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    Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

    Master of Science in Geosciences

    Last verified against the official program page on .

    Blacksburg, USMSIn-person2 years
    STEM-OPT
    $70,184.00
    Tuition
    over 24mo
    30
    Credits
    $75.00
    App fee

    Master of Science in Geosciences at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University is a 30-credit, 2-year, in-person MS program based in Blacksburg, US. Tuition is $70,184 and the program is STEM-OPT eligible for international students.

    About the program

    The program offers M.S. degrees across a range of research areas in geosciences, encouraging interdisciplinary approaches within the department and across campus. It emphasizes research with hands-on learning through fieldwork, laboratory work, and thesis options.

    Focus: research
    QS: Geology 51-100 | U.S. News: Earth Sciences (Grad) 33
    Part-time option

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    Admissions

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    Deadlines

    Spring 2027
    Sep 1, 2026

    Standardized tests

    TOEFL
    required
    Min For TOEFL tests taken prior to January 21, 2026, a minimum overall score of 90 and 20 on each subsection score is required. TOEFL scores of 4.5 or greater in Listening, Writing, Speaking, and Reading subsections are required.
    IELTS
    required
    Min IELTS score of 6.5

    After the program

    Post-study work rights

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

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    Self-reported profiles of past applicants to this program.

    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 Master of Science in Geosciences at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University cost?
    The total estimated tuition for Master of Science in Geosciences at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University is $70,184 across 30 required credits.
    Is Master of Science in Geosciences at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University online or in-person?
    Master of Science in Geosciences at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University is offered in-person.
    How long does Master of Science in Geosciences at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University take to complete?
    Master of Science in Geosciences at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University is structured around 2 years and 30 credits.
    What GPA is required for Master of Science in Geosciences at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University?
    Per the program's published guidance: 3.0 out of 4.0
    Is Master of Science in Geosciences at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University STEM-OPT eligible?
    Yes - Master of Science in Geosciences at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University is STEM-OPT designated, allowing international graduates to extend their post-completion OPT for up to 36 months total.