Graduate Programs

Companies hiring our recent M.S. and Ph.D. graduates include…

ARCADIS U.S., Inc.
Barrick Gold Corp.
Byrd Polar Research Center
Chemtech Services, Inc.
Environ International
Hillsborough Community College
Illinois State Geological Survey
IMERYS World Minerals Group
Kodiak Oil and Gas
Kosmos Energy
MicroSeismic Inc.
Occidental Petroleum
Patrick Engineering
Samson Resources
Schlumberger
Shell Oil
Southern Illinois University
United State EPA
United States Geological Survey
University of South Florida
University of Wisconsin, Fox Valley
University of Wisconsin, Osh Kosh

The Department of Geology and Environmental Geosciences offers graduate programs that lead to either a Master’s (M.S.) or Doctoral (Ph.D.) degree. Students take courses to develop their scientific knowledge and skills, and then collaborate with a faculty adviser with whom they design, develop and execute an original research project. Opportunities for domestic and international travel abound and recent graduate students have worked in Mexico, Germany, Nicaragua, Guatemala, Norway, the Philippines, Alaska and Antarctica.

The department takes pride in producing students who can design and conduct quality research, effectively communicate the results of that research, and successfully compete for a wide variety of jobs in the private, academic, and government employment sectors.

How to Apply

Applications to our graduate degree programs should be submitted to the graduate school. Applications for graduate assistantships should be submitted to the department. To receive priority consideration, applications for fall entrance should be received before the end of February. Applications for spring entrance should be received before the end of October.

For additional information on geology and environmental geosciences graduate programs, contact:

Graduate Program Director
Dr. Mark Fischer
mfischer@niu.edu