Application for Graduate Studies in Earth and Planetary Sciences

How to Apply

The UT Graduate School requires a minimum grade point average of 2.7 out of a possible 4.0, or a 3.0 during the senior year of undergraduate study. Applicants with previous graduate work must have a grade point average of 3.0 on a 4 point scale or equivalent on all graduate work. Any person whose native language is not English must submit results of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). A minimum score of 213 on the computer based test or 550 on the paper test is required for admission consideration.

The University of Tennessee operates on a three-semester academic year (Fall, Spring and Summer), and admission to the graduate program is permitted in any semester. Application for graduate studies in Earth and Planetary Sciences consists of two parts.

First step

Apply to the Graduate School. The application may be completed online at the Graduate School site.

Second step

Please complete and send the items listed below to:

Graduate Admissions Chairman
Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences
University of Tennessee
Knoxville, Tennessee 37996-1410

1. Application to the Earth and Planetary Sciences program (PDF). This form also serves as an application for a graduate teaching assistantship.
2. Arrange for letters of recommendation to be sent directly from at least two (2) referees. Instructions for the referees are given in the form letters of recommendation (PDF).
3. A copy of your CV or resume.
4. A statement of your research interests and future career plans.
5. A transcript of your grades (an unofficial copy is acceptable).

These application materials can also be sent electronically to eps@utk.edu.

When to Apply

Graduate teaching assistantships (GTA) are offered to exceptionally qualified students on a first-come, first-served basis. It is necessary that application packages to the Graduate School be completed before your application for a GTA can be considered. Application deadlines for the Graduate School are posted at
<http://admissions.utk.edu/graduate/dates.shtml>.
Note that the Graduate School can take from four to six weeks to process application materials before they are sent to the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences for evaluation. Therefore, it is advisable to apply at least one month, and preferably two months, ahead of the Graduate School deadline to be considered for one of our GTA positions.

Additional Information from the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences

Questions about research programs in specific areas, application delays, or financial aid should be addressed to the Chairman of the Graduate Admissions Committee in the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences. The Department telephone number is 865-974-2366. The email address is eps@utk.edu.

Additional Information from the Graduate School

For a complete explanation of admission requirements, please refer to the: Application Requirements Posted by the Graduate School and also the UT Graduate School Web Pages

You may call the Graduate School Office at 865-974-3251 to check on the completion of your application file.