Graduate Studies in EPS

The Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences at UNM offers graduate studies in the broad fields of geochemistry, geophysics, structural geology and tectonics, meteoritics, mineralogy and cosmochemistry, geomorphology, sedimentology, paleontology, and paleoclimate. We provide a strong foundation in field-, laboratory- and computationally-based geosciences with world-class facilities. Financial support is available in the form of Teaching Assistantships, Research Assistantships, and Fellowships. All awards are made on a competitive basis.

Prospective students are invited to attend an informational webinar and Q & A session with current EPS graduate students, faculty and research staff on November 9, 2023  4-5 pm MDT. 

Register here:

https://unm.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJMqcumoqjgtHtXrFPp_YuZuWMOYMW3K2EoI

 

How to Apply

Application deadline for Fall 2024 admission is January 5. Our department application deadlines are different from the University-wide deadline.

 

Admissions Checklist:

  •     Contact potential research advisor(s) among the faculty and research scientists in EPS
  •     Start UNM online application
  •     Complete EPS Supplement Form and upload to UNM online application
  •     Complete Letter of Intent, see details below for what to include in your letter
  •     Complete the UNM online application by January 5th

Incomplete files will not be reviewed.

 

Admission Procedures:

**As of August 2020, the UNM EPS department does not require GRE scores for graduate admission. We will not consider the GRE in our admissions criteria.**

**For international admissions, UNM currently accepts the DUOLINGO English test with a score of 105 or above or the TOEFL Home Edition with a score of 79 and above.**

Applications for our graduate program can be completed online here. Carefully read the criteria and complete the application form. These applications go directly to the Office of Admissions and are forwarded by them to our Department. We will not "see" your information until you have made your payment on the website. You may still modify your application until the deadline, so early payment is encouraged!

The Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences requires supplemental information with your online UNM graduate application. A completed EPS Admissions Supplement should be downloaded here: EPS Supplement Form. Fill out the form and attach a CV in the same document. Upload the combined Supplement Form and CV to your UNM online application in the "CV" section of the application. See below for more details.

We accept applications for both Spring and Fall semesters but very rarely offer departmental (TA) funding for Spring applicants. Our application deadlines are different from the University-wide deadline.

 

Contacting Potential Advisors:

One of the best ways to investigate potential research opportunities in your field of interest is to connect directly with faculty and research scientists doing work that is of interest to you.

We encourage you to view our specific research areas in the Research section where you'll find links to areas of research, lab facilities available, and planetary research in the Institute of Meteoritics. Browsing our list of Faculty can also be a good way to find out what opportunities are available.

Do you have more questions about graduate school in EPS and UNM? 

Prospective students are invited to attend an informational webinar and Q & A session with current EPS graduate students, faculty and research staff on November 9, 2023 4-5 pm MDT. 

Register here:

https://unm.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJMqcumoqjgtHtXrFPp_YuZuWMOYMW3K2EoI

 

EPS Supplement Form:

The EPS Supplement Form allows students to highlight previous coursework in geoscience and related, supporting fields and to list previous research accomplishments and other noteworthy involvement. 

After completing the supplement form, attach your CV in the same document. Upload the combined Supplement and CV into the CV portion of the UNM Online Application. 

 

Letter of Intent:

The letter of intent supplied with your online application must include:

  • why you wish to obtain a degree from E&PS at UNM
  • what field(s) of study within the earth sciences are of greatest interest to you for graduate research 
  • highlight previous research experience, and lab, field, and computational skills
  • a specific EPS faculty member(s) who might act as your advisor (we strongly encourage you to contact potential advisors)
  • email address, and/or daytime phone number

Museum Research Traineeship (MRT) 

With special instructions:

  • Indicate interest with a paragraph in the letter of intent. Describe how you would benefit from and contribute to the MRT program (program details at https://mrt.unm.edu)
  • Identify prospective faculty mentor(s) (from the list on the MRT webpage https://mrt.unm.edu)

Deadlines:

In order to be considered for admission for Fall Semester with financial aid, your complete application must be received by January 5th. Admission to our graduate program is competitive and most offers are made in early to mid February from the applications received by January 5th.  Complete applications for admission without financial aid will be accepted until April 1st.

Students are accepted for Spring admissions on a selective, case-by-case basis. The potential advisor must have funding available for the applicant. Unless you have specifically arranged for Spring admission with your potential advisor, please apply for Fall. The deadline for application materials for Spring admission is November 1st.

 

 

Further Questions:

If you have any specific questions or if we can be of further assistance in some way, please let us know.

We can be reached at the address below, directly by phone at (505) 277-4204, and by e-mail epsdept@unm.edu (Cecilia Arias, Administrative Assistant).