Earth Sciences @ SMU
Earth Sciences serves as a core discipline in Dedman College and helps students understand some of the most pressing issues of our day including climate change, natural resources, and hazards.
The study of the Earth places the consequences of our activities such as pollution, land use, resource exploitation, and population growth into the greater framework of Earth history and planetary evolution.
SMU offers a B.A. and B.S. in Earth Sciences and minors in Geology and Environmental Earth Sciences. The department currently offers the following graduate programs, Applied Geophysics, M.S., Geology, M.S., Geophysics, M.S., Geology, Ph.D. and Geophysics, Ph.D.
NOTE: We are expecting new programs in MS and PhD Earth Sciences effective Fall 2026. Students in the current programs will be given the option to stay in the MS/PhD Geology and Geophysics programs or move to the newly named programs. Applicants for Fall 2026 should apply under the current MS Geology, MS Geophysics, PhD Geology and PhD Geophysics programs.
Why Study Earth Sciences at SMU?
If you are interested in relevant global issues such as pollution, global warming, extinctions, planetary evolution, plate tectonics and Earth history, mineral and energy resources, earthquake prediction, or nuclear arms treaty verification, the SMU Department of Earth Sciences is the right place for you!
Department Highlights
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Events and Seminars
Join our free Earth Sciences Seminar Series featuring visiting speakers from around the world. Open to the public.
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Recent News
Learn about faculty and student research in the news.
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Labs and Facilities
Important research is done in many of our labs and facilities across campus.
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Faculty & Staff Recruiting
View open Faculty, Postdoctoral and Staff Positions in the Huffington Department of Earth Sciences.
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News and Announcements