Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences, MS

About the Program

EAPS is a multidisciplinary department in the College of Science offering graduate research programs leading to the Master of Science (MS) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees. The program’s research uses mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology, statistics, and computer modeling to address some of the most challenging interdisciplinary questions about the past, present, and future state of the earth and planetary systems. Many of the research programs include field work in the U.S. or abroad. The department is equipped with state of the art computer and laboratory facilities for calculation, visualization, and experimentation. Former students are now employed by major research institutions, liberal arts colleges, government agencies, and industry. 

Graduate research areas include:

• Atmospheric and Climate Sciences
• Environmental Geoscience
• Geodata Science Initiative
• Geology and Geophysics
• Planetary Science

Program Website

Program Requirements

30 Credits Required

Concentrations

Departmental concentrations:

• Atmospheric Science Concentration for Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences, MS or PHD 
• Environmental Science Concentration for Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences, MS or PHD 
• Engineering Geology
• Earth Science Teaching
• Geodata Science for Professionals Concentration for Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences, MS 
• Geology and Geophysics Concentration for Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences, MS or PHD 
• Planetary Science Concentration for Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences, MS or PHD 

Interdisciplinary concentrations:

• Computational Science and Engineering Concentration (GR)  
• Interdisciplinary Ecological Sciences and Engineering Concentration (GR)  
• Purdue University Interdisciplinary Life Science (PULSe), MS or PHD 
  • Microbiology Immunology and Infectious Diseases

GPA Requirements

Students are expected to maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0/4.0. Failure to do so will result in the student being identified as “Less Than Good Standing” in academic standing by the University. Students so identified will not be awarded a degree. A student remaining in “Low” academic standing for three consecutive semesters will be notified by the EAPS Graduate Committee to terminate their program.

The courses should generally be 500/600-level but a maximum of 6 credits at the 300/400-level are allowed. A maximum of 6 credits of independent study are allowable in the 18 credit minimum. Students must take a minimum of 9 credits of EAPS courses.

Graduate Programs Disclaimer

• The student is ultimately responsible for knowing and completing all degree requirements. Students should consult with their advisor/department for more information.
• Not all graduate programs may be actively recruiting students and course modality availability may vary. 
• Please refer to the Explore Graduate Programs website for a list of currently available graduate programs.
• Transfer credit policy: Credits earned for graduate study at other universities (both domestic and international) may be applied toward an advanced degree. Only credit hours associated with graduate courses for which grades of B- or better were obtained will be eligible for transfer. Any additional conditions under which credit transfers may be made are determined by the various departments.
• Comparative information about Purdue University and other U.S. educational institutions is also available through the College Navigator tool, provided by the National Center for Education Statistics, and through the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.