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    University of California-Santa Cruz

    Earth and Planetary Sciences MS

    Last verified against the official program page on .

    Santa Cruz, USMSIn-person2 years
    STEM-OPT
    $61,024.00
    Tuition
    over 24mo
    35
    Credits
    $155.00
    App fee

    Earth and Planetary Sciences MS at University of California-Santa Cruz is a 35-credit, 2-year, in-person MS program based in Santa Cruz, US. Tuition is $61,024 and the program is STEM-OPT eligible for international students.

    About the program

    The program prepares students for research, industry, consulting, and teaching through critical analysis, quantitative field, computational, or laboratory research skills, and proficiency in Earth and planetary sciences fields including seismology, geodynamics, paleoclimate, planetary science, and more.

    Focus: research
    US News #27 in Earth Sciences

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    Admissions

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    GPA thresholds, GRE/TOEFL/IELTS minimums, essay counts, recommendation letters, prerequisites, admissions contacts, and country-specific requirements like APS certification, portfolio submissions, or GATE scores.

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    Deadlines

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    Exact application deadlines for each term (Fall, Spring, Summer, Rolling), with priority and final dates where the program distinguishes them.

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    Standardized tests

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    After the program

    Post-study work rights

    12 months OPT (US), 24 months STEM OPT (US)

    $20,904.00
    Annual living cost

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    Prerequisites

    Specific coursework this program expects you to have completed: calculus, linear algebra, programming, statistics, and subject-specific prerequisites where applicable.

    Recommendations

    Exact count of letters required, whether academic vs professional references are preferred, and any program-specific guidance on who to ask.

    Essays

    Number of essays required (statement of purpose, personal statement, diversity statement), prompts where the program publishes them, and whether supplemental essays are optional or mandatory.

    Contact

    Direct email and phone for the admissions office handling this program, plus a link to the program-specific inquiry page where available.

    Frequently asked questions

    How much does Earth and Planetary Sciences MS at University of California-Santa Cruz cost?
    The total estimated tuition for Earth and Planetary Sciences MS at University of California-Santa Cruz is $61,024 across 35 required credits.
    Is Earth and Planetary Sciences MS at University of California-Santa Cruz online or in-person?
    Earth and Planetary Sciences MS at University of California-Santa Cruz is offered in-person.
    How long does Earth and Planetary Sciences MS at University of California-Santa Cruz take to complete?
    Earth and Planetary Sciences MS at University of California-Santa Cruz is structured around 2 years and 35 credits.
    Is Earth and Planetary Sciences MS at University of California-Santa Cruz STEM-OPT eligible?
    Yes - Earth and Planetary Sciences MS at University of California-Santa Cruz is STEM-OPT designated, allowing international graduates to extend their post-completion OPT for up to 36 months total.
    What work-permit options follow Earth and Planetary Sciences MS at University of California-Santa Cruz?
    Post-completion work rights for Earth and Planetary Sciences MS at University of California-Santa Cruz: 12 months OPT (US), 24 months STEM OPT (US)