Geological Sciences and Engineering graduate programs

Work with expert faculty on cutting-edge research in one of the most geologically interesting landscapes in the U.S.

The Department of Geological Sciences and Engineering offers research-oriented M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in geology, geophysics, and geological engineering as well as two interdisciplinary programs in hydrologic sciences.

Researcher carrying equipment across a glacial field.

Geology, Ph.D. and M.S.

Explore earth-science research areas such as geodynamics, volcanology, geochemistry and petrology, earth and planetary surface processes, earthquakes and seismology, and mineral and energy resources with expert faculty.

Professors conducting research at the base of an alpine waterfall.

Geological Engineering, M.S.

Apply physics, chemistry, meteorology, hydrology, biology, geology and engineering science to understanding the Earth, recognizing and coping with environmental hazards, exploiting natural resources while preserving the environment, and exploring Earth's context in the solar system. Although often equated with geotechnical engineering, a discipline closely aligned with civil engineering, geological engineering is more correctly characterized as a program focused on geologic hazards mitigation and natural resource characterization. In one sense, geological engineering is a form of environmental engineering.

Desert landscape with a solar panel and other research equipment in the foreground.

Geophysics, Ph.D. and M.S.

Armed with an array of cutting-edge technologies and tactics, the University of Nevada, Reno geophysics program prides itself on bringing traditional classroom subjects, such as mathematics and physics, into the great outdoors. Hence its motto: "The earth is our laboratory."

Graduate-level study in geophysics explores the global properties of the earth (gravity, magnetic field, crustal motions, interior dynamics) and the determination of near-surface and interior properties through the use of seismology, electromagnetics, potential fields, remote sensing, geodesy and Global Positioning Systems (GPS).

Interdisciplinary programs in hydrologic sciences

Interdisciplinary with the Desert Research Institute, The Graduate Program in Hydrologic Sciences offers M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in both Hydrology and Hydrogeology. The program focuses on studies of water in the environment including its role in geologic and biogeochemical processes, ecosystem functions, and climate science.

Graduate Program of Hydrologic Sciences

Why chose our programs?

Wendy Calvin instructs two students on how to use a research instrument.

Dedicated faculty

Our leading research-active faculty receive funding from national and international agencies, providing graduate students with a thriving work environment, valuable hands-on experience, and financial support to pursue their own research.

Meet our faculty

Rich outdoor environment

Our campus is less than an hour away from some of the most beautiful and geologically interesting landscapes in the country, like Lake Tahoe and the Black Rock desert. We learn in an environment that encourages exploration and recreation.

Learn about Reno-Tahoe

A group watches on as a man flies a drone with a mountain backdrop.

Facilities & instruments

Our graduate students enjoy a full complement of modern facilities, instrumentation, laboratories and technical support personnel, all paired with the many natural laboratories of Nevada, California and the western United States.

Labs and facilities

Field studies are a natural area of emphasis for our programs – and not simply because the faculty is highly active in world-leading research. The University of Nevada, Reno is located near the boundary between the Great Basin and Sierra Nevada physiographic provinces and is near many world-class localities for fieldwork, ranging from the glaciated high country to high desert environments. Yosemite, Great Basin and Lassen Volcanic National Parks and Lake Tahoe are all within easy reach of Reno.

Graduate students in the Department of Geological Sciences and Engineering enjoy access to state-of-the-art field instrumentation and laboratories for geologic, seismic, gravity, magnetic, electrical and rock properties studies. The Department also collaborates with faculty from one of the largest digitally recorded seismic networks, the Nevada Seismological Laboratory as well as faculty in the Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology.

Potential areas of specialization within the program include:

Earthquakes and neotectonics
Geodesy
Geologic hazards
Geomorphology
Geophysical exploration
Global change
Igneous petrology and volcanology
Metamorphic geochemistry
Mineral exploration and ore genesis
Paleomagnetism
Paleoseismology
Planetary geology
Quaternary sciences
Regional geology
remote sensing
Seismology and seismic hazards

Explore department research

Amidst the rubble, Turkey’s earthquake scars reveal important information

Earthquake geologists on the GEER research team gain greater understanding of the impacts of the February earthquake

The foreground shows where a block of earth collapsed on a ridge. The background shows a community on a hillside, and in the background are snow-capped mountains.

American Geophysical Union’s Hydrology Section Fellows discuss the future of science

The session took a deep dive into the responsibilities of scientists to diversify the field

Mackay Banquet celebrates excellence in Mackay community

The annual banquet was held on April 28

Talks on the future of geothermal energy in Nevada at the Energy Solutions Forum

Jack Norbeck spoke about Fervo Energy's project with Google using geothermal energy in Northern Nevada

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Ready to apply?

Review all Department of Geological Sciences and Engineering graduate programs admissions requirements and begin your application!

Graduate admissions