Introduction | Perspective Students | Current Students

• GIS Certificate: Requires completion of 18 credits hours (9 hours of required courses and 9 hours of electives)

• Master of Arts in Earth Sciences: Requires completion of a professional paper (36 credit hours). Offered only in Geography concentration.

• Master of Science in Earth Sciences: Requires completion of a thesis and 32 credit hours. Concentrations are offered in Archeology, Geography, Geology, Geophysics, and Interdisciplinary Studies.

• Doctor of Philosophy in Earth Sciences: Requires completion of a dissertation and 72 total post-Baccalaureate credit hours.

The emphsis of each program is strongly tied to the Department's research foci and current faculty. Further information on program requirements can be found in the following pdf files GIS Certificate, Master, and Ph.D..

Contact Information

Kathleen Wilson
Dept. of Earth Sciences
University of Memphis
001 Johnson Hall
Memphis, TN 38152
901.678.2177 (office)
901.678.2178 (fax)

Students with interest in the Geophysics Concentration must also contact:

David Greganti
Center for Earthquake Research and Information
University of Memphis
3876 Central Ave
Memphis, TN 38152
901.678.4923 (office)
901.678.4734 (fax)

Prospective Students
The application process is rolling. However, to be fully considered for a Graduate Assistantship or early consideration for the program applications must be received by January 15, 2007. Research assistantships and other Fellowship deadlines are set by the offering entity or individual. The decision on graduate assistantships will be made on January 31, 2007.

Application Process

GIS Certificate Application Form (pdf)

Degree Seeking Students
All students must submit the following materials to Kathleen Wilson of the Department of Earth Sciences:

1. A statement of research interests
2. Three letters of recommendation
3. Graduate Assistant (GA) Form (pdf), if applicant is interested in GA support

The application to the University of Memphis Graduate Admissions can be found online. It must be submitted to the University of Memphis Graduate Admissions, not to DES. Official GRE scores must also be submitted to the University of Memphis Graduate Admissions.

International students whose highest degree is from a foreign university must have their credentials (The course-by-course report is required) evaluated by WES (http://www.wes.org). All applicants who will be attending the University on a student visa and who are not native speakers of English and are not graduates of The University of Memphis must supply a minimum score of 550 on the paper or 210 on the computer-based Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). An Affidavit of Support and Educational Background Statement must also be submitted to complete the University application packet.

Current Students
The following are a list of electronic documents and forms that will assist in the program requirements in DES. All the forms listed in the DES Handbook are now accessible at this site.

The Official DES Graduate Handbook (pdf)

DES - MS/MA Checklist (pdf)

DES - Ph.D. Checklist (pdf)

Master's Degree Forms
DES Form - Masters Program Planning Form (pdf)
University of Memphis Form - Thesis Committee Appointment (pdf)
DES Form - Progress Report Form (pdf)
DES Form - Thesis Proposal Approval Form (pdf)
University of Memphis Form - Comprehensive Examination Results (html)
University of Memphis Form - Intent to Graduate Form (html)
University of Memphis Form - Master's Degree Candidacy Form (html)
DES Form - Thesis Defense Authorization Form (pdf)
University of Memphis Form - Thesis Defense Results (pdf)

Ph.D. Degree Forms
DES Form - Ph.D. Program Planning (pdf)
University of Memphis Form - Dissertation Committee Appointment (pdf)
DES Form - Progress Report Form (pdf)
DES Form - DES Graduate Program Form PhD-Qualifying Exam (pdf)
DES Form - Dissertation Proposal Approval Form (pdf)
University of Memphis Form - Comprehensive Examination Results (html)
University of Memphis Form - Intent to Graduate Form (html)
University of Memphis Form - Doctoral Degree Candidacy Form (html)
DES Form - Dissertation Defense Authorization Form (pdf)
University of Memphis Form - Dissertation Defense Results (pdf)