Admissions and Eligibility

The typical student in the online Master of Science in Applied Geosciences (MSAG) program is a practicing professional with an undergraduate degree in geology, engineering, chemistry, math, environmental science, or the equivalent. Many of our students are established geotechnical or environmental professionals interested in the types of career advancement that require graduate-level credentials and skills, including project management experience and the specialized knowledge needed in order to obtain a Professional Geologist license. Please note: Due to US government immigration regulations, international students in this program are not eligible for F-1 or J-1 visas or for Optional Practical Training (OPT) after graduation.

Applicants should have a solid foundation in the physical sciences including geology, physics, chemistry, and math. Although no specific prerequisite courses are required of applicants, the most successful students in the program are those who have these courses in their background.

Your application to the online Master of Science in Applied Geosciences program is evaluated according to the following criteria:

• Undergraduate academic record at an accredited college or university
• Work experience
• Career objectives and reasons for choosing the online Master of Science in Applied Geoscience program at Penn
• Two letters of recommendation
• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) scores, if applicable

See Application Overview for specific requirements.

Penn Book Required Disclosures

System requirements

Confirm all computer technology is up to date and meets system requirements. Review current system requirements for all online students.

Application and deadlines

The first step toward earning your online Master of Science in Applied Geosciences degree at Penn is completing the online application.

You may apply to begin your studies during the fall or spring terms. Your application portfolio, including all transcripts, must be received by the following deadlines:

Start your application now