How to Apply
Undergraduate Admissions
Admissions to all of our undergraduate programs are handled through the University. Please follow the admission process as outlined by Boise State Admissions. For questions specific to our department contact our primary undergraduate advisor Sarah Rose (sarahrose888@boisestate.edu).
Graduate Admissions
Application to Geoscience graduate programs must be submitted online through for the Graduate College application portal. There are two components of applicant evaluation, one performed by the Graduate College and an additional evaluation by the Geoscience Graduate Program Committee (GPC). The GPC evaluates additional application materials (see below) that assess applicant preparation and identify an appropriate thesis advisor. Please contact faculty members via email to inquire about their ability to serve as your advisor beginning the Academic Year to which you are applying.
Applicants are required to have earned at least a baccalaureate degree from a science, technology, engineering, or mathematics program at a regionally accredited U.S. college or university or from a non-U.S. institution of higher education judged equivalent to a U.S. baccalaureate degree by the International Admissions office. The minimum undergraduate grade point average (GPA) for admission is 3.00 (based on a 4-point scale), computed from all undergraduate credits from the applicant’s most recent baccalaureate degree. A prospective student may apply at any time and should follow the general graduate application procedure for degree-seeking students.
As part of the online application for Geosciences Programs, you will be prompted to provide the following:
- Transcripts. The Department of Geosciences will consider unofficial transcripts to begin assessing your application. However, you must still contact the schools you have attended and have them send your official transcripts to the Graduate College. You can write in your cumulative GPA and the GPA for your last 60 credits. Note: International students must provide only official transcripts. Any questions about international student application materials should be directed to International Admissions (https://www.boisestate.edu/global-international/).
- Resumé/Curriculum Vitae. Please upload your professional resumé or CV listing educational training, employment, and internship history, list of awards, publications including significant technical reports, poster presentations, and grant applications.
- Download a copy of these additional program-specific documents, fill in your responses, and submit the completed document along with your other application materials. The holistic questions at the top of the form are designed to assess the dimensions of your preparation for graduate study beyond what is reflected in transcripts, resumes/CVs, letters of recommendation, etc. Two tables are located below the holistic questions. In the advisor interest table, select the names of any faculty with whom you would like to conduct research or receive advising. In the College Course Summary table, fill in the requested information for all courses you will complete before your proposed graduate program start date.
- Letters of Recommendation. You must designate at least 3 professional references who will be asked to complete a letter of recommendation on your behalf.
- Statement of Interest. The Statement of Interest should detail your research interests and aspirations, and how they align with potential faculty advisors. The statement of interest should be: (a) no more than 2 pages in length, (b) single-spaced, (c) 11pt font size, (d) have 1” margin on all sides, and (e) uploaded as a PDF document. With as much specificity as you can, your statement of interest should:
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- Identify one or more scientific challenges that motivate you to join our graduate program, explaining important knowledge gaps if you can.
- Outline approaches you might take to address those challenges. For example, you could describe field locations and data you might collect, tools and techniques (e.g., field, analytical, geophysical, computational methods) you think would be helpful, etc.
- Describe how your research interests would benefit from mentorship from and interaction with one or more specific faculty at Boise State and how your interests align with their ongoing research.
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NOTE: The GPC cannot evaluate and act on your application until all of the above have been uploaded to your application and received.
Additional Geoscience Admission Requirements for International Students
English Proficiency. A TOEFL score of 587 or higher for the written exam or 89 internet-based test (iBT) for students whose native language is not English.
Application Deadlines for Graduate College and Department of Geosciences
January 3rd – Geosciences application deadline (Fall Semester enrollment). Candidates are highly encouraged to submit applications by this deadline, and if accepted into Geosciences degree programs are given priority for offers of financial assistance (stipends and tuition waivers).
NOTE: The university is closed for holiday break from observed Christmas Eve through New Year’s Day.
Late applicants are still encouraged to submit applications materials through April 15th; highly qualified late applicants are eligible for offers of financial assistance pending availability.
September 15th – Geosciences application deadline (Spring Semester enrollment). Applications for mid-year admission to Geosciences degree programs are welcomed; offers of financial assistance depending upon availability, though most departmental funding decisions are made in the spring for fall admissions.
International students – International student applicants are encouraged to begin the admissions process several months prior to the admissions deadline, in order to accommodate potential delays in the processing of visa and entry documents by the US Department of Immigration. If you have questions on the International Admissions process and requirements, contact interntl@boisestate.edu
For general program questions, email geogradapp@boisestate.edu