the 45-unit requirement must be intended primarily for graduate students, usually at the 200 level or above.
Some students may be required to make up background deficiencies in addition to these basic requirements.
Submit the MS program proposal for thesis research by the end of the first quarter in residence.
MS students must complete at least one TA appointment (25%). Additional TA quarters may be considered and/or required in consultations with the research advisor, depending on academic goals, funding availability, or the requirements of individual graduate programs.
Each student must complete a thesis describing their research. Thesis research should begin during the first year of study at Stanford and should be completed before the end of the second year of residence. With the thesis advisor, the student appoints a second reader for the thesis, who must be approved by the Director of Graduate Studies. The two readers jointly determine whether the thesis is acceptable for the MS degree in the department.
By the end of the first quarter, each student must have a research advisor who is a faculty member in the department.