GSA Graduate Student Research Grants

The GSA Graduate Student Research Grants provide essential funding for master's and doctoral research in geological sciences for students in North America and Central America. In 2024, approximately $800,000 was awarded to 316 students, averaging around $2,500 each. The program aims to enhance the geoscience workforce, promote career development, and support diversity within the field. Applications require an appraisal from a primary advisor, and participation from underrepresented communities is encouraged.

NOTE: One appraisal from the primary advisor is required with each application. Advisors do not have to be members of GSA or come from the same institution as the applicant. Appraisal forms are due 25 February, 11:59 p.m. MST.
The primary role of the GSA research grants program is to provide partial support of master's and doctoral thesis research in the geological sciences for graduate students enrolled in universities in the United States, Canada, Mexico and Central America. In 2024, approximately $800,000 was awarded to 316 graduate students (~67% of the 491 who applied), with an average grant of ~$2,500.
Goals
Support graduate student research in the geosciences and ultimately enhance the geoscience workforce.Provide career development opportunity for students by gaining experience with grants writing, project development and research.Increase the diversity of the geosciences through opportunities for students of underrepresented communities to achieve success in research
Specialized Awards: The Committee on Research Grants selects recipients of special awards from applicants to the general research grants program. A student may not apply directly for a specialized grant, however may indicate on the application if he/she would like to be considered for an award. These are generally recognition awards only with no additional funding. However, some specialized awardees may be funded for an amount greater than US$2,500.

Eligibility

Eligibility is restricted to GSA members. How to Join GSA.Applicants must be currently enrolled in a North American or Central American university or college in an earth science graduate degree program (with a geologic component).Applicants do not need to be a U.S. Citizen or a U.S. Resident Alien.The research focus can be any subject matter within the geological sciences, such as paleontology, karst, geochemistry, stratigraphy, geoscience education, petroleum geology, and more. (See the full list of Subject Matter Categories.)Students may receive a total of two GSA graduate student grants in their entire academic career, regardless of what program currently enrolled in. You must be a member of this organization to apply for this award - become a member.

Ineligibility

Funding cannot be applied towards:Salary/stipend (for student or advisor)Ordinary field equipment (cameras, GPS, software)The purchase of some services to conduct researchMaintenance of the families of the grantees and their assistantsReimbursement for work already accomplishedTravel, registration, or presentation for professional meetingsAdvisor participationTuition costsPublication costsInstitutional overhead, or "indirect" costsReimbursement for work already accomplishedAugmenting a project to be completed after the time period for which funding is requestedFunding a secondary research topic not directly connected to the student's graduate thesis.