phd in geology online

Ph.D. in Geology

Build the skills and expertise in independent research that are the foundation for your geology career.

As a Ph.D. candidate, you'll conduct extensive fieldwork and build analytical skills in state-of-the-art labs and facilities. Experienced, accessible faculty are committed to seeing you achieve your research goals as you build skills for professional success.

Why earn a Ph.D. in geology?

*Priority deadline

If you're an international student, refer to the international application process for deadlines.

As a Geology Ph.D. candidate, you'll:

• Conduct research advancing theoretical and applied science
• Prepare to teach at the college level or for a career in advanced research

Areas of geology faculty emphasis include:

• Hydrogeology and environmental geology
• Economic geology of petroleum, coal and mineral resources
• Sedimentology, stratigraphy and paleontology
• Geomorphology and glacial geology
• Petrology and geochemistry
• Geophysics and tectonics

And interdisciplinary projects involving topics such as integrated basin analysis, surface mining and reclamation, and underground coal gasification.

Geology Ph.D. Program Requirements

You'll complete:

• Two consecutive semesters in residence during the first two years of your studies.
• Complete a qualifying exam (that includes a research proposal)
• Submit a series of peer-reviewed journal and conference papers
• Successfully defend a dissertation

UND's Ph.D. in Geology

Access the largest geoscience library in the upper Midwest, which contains 100,000 maps and 50,000 volumes.

We are diverse. Students in UND's Geology program come from around the country, and world.

The Geology program is based in the four-story, 70,000-square-foot Leonard Hall. It's a state-of-the-art facility for research in geophysics, hydrogeology, petroleum engineering, mining and more.

The Wilson M. Laird Core and Sample Library , across from Leonard Hall, contains cores from nearly every oil well drilled in North Dakota and is an invaluable research resource.

Enhance your professional skills at 60+ free workshops offered through the UND School of Graduate Studies. Our goal is to provide you with the workforce skills and job search strategies to succeed.

Study at a Carnegie Doctoral Research Institution ranked #151 by the NSF. Students are an integral part of UND research.

What can I do with a Ph.D. in geology?

Median salary for geoscientists, top 10% earner

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Expected job growth for geoscientists to 2032

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Job Outlook

A geology degree is the gateway to careers in a wide range of fields. Employers include:

• Environmental and engineering geology companies
• Federal government
• Laboratories
• Mining and mineral industries
• Oil and gas industry
• State geological surveys
• Universities and colleges

Typical careers include:

• Operations geologist
• Biostratigrapher
• Senior geologist
• Maturation geologist
• Structural geologist
• Sedimentologist
• Stratigrapher

Ph.D. in Geology Courses

GEOL 530. Topics in Physical Hydrogeology. 2 Credits.

Selected topics in groundwater, vadose-zone hydrology, fracture flow, analytical/numerical modeling, GIS and hydrology, and wetland soils/hydrology. Repeatable when topics vary. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. Repeatable to 8.00 credits. F,S.

GEOL 511. Advanced Structural Geology. 4 Credits.

Reading and research in special topics in structural geology and geotectonics.

GEOL 523. Topics in Advanced Geomorphology. 1-4 Credits.

Selected topics in geomorphic processes and landforms. Prerequisite: GEOL 311 . Repeatable to 4.00 credits.

GEOL 560. Geothermics I. 3 Credits.

A survey of the methods of geothermal exploration, assessment and production. The course covers the various methods for discovery and characterization of geothermal resources. Methods for assessment of energy in place and determination of recoverable energy are covered in depth. Current technologies for energy extraction and power production are presented with current examples. Prerequisite: Graduate standing. Corequisite: Permission of instructor. On demand.

GEOL 551. Heat Flow. 3 Credits.

An exploration of Earth's thermal structure, thermal history and heat sources. The course begins with the theory of heat transfer within and through the surface of terrestrial planets. Methods of observation and modeling provide hands-on experience in field and laboratory activities. Applications of heat flow in tectonics, petrology, thermal maturity of kerogen, hydrogeology, geothermics and climate change are presented with current examples. Prerequisite: Graduate standing. Corequisite: Permission of instructor. On demand.

GEOL 540. Water Sampling and Analysis. 3 Credits.

Techniques of water and sediment sampling and analysis using equipment in the UND Water Quality Laboratory. Results are interpreted in the context of the natural systems from which the samples are taken. Enrollment is limited to eight students per section. A laboratory fee is required. Prerequisite: CHEM 121 .

Leaders in Geology

With hands-on learning guided by experienced professionals, you'll conduct ground breaking research at UND.

UND geologist unearths world’s oldest ice

Check out the faculty you'll work with at UND or discover additional education opportunities. 

• Harold Hamm School of Geology & Geological Engineering
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Ph.D. Geology

Program description.

Ph.D. research in Geology focuses on fundamental questions in the Earth Science Sciences ranging from how Earth formed, how it has evolved through time, and how it operates and is changing today.

The Ph.D. in Geology often involves extensive fieldwork and prepares students for both academic and other professional careers in a broad variety of geoscience fields including geomorphology, field geology, groundwater and hydrogeology, sedimentology, geochemistry and geophysics, mineralogy and petrology, plate tectonics, volcanology, and the geospatial exploration of Earth and other planetary bodies.

Our geologists and geoscientists leverage NASA and NSF-funded research to explore both terrestrial and planetary geosciences using our in-house, cutting-edge analytical laboratories (see: Radiogenic Isotope & Geochronology Laboratory  and the Peter Hooper GeoAnalytical Lab ).

Specializations are offered in:

• Sedimentology-Stratigraphy
• Structural geology – Tectonics
• Mineralogy-Petrology-Geochemistry
• Hydrogeology-biochemistry
• Geophysics-Geodynamics

If you are interested in pursuing an Ph.D. in Geology in SoE and being mentored by one of our faculty members, begin by first visiting their website  and contacting them directly.

By working and training with these leading geologists and Earth scientists, the Ph.D. in Geology will:

• result in a dissertation that will be a significant contribution to the science of geology and the broad geosciences
• be worthy of publication in referred international journals

Program requirements 

• 15 hours minimum of graded course work at 500 level if student has an M.S. Or 17 hours minimum of graded 500-level coursework if student has only a B.S.
• 9 hours maximum non-graduate 300/400 level graded course
• 20 hours minimum of SOE 800 – 1 credit during each semester enrolled except summer
• Courses taken for audit or courses graded Pass/Fail may not be used on the program of study.
• Preliminary exam
• Dissertation
• Final oral exam
• Dissertation defense

Preliminary Qualifying Exam

Each student is required to pass a preliminary examination to become a candidate for the Ph.D. degree. This examination will be taken after most of the required coursework has been completed, as determined by the dissertation committee, and upon submission of a dissertation research proposal, usually after the second year in the program. It will consist of a written exam followed by an oral defense, the format of which will be determined by the individual committee. Both will focus on the student’s major area of competency, courses taken, and the subject matter of the proposed research.

If the student fails to pass the examination after the allowed number of attempts, SOE will recommend to the graduate school that the student be disenrolled from the program.

Developing a Program of Study

Each student will develop a program of study in cooperation with a Supervisory Committee that includes their Faculty Advisor as Chair. The program of study is a plan for your classwork and research credits throughout the rest of your program.

The program of study form is an official form with due dates (see below). You may find the form here .

Pullman, Puyallup, and Tri Cities Students : Programs of study are due by a specific date in your third semester of study. These dates are October 1st if your third semester is during the fall, and March 1st if your third semester is during the spring.  These are firm deadlines, set in place by the Graduate School. 

Vancouver Students : Your program of study is due at the end of your 2nd semester.

As preparation for a Preliminary Examination, a core curriculum must be completed through preceding and/or new coursework that will yield competencies in areas determined by their faculty advisor in accordance with program bylaws and the most recent graduate student handbook.

[Photo credits: Banner photo: View of the Earth from orbit on the International Space Station. Source: Wikipedia . Author: Alexander Gerst (Geophysicist – ESA Astronaut)  License: CC BY-SA 2.0 ]

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• Geology Program

PhD in Geology

The Ph.D. in Geology is an advanced degree with a program made up of coursework, comprehensive exams and a major research investigation. Students are expected to be grounded in one or more of the geology program’s key areas of specialization: Earth’s systems interactions, energy resources, environmental geology and geochemistry, and planetary geoscience.

In the doctoral program, we seek a close alignment between an applicant’s proposed area of investigation and faculty expertise. Applicants are strongly encouraged to contact faculty  in their proposed area of specialization before applying. The Ph.D. requires 9 hours of academic credit and typically takes four years of full-time study. 

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PhD Program in Geology & Environmental Science

The Ph.D. is a research degree that represents the highest level of academic accomplishment in any field. Persons with this degree are expected to have demonstrated the ability to conduct independent research and also should have the level and breadth of knowledge about their field that one could reasonably expect of someone who has attained the highest academic degree in their field. Research performance, evidenced by preparation of a dissertation on an independently pursued research topic, is the primary requirement for the Ph.D. degree. Each program is designed in consultation with a faculty advisor to meet the needs of the student.

The Doctor of Philosophy degree requires completion of 72 credits, of which 36 must be formal lecture and laboratory courses. Completion of a preliminary assessment examination is required in order to guide selection of remaining courses.

Preliminary Exam

Students admitted to the graduate program take a suite of six courses in their first two years in residence. The “preliminary examination” in the Department of Geology & Environmental Science is based on the student's record of performance in these courses. Students will be considered to pass the preliminary exam when they have achieved a grade of “B” or better in each of the courses. The student must take GEOL 2001 and GEOL 2468, in addition to three “core” courses from the list below, which are relevant to their research. In addition, students should take at least one course from a subfield markedly outside their research area. This course must be approved by the graduate committee.

The courses in the  Graduate Handbook  are offered at least once every other year. Other classes not on this list may be added upon approval of the student’s advisor and the graduate committee.

Course Requirements

The minimum requirement for the Ph.D. degree is seventy-two (72) credits. These include lecture, laboratory, seminar, topics courses, and thesis research credits. A minimum of thirty-six (36) credits must be from formal courses and at least eighteen (18) of the credits must be taken within the Department of Geology and Environmental Science. A maximum of eight (8) credits numbered below 2000 may be applied toward graduation requirements with prior approval. No course numbered below 1000 may be applied toward graduation requirements.

A minimum grade point average of 3.0 must be maintained for all formal courses taken. Students with full graduate status will be placed on probation if the cumulative grade point average falls below the minimum grade point level. If a Master of Science degree is awarded from the Department prior to admission, then at least forty-two (42) additional credits are required.

Comprehensive Examination

The intention of the comprehensive overview examination is to facilitate the student’s progress toward publishing their first paper, while at the same time using the exams as a means to assess the student’s research ability and accomplishments. The written portion of the exam constitutes a research proposal or manuscript, whereas the oral exam is comprised of a seminar-style presentation followed by verbal questions by the graduate committee. The comprehensive overview exam overall will incorporate assessment of “breadth” by both the committee assessment of the introductory and background sections of the writing sample, as well as during the questioning period of the oral exam. In addition to background assessment, the oral examination questions will focus on material directly related to the major field of research and the planned dissertation research and related subjects.

The written and oral comprehensive overview exams must be taken before the 7th semester of residence in the Ph.D. program, typically during third year. The written exam (i.e., the proposal or manuscript) must be passed before the oral is scheduled. After passing both written and oral examinations (as well as the requirements of the preliminary exam), the student is admitted to “Ph.D. candidacy”. Therefore, it is to the student’s advantage to complete all requirements as soon as possible. However, the student does not need to complete all degree plan classes before the comprehensive overview exams. In particular, examining committees can require additional course work be taken as an outcome of the oral comprehensive overview exam.

Comprehensive Overview Written Exam:

The written portion of the exam can either constitute a longer research proposal or manuscript based on your own research results, or a shorter research proposal or manuscript combined with answering written questions from the student’s advisor. The choice will be made by the student’s advisor upon consultation with the student’s committee. The written document should be on a topic closely related to the student’s proposed dissertation research. It should typically be in the range of 12-15 single spaced pages (for the long format) and 6-8 single spaced pages (for the short format), including figures and references. Documents should adhere to standard formatting conventions. The balance of introductory information, preliminary data, and proposed research should be discussed with the student’s advisor prior to the written exam. In lieu of the formal proposal or manuscript format, students may opt to write a paper that summarizes work they have done to date in a form that prepares it for publication, and then adds on an extended “future work” section that constitutes the proposed dissertation research. If the proposal format is chosen, students should follow the format of one of the major research granting agencies such as

• The National Science Foundation ( www.nsf.gov ),
• The Research Opportunities in Space and Earth Science (ROSES) Program of NASA
• The National Research Initiative Competitive Grant Program of the USDA ( http://www.csrees.usda.gov/fo/nationalresearchinitiative.cfm ), or
• The Science to Achieve Results (STAR) competitive grant program of the US EPA ( http://www.epa.gov/ncer/ ). For which proposal guidelines can be obtained from their web sites. For the comprehensive exam document, budgets, CVs, and other ancillary materials required by funding agencies are not necessary.

The five-person examining committee for the written and oral exam must include the four faculty members from the GES department who serve on your advisory committee and one additional outside committee member. The outside committee member can participate in the oral exam in person or via teleconference. Participation by teleconference must be approved by the graduate dean’s office before the oral exam

• After you have completed the written document, send one complete copy to each committee member. The committee will have a minimum of two weeks to review the proposal.
• The committee will rate the written document and relay their ratings to the advisor and the rest of the committee as (1) pass, (2) pass with reservations (meaning that some rewriting is necessary), (3) fail but can retake, or (4) fail without the possibility of retaking the exam.

The results of the written examination are reported on the comprehensive overview exam report form, signed by your adviser and the DGS. It is the student’s responsibility to schedule the oral examination. The oral exam cannot be scheduled before the results of the written examination are reported.

Comprehensive Overview Oral Exam:

The oral exam and its accompanying dossier is the last major milestone before Ph.D. candidacy. The oral exam consists of two parts:

• Seminar-like presentation on your proposed dissertation research
• Committee questions, which pertain to the presentation but also extend across your areas of expertise

It is the student’s responsibility to find a time at which the committee can meet for the exam, to arrange an appropriate exam room, and to see that the necessary audio-visual facilities are available.

The seminar presentation is open to all members of the faculty in addition to the committee and should include a description of the proposed work, the scientific basis and need for the work, and the progress made to date. The presentation should be scheduled to last no longer than 30 minutes, though it may last longer if the committee and faculty ask questions during the presentation. The question-answer phase may last for several additional hours. Oral exams usually take most of a morning or afternoon; a minimum of three hours should be reserved for this exam. Non-committee faculty members are allowed to stay for any/all parts of the oral exam.

Committees and advisors vary somewhat in the way they conduct the question-answer part of the oral exam and in the amount of information they are willing to provide the student in advance. It generally is a good idea to meet with each member of your committee before the exam date to obtain their perspectives on what is expected. For example, one might ask each person ‘How do you suggest I prepare for the oral exam?’ 

In addition to the background material related to their research direction, it is expected that students have good working knowledge of big-picture topics related to Earth and Environmental Science, appropriate to their degree stage and particular academic direction. The student should be prepared to:

• Explain the importance of the research, describe future research plans and demonstrate knowledge of scientific principles behind any methods used.
• Demonstrate knowledge of the fundamental concepts in core areas of geologic and environmental science, as well as in the student’s areas of expertise.

Examining committees are established to protect the academic standards of the program, however their goal is to see that students succeed. No committee wishes to see a student fail. The committee might be interested in seeing you apply your knowledge to theorize answers to questions to which you do not know the answer. Thus, while committee members may test the limits of a student’s knowledge, the inability to answer every question will not automatically result in a failure.

At the conclusion of the examination, the committee discusses and votes on the outcome, following rules prescribed.

• Possible outcomes are pass, pass with reservations, or fail.
• The committee may decide to allow a student who fails the oral exam to retake it one more time.
• Pass with reservation indicates that the committee was not satisfied with some aspect(s) of the student’s knowledge or preparation; however, this does pass the student to Ph.D. Candidacy. The specific deficiencies and requirements for rectifying these deficiencies (e.g., additional coursework, writing a review paper, etc.) must be explained to the student immediately after the exam, and a written explanation is provided on the exam report. The reservation must be lifted, by approval of the advisor and DGS, before the student can proceed to the final dissertation defense.

Admission to Candidacy

Following successful completion of the comprehensive examination, and completion of the dissertation overview, the student may apply to the Dean for Admission to Candidacy. Admission to candidacy constitutes a promotion of the student to the most advanced stage of graduate study and provides formal approval to devote exclusive attention to research and writing of the dissertation.

Dissertation

Each Ph.D. candidate must prepare a dissertation demonstrating successful completion of the research project as well as competency in the methods and techniques of scientific investigation in the field of her/his area of specialization. The dissertation must be clearly, logically, and carefully written. The Major Advisor must approve of the content, format, and grammar prior to submission of the dissertation to the Dissertation Committee. The dissertation should contain an introductory statement, including appropriate justification of the research, a description of the methods and observations of the investigation, evaluation of the significance and meaning of the results, and a final summary. Each Ph.D. student must submit at least one manuscript to a peer-review journal prior to graduation and present research results at both a departmental colloquium and at a meeting of a national or international scientific organization. Dissertation Defense Each Ph.D. candidate must formally defend her/his submitted dissertation. The defense is a public meeting, and the notice should therefore list the title of the dissertation and the time and location of the event.

The Dissertation Committee conducts the defense of the doctoral dissertation. The student will begin the dissertation defense with a presentation summarizing her/his research topic and results. Following the oral summary and a general question-and answer period, visitors will be asked to leave and the student will then defend her/his research by answering questions posed by the Dissertation Committee. The dissertation will be formally accepted or rejected by the Dissertation Committee at the defense and the committee will decide what, if any, revisions should be made.

Expected Rate of Progress through Graduate Milestones

Geological Sciences, PHD

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At a Glance: program details

• Location: Tempe campus
• Second Language Requirement: No

Program Description

Degree Awarded: PHD Geological Sciences

The PhD program in geological sciences is designed to develop creative scholarship in the terrestrial and planetary geosciences. Students are encouraged to cross subject boundaries and pursue new understandings of Earth and the solar system.

Degree Requirements

Curriculum plan options.

• 84 credit hours, a written comprehensive exam, an oral comprehensive exam, a prospectus and a dissertation

Required Core (1 credit hour) SES 502 Exploring SESE Research (1)

Electives or Research (70 credit hours)

Other Requirements (1 credit hour) SES 501 SESE Colloquium (1)

Culminating Experience (12 credit hours) SES 799 Dissertation (12)

Additional Curriculum Information When approved by the student's supervisory committee and the Graduate College, this program allows 30 credit hours from a previously awarded master's degree in a related field to be used for this degree. Substitutions for courses listed as Other Requirements may be made per department approval.

Admission Requirements

Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree, in any field, from a regionally accredited institution.

Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program, or applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.

All applicants must submit:

• graduate admissions application and application fee
• official transcripts
• statement of purpose
• three letters of recommendation
• proof of English proficiency

Additional Application Information An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency.

Next Steps to attend ASU

Learn about our programs, apply to a program, visit our campus, application deadlines, career opportunities.

Graduates are prepared for academic and professional careers in geological science fields such as geochemistry, field geology, geomorphology, structure and tectonics, mineralogy and petrology, geophysics, planetary geology, hydrology, volcanology, Earth observation and remote sensing, and related areas, including geoscience education.

Professionals with expertise in geological sciences are in high demand across sectors and industries, including remote sensing, natural resource management, data science, environmental consulting, economic geology (oil and mining industries), hazard and risk assessment, geophysics and planetary science. Coding and numerical modeling skills translate across many domains, even beyond geosciences. Skills in the measurement and analysis of data related to the physics, chemistry and structures of earthly and planetary systems are valuable to businesses and institutions that rely on data-driven strategies to interact with the planet and explore beyond Earth. The doctoral degree in geological sciences is required for careers in post-secondary education and research.

Career examples include:

• data scientist
• environmental consultant
• geosciences professor
• instrument builder
• planetary scientist
• program manager
• research scientist

Program Contact Information

If you have questions related to admission, please click here to request information and an admission specialist will reach out to you directly. For questions regarding faculty or courses, please use the contact information below.

• [email protected]
• 480/965-5081

University of South Florida

School of Geosciences

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Ph.d. in geology.

The Ph.D. degree in Geology is a research-oriented interdisciplinary program. Students participate in high-impact research and scholarship to develop, apply, and disseminate scientific knowledge about Earth and planetary systems and their evolution in space and time. Research areas within the geology program span a wide range of sub-disciplines and geographic locations.    Students design their specific curriculum of high-quality, skills-based geology courses with their major professor and advisory committee. This flexibility enables students to tailor their degree to support their research interests and career goals.  

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M.S. and Ph.D. Programs in Geological Sciences

Our graduate program in geological sciences is designed to give students broad training in the basic sciences as well as field, theoretical, and practical experience through research in their specialty. The program has particular strengths in geophysics, geochemistry and petrology, structural geology, sedimentology, marine ecology, and energy resources. However, the exceptional flexibility of Cornell's graduate program provides ample opportunity for students to work across disciplinary areas. For example, arrangements exist for study of marine ecology, water resources, and various branches of applied geological science. Faculty members in other fields or divisions offer interdisciplinary courses including planetology and extraterrestrial geology, paleobotany, ecology and systematics, biogeochemistry, limnology, soil genesis, soil mineralogy, soil and rock mechanics, remote sensing, environmental fluid mechanics and hydrology, fluid dynamics, elasticity, geotechnical and earthquake engineering, regional planning, hydraulics and hydrology, and materials science and engineering. 

At least one minor subject outside the field is required for the doctoral degree. Before the end of their third semester in residence, all students must take a qualifying examination. This exam, an addition to those required by the Graduate School, determines the candidate's fitness for undertaking advanced studies and enables the student's special committee to plan programs that will make the student familiar with the requisite knowledge in the chosen areas. 

Research and Study Opportunities: 

Research programs are being conducted by the field in such diverse areas as fluid cycling in subduction zones; space-based geodetic studies of faults, volcanoes, and anthropogenic deformation; interaction of tectonics, topography, and climate in major mountain systems; investigation of igneous rocks in arc systems; tectonics, seismology, sedimentation, and geomorphology of the central Andes; planetary science, comparative planetology, and solar system exploration; seismic reflection profiling of the deep crust and upper mantle; mechanics and properties of subduction zone megathrusts and other large faults; induced earthquakes; using seismic signals of earth noise to understand atmospheric and solid-earth phenomena; development and application of earth system models; response of marine ecosystems to climate variability and change; surface responses to extreme precipitation; dynamics and mechanics of the lithosphere and asthenosphere; application of geophysical techniques to environmental and archaeological problems; marine ecological and paleontological studies; sedimentology and diagenesis of mudstones; dynamics of marine ecosystems and organisms from plankton to whales using remote sensing and other tools; volcanic hazard assessment; biogeochemistry, soil development, and dynamics in young volcanic terrains; geochemistry and geophysics of oceanic islands, mid-ocean ridges and island arcs; and remote sensing of seismic and volcanic deformation of the crust.

The field maintains working agreements with institutions worldwide to facilitate research projects in those areas or to work on materials especially accessible there. Current and recent graduate students have carried out field investigations in such diverse places as Alaska, the Pacific Northwest, Honduras, Chile, Argentina, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Monterey Bay (California), Papua New Guinea, Ethiopia, and Tibet. The Paleontological Research Institution, located near the campus, has world-renowned facilities and collections available to students interested in paleontology.

Major Concentrations:

economic geology engineering geology environmental geophysics general geology geobiology geochemistry and isotope geology geohydrology geomorphology geophysics geotectonics mineralogy ocean science and technology paleontology petroleum geology petrology planetary geology Precambrian geology Quaternary geology rock mechanics sedimentology seismology stratigraphy structural geology

Ph.D. students choose a major advisor representing one of the above concentrations and two or more minor advisors, one of which must represent a minor from a field outside of geological sciences. Astronomy, chemistry, ecology and evolutionary biology, education, and civil engineering are just a few of the examples of typical outside minors. Together, these advisors form the special committee that guides the student's program. The same is true for M.S. students, but they need choose only a single minor advisor. There are no specific course or credit requirements for the M.S. and Ph.D. degrees; rather, a student's coursework is determined by the special committee. Generally the last two to three years of the Ph.D. program and last year or more of the M.S. program are devoted entirely to dissertation or thesis research. 

Application and Admission

How to Apply

We strongly recommend that potential applicants contact faculty members with whom they are interesting in studying before applying.

We accept applications online via the  Cornell Graduate School website . You should specify the "field of geological sciences" as there is no graduate field of earth and atmospheric sciences. In your essay, please indicate clearly the discipline(s) within geological sciences in which you are interested (e.g., "active tectonics," "low temperature geochemistry," "global change," etc.). Your essay, and indeed your entire application, will be stronger if you have carefully investigated Cornell's strengths via these webpages and individual faculty pages, the published literature, and have contacted individual faculty with whom you might be interested in working.

Please note that Cornell University expects all applicants to complete their application materials without the use of paid agents, credential services, or other paid professional assistance. The use of such services violates University policy, and may lead to the rejection of application materials, the revocation of an admissions offer, cancellation of admission, or involuntary withdrawal from the University.

Application deadlines

Fall: January 1st

Spring: Check with field  (we typically don't admit students for the spring term)

Financial Aid

Information on tuition and fees  can be found on the Cornell Graduate School website. There are a variety of forms of financial aid available to graduate students at Cornell. Nearly all our Ph.D. and M.S. students receive financial aid that provides tuition, academic-year stipend and health insurance. Summer support may also be available. This financial aid is generally available for up to five years for Ph.D. students and two years for M.S. students and is contingent upon satisfactory academic progress.

• Department fellowships—the Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences typically has available to it two fellowships, known as the Long Fellowship and the McMullen Fellowship.
• Cornell Fellowships—the field of geological sciences typically has available to it two Cornell Fellowships , which are awarded to incoming Ph.D. students.
• Teaching assistantships—students supported on teaching assistantships spend an average of 15 hours a week assisting with the teaching of courses in the Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences. This teaching experience is vital to those wishing to go on to a teaching career and it is likely that many graduate students will be appointed as a teaching assistant at some point during their Cornell career.
• Graduate research assistantships—most graduate students in geological sciences are supported as graduate research assistants through a faculty member's externally funded research project.
• National Science Foundation Graduate Fellowships —we encourage all applicants and first-year graduate students to apply directly to NSF for these prestigious and competitive graduate fellowships.
• NASA Fellowships—graduate students commonly apply for these fellowships after their first year, when their research project has become well-defined.
• Fellowships from international governments, agencies, or companies—graduate students may be sponsored by an agency in their home nation.
• Other fellowships—we occasionally have students supported on Department of Energy or Department of Defense fellowships.

Contact Information:

Director of Graduate Studies Professor Louis Derry [email protected] 607-255-9354

Assistant Director of Graduate Programs & Course Coordinator Sierra Henry [email protected] 607-255-8737

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Geology, Geophysics, and Geological Engineering—MS, PhD

Globalize Your Studies

Graduate studies in the Department of Geological and Mining Engineering and Sciences focus on understanding and safely managing the Earth and its resources for the future, with degrees leading to careers in industry, government, nonprofit organizations, and academia.

Our curriculum emphasizes the sociocultural facets, or social geology, inherent specifically in hazards-related work and broadly in the fields of geological sciences and engineering.

Our graduate program is flexible, accommodating students’ individual goals and affording specialization for myriad careers in the earth sciences, geophysics, and geological engineering.

Degrees Offered

Peruse the degree options to find the program that fits your career goals and interests.

Geology—MS, PhD

Students earning MS or PhD degrees in Geology may choose from diverse career opportunities in disciplines ranging from economic mineralogy, to volcanology and atmospheric studies, to climate change. Geology students are curious about the Earth and how it operates, and their studies often incorporate a significant sociological component, i.e., social geology. For example, the majority of students specializing in volcanology take an interest in not only the geology of volcanoes, but also the hazard awareness and risk mitigation critical to communities affected by volcanic eruptions. Geologic studies rely on remote sensing data collected via satellites and geophysical surveys; therefore, geology students often choose to integrate remote sensing techniques into their studies.

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Geological Engineering—MS, PhD

Studies in geological engineering focus on Earth processes. You will explore both practices for safely adapting geologic features for human use and considerations for adapting human activities for the preservation of the Earth. The application of geophysics and/or remote sensing technologies is vital for the majority of geological engineering studies within the department. For example, students may develop new methods of employing satellite observations and ground-based geophysics to map targets for groundwater, whether for resource development or for understanding groundwater behavior; or they may calibrate satellite-based observations to physical properties on the ground surface to predict the likelihood of surface failure during an earthquake, e.g., by liquefaction.

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Geophysics—MS, PhD

The geophysics program is highly quantitative, requiring a firm background in mathematics and physics. You will study the earth through physical measurements, employing theory, laboratory and/or field experimentation, and modeling. Specialties that complement studies in geophysics include reflection seismology, which is primarily used for oil and gas exploration; electrical methods, which aid in groundwater evaluation; magnetic studies, including the use of paleomagnetics to understand the early Earth; and glacial and volcano seismology, focusing on the study of earthquakes and icequakes.

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• Request Geophysics PhD Info

Degree Options

Geology—MS and Geological Engineering—MS offer thesis, report, and coursework options and Geophysics—MS offers thesis and report options.

To complete a doctoral degree, students must complete the following milestones:

• Complete all coursework and research credits (see credit requirements below)
• Pass Qualifying Examination
• Pass Research Proposal Examination
• Prepare and Submit Approved Dissertation
• Pass Final Oral Defense

The minimum credit requirements are as follows:

Individual programs may have higher standards and students are expected to know their program's requirements. See the  Doctor of Philosophy Requirements  website for more information about PhD milestones and related timelines.

This option requires a research thesis prepared under the supervision of the advisor. The thesis describes a research investigation and its results. The scope of the research topic for the thesis should be defined in such a way that a full-time student could complete the requirements for a master’s degree in 12 months or three semesters following the completion of coursework by regularly scheduling graduate research credits.

The minimum requirements are as follows:

Programs may have stricter requirements and may require more than the minimum number of credits listed here.

This option requires a report describing the results of an independent study project. The scope of the research topic should be defined in such a way that a full-time student could complete the requirements for a master’s degree in twelve months or three semesters following the completion of coursework by regularly scheduling graduate research credits. 

Of the minimum total of 30 credits, at least 24 must be earned in coursework other than the project:

This option requires a minimum of 30 credits be earned through coursework. A limited number of research credits may be used with the approval of the advisor, department, and Graduate School. See degree requirements for more information.

A graduate program may require an oral or written examination before conferring the degree and may require more than the minimum credits listed here:

International, Interdisciplinary Research Opportunities

The majority of our graduate students are involved in international field-oriented research, but some focus on laboratory or computer studies. The department’s research activities cross disciplinary and national borders, spanning the following areas:

• Development of complex computational models of earth systems
• Laboratory experiments analyzing earth material phenomena
• Analysis of remote-sensing data of the Earth’s surface and atmosphere
• Properties of the Earth’s deep interior and its ancient past
• Field measurements of volcanologic, hydrologic, and atmospheric systems
• Seismic imaging of underground oil and gas reservoirs and their properties

Research funding averages nearly $3 million per year for the department. Field research is conducted domestically in Alaska and Yellowstone, as well as in the beautiful Keweenaw Peninsula and Lake Superior watershed. Our international efforts bring faculty and student researchers to locations across North and South America, as well as to Australia and Southeast Asia.

Service Programs

Students interested in pursuing an MS degree through the VISTA, Americorps, or Peace Corps Coverdell Fellows program can choose either a Thesis Option or Report Option. The Thesis Option is intended for students who plan to conduct original scientific research in the course of their VISTA, Americorps, or Peace Corps Coverdell Fellows program.

For more information about the VISTA, Americorps, or Peace Corps Coverdell Fellows programs in the GMES department program, please contact: Luke Bowman .

World-Class Facilities

Our department features world-class computer and analytical laboratory facilities. Specialized laboratories include the Laboratory for Atmospheric Remote Sensing, the Subsurface Visualization Laboratory, the Seismology and Petrophysics Laboratory, the Earthquake Seismology Laboratory, the Hydrogeology Laboratory, and the Earth Magnetism Laboratory.

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Morton K. Blaustein Department of Earth & Planetary Sciences

• Funding and Fellowship Opportunities
• Graduate Courses

The Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences offers programs leading to the PhD degree in a wide range of disciplines, covering the atmosphere, biosphere, oceans, geochemistry, geology and geophysics, and planets. Our goal is to educate scientists who will make fundamental and lasting contributions to their fields.

The graduate program is designed to give every student the training and the tools needed for independent research and a rewarding scientific career. The PhD program is flexible so that every student has a custom experience. Course loads vary according to prior experience and research focus. Graduate-level courses include both core classes and seminars with topics that change from year to year. Students are encouraged to take classes in other JHU departments, depending on the individual’s research focus.

At the core of our program is a close working relationship between the graduate student and faculty members at the cutting edge of research, with an education and research program tailored to meet the particular goals of each student. Graduate students in Earth and Planetary Sciences are full members of our academic family. They receive financial support in the form of tuition fellowships, research and teaching assistantships, and special scholarships. They share offices in Olin Hall, have access to all laboratories and research facilities, and participate fully in seminars, field trips, and other professional and social activities. All students participate in Journal Club, in which graduate students present their latest research to the entire department in each year of their study.

Related Links

• EPS Graduate Student Handbook
• JHU Graduate Affairs & Admissions

Requirements

• Conference with your adviser and advisory committee during the second semester to review the quality of your work in courses during the year.

Second Year

• Pass the Departmental Qualifying Examination by May 15 and prepare a thesis proposal before May 1.
• Proposal must be approved by two faculty members in the department, usually the prospective readers of your thesis.
• Complete the Graduate Board Oral Examination.

Fourth Year

• Prepare a dissertation approved by two faculty members appointed by the department.
• Present the results of the dissertation to the department in a seminar of approximately 50 minutes.
• Presentation must be certified as satisfactory by a group of at least five EPS faculty members.

Graduate Student Research

Prior to applying, prospective students are encouraged to contact individual  faculty members  to learn about available research opportunities.

Journal Club

The weekly  Journal Club  provides an environment for graduate students to develop and hone a professional style of delivering research talks, plus informs the faculty of each student’s research topic and progress. 

Earth and Planetary Sciences

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Almost every practical aspect of society—population, environment, economics, politics—is and will be increasingly impacted by our relationship with the Earth. This program provides you with the flexibility to travel down the path in a specific area of the field that interests you the most. You will work with faculty to address fundamental questions about our world—from prehistoric geological processes to understanding weather patterns.

Students in the program have gone on field trips everywhere, from Maine to Spain, and research trips to Australia, Norway, Canada, and beyond. You will have the opportunity to use Harvard’s advanced instrumentation such as the Visualization Research and Teaching Laboratory with the Ultra High Resolution Science Observatory. Projects students have worked on include high temp geochemistry and cosmochemistry, climate dynamics, and geology, and earth history.

Graduates of the program have gone on to positions as a senior research scientist at NASA, geoscientist at ExxonMobil, and consultant at McKinsey & Company. Others have gone on to faculty positions at UC Berkeley, Columbia, and Princeton.

Additional information on the graduate program is available from the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences , and requirements for the degree are detailed in Policies .

Admissions Requirements

Please review the admissions requirements and other information before applying. You can find degree program-specific admissions requirements below and access additional guidance on applying from the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences .

Academic Background

Typically, applicants will have an academic background in applied math, biology, chemistry, Earth sciences, engineering, physics, or related fields. Applicants should indicate the faculty whose research fields are closest to their interests in the faculty section of the application for admission. For lists of faculty working in specific research areas, please browse the study and research areas of the department website.

Math Preparation

Applicants should have appropriate math preparation depending on their field of study. Students in geophysics, climate, ocean and atmospheric dynamics, and other math-intensive research areas are expected to have successfully completed applied math courses to the level of ordinary and partial differential equations. Students in less mathematically oriented research areas are expected to have successfully completed basic college-level calculus and linear algebra at the level of Harvard’s applied mathematics or mathematics courses: Math 21A (Multivariable Calculus) and Math 21B (Linear Algebra and Differential Equations). If not, these should be taken in addition to the department's math requirement, and incoming students should be aware that this represents a significant additional commitment. Students are expected, in the course of graduate work, to complete the second and third year of college mathematics (intermediate and advanced calculus and differential equations). Students with a strong math and physics background doing theoretical work are expected to take higher-level graduate mathematics courses.

Personal Statement

Standardized tests.

GRE General: Optional GRE Subject: Optional

Theses & Dissertations

Theses & Dissertations for Earth and Planetary Sciences

See list of Earth and Planetary Sciences faculty

APPLICATION DEADLINE

Questions about the program.

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• Atmospheric Sciences
• Geospatial Sciences
• Ph.D. in Earth and Atmospheric Sciences

Applicants to the Ph.D. in Earth and Atmospheric Sciences must have a GPA of at least 3.00 at both the undergraduate and graduate level for entry to the doctoral program. 

Applicants to the Doctoral program are required to have completed a thesis-based Master’s degree and have a background in one of the departmental emphasis areas. The program does not require specialization in multiple geosciences emphasis areas, though applicants with this expertise are certainly welcome to apply. Applicants from other science disciplines will be considered on a case-by-case basis. All applicants for the Doctoral program must identify a mentor (dissertation supervisor) prior to acceptance into the program. Some mentors may require a qualifying examination prior to acceptance.

The Doctoral program requires a minimum of 36 hours (at least 16 course hours and 20 dissertation hours) beyond the Master’s degree, as well as the completion of a dissertation. Every student's program of study will be determined by their Doctoral committee, and it is anticipated that most will require more than 16 course hours. Written and oral comprehensive examinations are administered at the end of required course work. A dissertation proposal defense is also required.

The Department of Geosciences also has a residency rule for all Ph.D. students that requires all coursework, comprehensive examinations, the dissertation proposal be completed on the Starkville campus.  Please note that the Graduate School requires 24 course hours post-Bachelors degree, so external students applying with a completed M.S. may need to transfer coursework from their M.S. into the Doctoral program to ensure they are compliant with this rule.

The application package must contain the Application of Admission, at least two letters of reference, official transcripts from all colleges previously attended, and a statement of purpose. Visit the Office of the Graduate School to apply online, and remember that the name of the program is Earth & Atmospheric Sciences.

Please contact the graduate coordinator, Andrew Mercer , or a potential faculty mentor, for more information.

Department of Geosciences Graduate Guidelines

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The Department of Geosciences is located in Hilbun Hall

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Applied Geosciences Program

Advance your career and make an impact in environmental geology, hydrogeology, and engineering geology—all online

Whether you are an experienced geoscientist or preparing to expand your science or engineering geology experience, you can advance in the field without relocating or interrupting your career. Get connected with the world-class resources of an Ivy League institution while you gain theoretical and technical expertise in geochemistry, geophysics, hydrogeology, and engineering geology.

Penn’s Applied Geosciences Program now offers multiple ways to access the rigorous academics and professional opportunities that will help you achieve your goals:

Master of Science in Applied Geosciences

The online Master of Science in Applied Geosciences (MSAG) prepares you to take on a range of pressing environmental problems in a field where you are already making a real, practical difference. This program will deepen your theoretical and technical expertise and hone essential skills for leadership and advancement as you receive ongoing advisor support. The MSAG is structured to give you a foundation in applied scientific knowledge and to train you to put that knowledge into action.

Learn more about the MS in Applied Geosciences

Applied Geosciences Program Graduate Certificates

The Applied Geosciences Program offers two online graduate certificates for students with a focused set of outcomes in mind who want to earn a credential more quickly than a full degree allows. Four-course certificates are offered in engineering geology and environmental hydrogeology and can be earned in as few as two semesters.

Learn more about the graduate certificates

Individual Course-Taking

Students who are looking to advance their knowledge in a specific area can enroll in individual applied geosciences graduate courses. The entire catalog of online applied geosciences courses available to degree and certificate students is open to course-takers.

Learn more about course-taking

See information about the University of Pennsylvania's accreditation .

The Penn LPS Applied Geosciences Program is offered by the University of Pennsylvania, an institution of higher education authorized to confer degrees and certificates conferring academic credit under applicable laws of the United States. Students who are interested in participating in the program from countries other than the United States are advised that each jurisdiction may have its own laws and regulations governing online educational programs, and some jurisdictions may not recognize course credit or an online degree awarded by the University as satisfying local requirements for professional licensure, employment qualification, or other purposes. Before enrolling in this program, prospective students should investigate their jurisdiction’s treatment of foreign online programs to ensure that participation in this program will meet their objectives.

Program opportunities

Applied Geosciences Program students can work in collaboration with research institutions and groups both on and off-campus, including The Water Center at Penn, Stroud Water Research Center, the Global Water Alliance, the Philadelphia Field Station-USFS, and the Tookany/Tacony-Frankford Watershed Partnership. Students can also acquire writing and editing experience working with a peer-reviewed academic journal,  The International Journal for Water Equity and Justice (IJWEJ) an online, open-access publication managed by Penn faculty and students that focuses on the intersection of water equity.

Learn more about program opportunities >

Upcoming application deadline

The application deadline for spring 2025 is December 1, 2024.

Virtual Information Session

Join us on Wednesday, October 23, 2024, for a virtual information session to hear more about the program, curriculum, and application process.

Applied Geosciences Program Virtual Café

Join us on the first Thursday of every month for an online chat, hosted live from noon - 1 p.m.

Ready to apply to MSAG?

Have a question about MSAG?

The lifelong learning division of Penn Arts & Sciences

3440 Market Street, Suite 100 Philadelphia, PA 19104-3335

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The 5 Best Doctor of Geological Science (D.G.S.) Degree Programs

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The Doctor of Geological Science degree program provides students with the opportunity to become scientific leaders in the field of geology. It allows graduates to develop advanced skills in areas of geological research such as geochemistry, geomicrobiology, geophysics, geology, hydrology, and sedimentology, among others. This interdisciplinary degree gives students the opportunity to conduct research in various locations and settings, giving them the ability to gain a deep understanding of the earth and its processes. Further, the program emphasizes the importance of environmental sustainability and the application of geological research to solve current and future environmental concerns. Graduates will have the knowledge and skills to become research professionals, educators, and leaders in the geological field.

Due to the technical sophistication of the Geological Sciences curriculum, Doctor of Geological Science (D.G.S.) students are required to attend conventional classes in a college or university. The practical technological applications involved in this degree also need extensive training on campus.

As such, an entirely online D.G.S. program isn’t available in the United States. Still, you can enroll in universities with flexible arrangements. You can earn the D.G.S. at your own pace in not more than nine years, but you will have to attend on-campus classes.

Humans have called the Earth their home for millions of years, but our planet still leaves many mysteries to discover. Enrolling in a Doctor of Geological Science program will help humanity unlock some of these secrets.

Moreover, you can use your knowledge to develop our planet’s existing resources, study how human activity impacts the environment, and develop ways to protect the Earth.

______________________________

5 Best Doctor of Geological Science (D.G.S.) Degree Programs

Kent state university.

PH.D. IN APPLIED GEOLOGY

School Highlights: Kent State University’s Ph.D. in Applied Geology addresses all of the most pivotal issues relating to current earth systems, including oceans, solid ground, and atmosphere. There is a strong overall focus on solutions to applied research questions.

Doctoral students at this fine higher education institution take advantage of exciting, state-of-the-art resources, such as the expanded pigment spectral library or the Intuitive Multi-Touch Scanning Electron Microscope.

Kent students go on thrilling summer field courses that take them far into mountain ranges and major geological events while undertaking their extensive post-graduate coursework. This curriculum is an excellent advancement opportunity for students pursuing either industry careers or those in education.

Concentration Options:

• Environmental Research
• Evolution of Earth’s Systems Research

Campus Location: Kent, OH

Accreditation:

• Higher Learning Commission

Acceptance Rate: 87% Retention Rate: 84% Graduation Rate: 61%

LEARN MORE ABOUT KENT STATE UNIVERSITY’S PH.D. IN APPLIED GEOLOGY

Stanford university.

DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY IN GEOLOGICAL SCIENCES

School Highlights: At Stanford University, one of the nation’s best and most celebrated schools with an outstanding reputation, students major in a Doctor of Philosophy in Geological Sciences.

This degree requires students to conduct their own original earth science investigations, interpret their results, and present their conclusions and data before the School of Earth, Energy, and Environmental Sciences.

Many students even publish their findings in prominent scientific journals at the end of their degrees! Upon completion, graduates leave Stanford with an enormous reputation and tremendous networking connections.

There is also a Ph.D. Minor in Geological Sciences for doctoral students of similar disciplines, and an Engineering Program in Geological Sciences for post-graduate, non-Ph.D. students.

Coursework Sample:

• Earth and Planetary Processes
• Coevolutions of Earth and Life
• Practical Experience in the Geosciences

Campus Location: Stanford, CA

• Western Association of Schools and Colleges

Acceptance Rate: 4% Retention Rate: 98% Graduation Rate: 94%

LEARN MORE ABOUT STANFORD UNIVERSITY’S DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY IN GEOLOGICAL SCIENCES

University of texas at austin.

PH.D. IN GEOSCIENCES

School Highlights: Students can find a Doctor of Philosophy in Geosciences at the Austin campus of the University of Texas that provides five exciting specializations. These options include fascinating topics that connect students with expert faculty members in each specific area.

It is a research-oriented degree program in which students are expected to immerse themselves in personal projects with real-world impacts. They work closely with advisors and supervisors throughout their doctoral experience, and there is a vast amount of resources, such as the Energy and Earth Resources.

The curriculum is primarily designed for students pursuing a career in academia. However, it is an excellent resource for individuals entering government or industry-specific positions of employment, as well.

• Climate & the Environment
• Energy Geosciences
• Marine Geosciences
• Planetary Sciences & Geobiology
• Solid Earth & Tectonic Processes

Campus Location: Austin, TX

Acceptance Rate: 31% Retention Rate: 93% Graduation Rate: 66%

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN’S PH.D. IN GEOSCIENCES

University of notre dame.

CIVIL AND ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING AND EARTH SCIENCES: PH.D.

School Highlights: The University of Notre Dame has a unique pathway for doctoral students of geology through the Civil and Environmental Engineering and Earth Science Ph.D.

This curriculum spans an incredibly vast array of scientific knowledge and information. Yet, it also allows students to narrow their educational approach by choosing a research focus of their own design.

As a whole, the program addresses four critical areas, which include:

• Environmental Fluid Dynamics,
• Environmental Engineering,
• Structural Engineering,
• and Environmental Geosciences.

Notre Dame operates state-of-the-art research and computing facilities and laboratories. Students are encouraged to utilize all of these resources while developing a topic that addresses significant challenges facing the 21st century.

• Environmental Ethics: Ethical Reasoning in the Anthropocene
• Planet Earth
• Water, Disease

Campus Location: Notre Dame, IN

Acceptance Rate: 15% Retention Rate: 98% Graduation Rate: 96%

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF NOTRE DAME’S CIVIL AND ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING AND EARTH SCIENCES: PH.D.

University of alabama.

GEOLOGY, PH.D.

School Highlights: The University of Alabama provides a multidisciplinary approach to the Doctor of Philosophy in Geology. The curriculum includes strong traditional topics in areas such as:

• environmental geoscience,
• water resources,
• energy exploration,
• and touches on all of the most critical subdisciplines.

Bama offers exciting internship and research opportunities to all doctoral students that are guaranteed to give them unparalleled educational experiences.

The coursework is extensively hands-on and laboratory-focused. However, there are also chances to engage in experimental, theoretical, or analytical earth sciences studies.

There is also a Master of Science in Geology for students who do not have the necessary prerequisites for admission.

• Paleoclimatology
• Communicating Geology

Campus Location: Tuscaloosa, AL

Acceptance Rate: 79% Retention Rate: 89% Graduation Rate: 71%

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA’S GEOLOGY, PH.D.

What does a geologist do.

A geologist is a scientist who studies the earth and its processes like earthquakes, volcanic activity, erosion, and weather. Geologists conduct surveys on anything on and beneath the land surface, including rocks, minerals, and fossil fuels like oil, coal, and natural gas.

Through sophisticated technology and geologic theory, geologists map out areas with abundant resources, including water, gold, and other precious elements. A critical job of geologists is geo-hazard mapping. Engineers layout areas with high risks for disasters like landslide slopes, flood zones, tsunami-prone areas, potential sinkhole grounds, and drought regions.

The data gathered by geologists are essential in building infrastructure and facilities that benefit society, such as mining districts, road networks, evacuation centers, and agricultural lands.

Geologists also work with paleontologists and archeologists as they uncover fossils and prehistoric human remains found in excavation sites. They work hand in hand with other scientists to face environmental challenges such as climate change.

Geological Sciences may sound like a terrestrial-focused discipline, but geologists investigate the ocean floor too. They examine below-sea-level topography and consider them for fishing areas, transportation routes for sea vessels, underwater industrial zones, and critical environmentally sensitive marine elements such as reefs.

The research interests of geologists in this digital age go beyond the horizon. Aside from Earth, they also study the landscape of other planets.

What sort of accreditation should I look for in a Doctor of Geological Science (D.G.S.) school?

Although not bearing the term “engineering” on the name, the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) accredits Geological Sciences programs in the US. The Engineering Accreditation Commission and the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET are the accrediting bodies.

It is also a good sign if the institution’s faculty are affiliated with professional and scholarly organizations like the American Geophysical Union (AGU) and the American Institute of Professional Geologists (AIPG).

How do I earn my Doctor of Geological Science (D.G.S.) degree?

Entry requirements vary with each school. Some universities require applicants to have an M.S. degree in Geological Science. At the same time, some accept holders of Bachelor’s degrees in Geology or a related discipline such as biology, chemistry, math, physics, or engineering.

Test scores from standardized exams Scholastic Achievement Test (SAT) and Graduate Record Examination (GRE), are part of the necessary documentation.

The D.G.S. program typically takes up to 4 years to complete if you are studying full-time. Most graduates finish it in not more than nine years. The program involves geology coursework, fieldwork, and laboratory examination.

Like most research-oriented doctorate programs, D.G.S. students are required to finish a dissertation after the coursework. They work with a supervisor from the institution, and professors from other universities make up the panel.

Each Geological Sciences institution features different concentrations. For this reason, you need to consider the area in Geology that you wish to explore before you apply. The current trends in the discipline focus on the diversification of sub-sciences in Geology and the search for new methods to embrace the “new normal” conditions brought by climate change.

What type of degree do I need to pursue research or educate others in Geological Science?

Those who have Ph.D. degrees in the hard sciences, including in engineering and especially in Geology, are qualified to teach G.S.D. students. Geologists who work in academia, government, or private corporations can continue to contribute to research by publishing papers in scholarly journals.

What kind of career and salary can I expect with my D.G.S. degree?

As mentioned, geologists land careers in academe, government, and private corporations. They are in demand in the energy and mining sectors. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, a geological engineer’s annual median pay is $97,490. Those who work as professors make $80,840 yearly.

D.G.S. graduates have plenty of opportunities to work with other scientists. The compensation they get from research endeavors complements their income.

Do I need a license to be a Geologist?

Some states require geology bachelor’s and master’s graduates to take a licensing examination. When you pass the exam, you will be awarded a Professional Geologist (PG) title.

AIPG demands continuing education for geologists in the following states: Alabama, Delaware, Kansas, Louisiana, New Hampshire, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and Texas. In Alaska, certification depends on the registration requirements.

What schools offer D.G.S. degrees?

The following schools have a Ph.D. in Geological Sciences program in the traditional classroom and residency setting: the University of Texas at Austin in  Austin, Texas; Stanford University in Stanford, California; the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, Indiana; and The University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. These universities offer full scholarship grants to cover tuition, transportation, allowances, and research conference fees.

Kent State University in Kent, Ohio, offers a flexible schedule for the completion of the Ph.D. in Applied Geology Program. If the location is far, you can take some courses in Geology from the University of Akron and Youngstown State University, where credits are counted in a Memorandum of Agreement with Kent State University.

If you enjoy Geology as a discipline and are equally passionate about the sciences in general, D.G.S. may be the ideal degree for you!

How long does it take to earn a Doctorate in Geology?

The amount of time it takes to complete a Doctorate in Geology varies greatly depending on the type of degree and the individual’s educational background. In general, most Doctorate programs in Geology require a minimum of three years of coursework and research, although some programs may require up to five or six years.

Do I need a Doctoral degree to be a Geologist?

No, you do not need a doctoral degree to be a geologist. A four-year Bachelor’s degree in geology or a related field is typically the minimum education requirement for entry-level geology positions. However, if you desire a managerial position, a doctoral degree will help you obtain a job promotion and higher salary earnings.

School of Earth, Society & Environment

Department of Earth Science & Environmental Change

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Online Graduate Programs in Environmental Geology

The Department of Earth Science & Environmental Change offers an online graduate-level certificate and Master's degree in Environmental Geology. The master's degree and certificate are designed to meet the existing high demand for advanced geology expertise to solve industry problems, including:

• Groundwater and Numerical modeling
• Contaminant Migration Characterization
• Water Chemistry and Bioremediation
• Environmental Geophysics
• Multi-scale Geodata analysis

Learn more by visiting the online programs page:

The graduate-level certificate is a 12-credit program and provides an ideal bridge into the 32-credit hour online master's degree should students desire to continue on for an advanced graduate degree. Both programs are fully online, which precludes the need for an extended absence from a current job and/or familial responsibilities, and maximizes learning flexibility.   Students typically complete this program in approximately two to three years, while maintaining their professional and personal obligations.

Please visit the program website to learn more about the courses and curriculum, career opportunities, application details and more!  We look forward to learning more about your personal and professional goals, as well as helping you determine if the master's degree or certificate program is the right fit for you!

Program Contacts:

Online Environmental Geology Graduate Programs Director : Dr. Cory Pettijohn

SESE Online Programs Coordinator: Heather Miller

• Schools & departments

Geology and Geophysics PhD

Awards: PhD

Study modes: Full-time, Part-time

Funding opportunities

Programme website: Geology and Geophysics

Introduction to Postgraduate Study at the University of Edinburgh

Join us online on 25 September to learn more about Scotland, the city of Edinburgh and postgraduate study at the University.

Find out more and register

Research profile

This programme draws on the expertise of the Earth and Planetary Sciences Research Institute, which brings together over 100 researchers united by a drive to understand the composition, structure and history of the Earth, as well as the processes which continue to shape the world in which we live.

Research expertise

The breadth of our expertise, ranging across Geology, Geophysics, Geochemistry and Geodynamics, allows us to lead the way in developing innovative interdisciplinary solutions to the biggest questions in Earth Science, allowing us to understand how the subsurface works, from atoms to plates and on timescales from seconds to billions of years.

Research techniques

A great attraction of the institute’s work is the diversity of techniques we employ, including fieldwork, satellite imaging, laboratory studies and numerical computation. When not in Edinburgh, our staff are to be found all over the world, measuring seismic tremors to predict volcanic eruptions, drilling into the seafloor to recover the sediments which will unlock the secrets of ancient climates or finding dinosaur footprints at home in Scotland.

Research topics

Our subject is much more than an intellectual challenge; many of the greatest challenges facing humanity require Earth Science for their solution. Our scientists are leading the way in developing solutions in fields such as clean energy, natural hazards and climate change. This is reflected in our success in attracting research funding from both government and industry sources.

Research community

As a research student you will have the opportunity to engage fully with our scientific community. We host a weekly seminar series alongside smaller research group meetings. Every year we hold an institute symposium at which we present the latest results and discuss the next great challenges to be tackled.

Training and support

As a postgraduate research student at Edinburgh, you have access to an exceptionally wide range of training courses offered by the many interdisciplinary researchers across the School of GeoSciences, and more broadly across the university.

You will receive guidance both from your supervisory team and the postgraduate research office on appropriate training specific to your research needs and requirements. Additionally, an academic advisor, separate from your direct supervisory team, is always available to help support you and track your progress and welfare throughout your research degree.

Professional development opportunities

Multiple professional development opportunities are available to you throughout your studies to develop your transferable skills, including:

• Communicating ideas to the public, e.g. 3-Minute Thesis competition, annual PGR Conference
• Project Management
• Teaching on the School’s undergraduate programmes in Earth Sciences, Ecological & Environmental Sciences, and Geography

Read more about the training and support offered by:

Careers Service

Institute for Academic Development (IAD)

Facilities are an essential asset for our research and teaching. GeoSciences has a full range of laboratory, field and workshop facilities, all of which are available to postgraduate students. These extend from facilities for sample preparation and mineralogical, physical and inorganic and organic chemical analysis of rock, soil, plant, water and gaseous samples, to state-of-the-art research facilities.

National facilities

The School hosts and manages a number of national facilities on behalf of the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC):

• Ion Microprobe Facility
• Geophysical Equipment Facility
• Field Spectroscopy Facility.

Our facilities' technical and research staff provide training to students and help them identify the most relevant methods for their research projects or develop new techniques.

Instruments

The SEM, electron probe micro-analyser and secondary ion mass spectrometry instruments enable imaging, chemical and isotopic analysis of solid materials to 1 micron resolution.

Our X-ray µCT instrument enables 3D and 4D imaging of natural materials and experiments.

The Cosmogenic Nuclide Facility enables isotopic analysis of rocks and sediments to understand landscape evolution.

Our Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry and Laser Ablation facility enables high precision elemental and simultaneous isotope ion analyses for a wide range of liquid and solid materials. Results from this may be coupled with those from the Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry facility to understand oceanic and biogeochemical responses to past and current climate change.

UK Biochar Research Centre (UKBRC)

GeoSciences also hosts the UK Biochar Research Centre (UKBRC) laboratory and pyrolysis facilities which produce the “UKBRC Standard Biochars”, a set of research-grade biochars now used by over 100 research groups worldwide.

Airborne Research and Innovation

In addition to ground-based field instrumentation and our boat for work in rivers, lakes and coasts, Airborne Research and Innovation boasts an Eco Diamond HK36 small aircraft and UAVs supporting research in:

• atmospheric chemistry
• micrometeorology
• forest studies
• geomorphology
• agricultural science
• archaeology
• palaeontology

Computing facilities

Computing-intensive research in geographic information systems (GIS), meteorological and climate modelling, geophysics, and analysis of space and satellite data, is supported by access to our in-house GIS suite and software licences, and the Edinburgh Computer and Data Facility parallel computing and DataStore facilities. Specialist training for research staff and students in using these facilities and in High Performance Computing is provided by Information Services and the Edinburgh Parallel Computing Centre.

National and international facilities

Complementing our in-house facilities, GeoSciences research students and staff have access to national and international supercomputing, laboratory, experimental and field facilities. We are regular visitors to X-ray synchrotron facilities in Europe and the USA for research on many themes.

Finally, and as you might expect, one of our most important facilities is planet earth itself. Our students and staff use field stations and facilities worldwide for research projects in the Antarctic, Arctic and tropics, on research ships in the world’s oceans, through aircraft sampling the atmosphere and via remote sensing data from satellites.

Entry requirements

These entry requirements are for the 2024/25 academic year and requirements for future academic years may differ. Entry requirements for the 2025/26 academic year will be published on 1 Oct 2024.

A UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent, in a related subject.

We may also consider your application if you have other qualifications or experience; please contact us to check before you apply.

International qualifications

Check whether your international qualifications meet our general entry requirements:

• Entry requirements by country
• English language requirements

Regardless of your nationality or country of residence, you must demonstrate a level of English language competency at a level that will enable you to succeed in your studies.

English language tests

We accept the following English language qualifications at the grades specified:

• IELTS Academic: total 6.5 with at least 6.0 in each component. We do not accept IELTS One Skill Retake to meet our English language requirements.
• TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition): total 92 with at least 20 in each component. We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements.
• C1 Advanced ( CAE ) / C2 Proficiency ( CPE ): total 176 with at least 169 in each component.
• Trinity ISE : ISE II with distinctions in all four components.
• PTE Academic: total 62 with at least 59 in each component.

Your English language qualification must be no more than three and a half years old from the start date of the programme you are applying to study, unless you are using IELTS , TOEFL, Trinity ISE or PTE , in which case it must be no more than two years old.

Degrees taught and assessed in English

We also accept an undergraduate or postgraduate degree that has been taught and assessed in English in a majority English speaking country, as defined by UK Visas and Immigration:

• UKVI list of majority English speaking countries

We also accept a degree that has been taught and assessed in English from a university on our list of approved universities in non-majority English speaking countries (non-MESC).

• Approved universities in non-MESC

If you are not a national of a majority English speaking country, then your degree must be no more than five years old* at the beginning of your programme of study. (*Revised 05 March 2024 to extend degree validity to five years.)

Find out more about our language requirements:

Fees and costs

Additional programme costs.

Additional programme costs are normally £1,000 minimum (for full-time students). These costs might be higher depending on the requirements of your specific project.

Tuition fees

Scholarships and funding

Featured funding.

• E4 Doctoral Training Partnership

UK government postgraduate loans

If you live in the UK, you may be able to apply for a postgraduate loan from one of the UK’s governments.

The type and amount of financial support you are eligible for will depend on:

• your programme
• the duration of your studies
• your tuition fee status

Programmes studied on a part-time intermittent basis are not eligible.

• UK government and other external funding

Other funding opportunities

Search for scholarships and funding opportunities:

• Search for funding

Further information

• Postgraduate Research Office
• Phone: +44 (0)131 650 5422
• Contact: [email protected]
• School of GeoSciences
• Grant Institute
• The King's Buildings Campus
• Programme: Geology and Geophysics
• School: GeoSciences
• College: Science & Engineering

Select your programme and preferred start date to begin your application.

PhD Geology and Geophysics - 3 Years (Full-time)

Phd geology and geophysics - 6 years (part-time), application deadlines.

You must apply at least one month prior to entry so that we have enough time to process your application. If you are also applying for funding or will require a visa then we strongly recommend you apply as early as possible.

• How to apply

You must submit two references with your application.

Please see our step-by-step guide to applying for a research degree in the School of GeoSciences. Applications that do not follow application guidelines will be placed on hold and eventually rejected as incomplete:

• Application process

Find out more about the general application process for postgraduate programmes:

• Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences

Degree Plans

• Fully Online Master’s Programs
• Online M.S. in Geology

Online Master of Science (M.S.) in Geology

This is one of four subplans in EAS that allows a student to obtain an M.S. in Geology or Geophysics with a fully online curriculum.

This program prepares students with prior training in geosciences for professional positions requiring advanced geological backgrounds in academic, educational, governmental, and industrial sectors. Additionally, this degree can further prepare a student with a B.S. for admission to a Ph.D. program in the geosciences.

The UH faculty in the Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences are internationally recognized for research achievement and teaching. Many of the faculty have significant experience in governmental and industrial geoscience positions in addition to their academic and educational experience.

Application Deadlines

Spring 2023 Schedule

Admission to the Program

Admission to our graduate program is based on a competitive selection process. Meeting the minimum requirements published does not guarantee admission to our program.

• Candidates for the Master of Science (M.S.) in Geology are required to have successfully completed a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Geology equivalent to one at the University of Houston.
• A complete graduate school application must be submitted.
• Scores from the General GRE examination taken in the last 5 years are optional.
• Individuals with a lower cumulative GPA from a U.S. institution may be admitted conditionally.
• Letters of recommendation are also given considerable weight in the evaluation process.
• Students who did not earn a prior degree from a U.S. institution or a country where English is the medium of instruction (see list in the General Admission Policy ) must meet minimum test scores to demonstrate English language proficiency. Visit International Students to learn more.

Prerequisites

Candidates are expected to have the necessary science and mathematics background and should have successfully completed coursework deemed equivalent to that of the B.S. in Geology degree at the University of Houston.

The department will determine what deficiencies, if any, are present, and the acceptable means of removing those deficiencies (e.g., course work within and/or outside the department, directed study, research papers). Applicants with a few deficiencies can satisfy those requirements while also taking graduate courses at the University of Houston; these requirements will be listed in an offer letter should the student be admitted. It is normally recommended that a student with 6 or more deficiency courses (e.g., those whose bachelor’s degree was in another discipline) work toward a second bachelor’s degree in Geology prior to graduate work.

Degree Requirements Online Plan II Non-Thesis M.S. Option in Geology

Credit hour requirements.

Students may satisfy the Online Non-Thesis M.S. Geology degree requirements by satisfactorily completing a minimum of 36.0 approved Credit Hours, to include formal Earth & Atmospheric Science courses (GEOL) at the 6000 level or higher and a Capstone course (or approved substitute). Students are encouraged to consult with the Geology Graduate Faculty Advisor to make their selections of electives.

Core Course Requirements

To ensure breadth in the students M.S. curriculum, all students in Plan II Online are required to take 5 core courses. The five core courses required for Plan II Online degree are:

• GEOL 6341 - Geochemistry - Credit Hours: 3.0
• GEOL 6380 - Sequence Stratigraphy - Credit Hours: 3.0
• GEOL 6350 - Advanced Structural Geology - Credit Hours: 3.0
• GEOL 6351 - Basin Modeling - Credit Hours: 3.0
• GEOL 6388 - Geospatial Analysis and Applications - Credit Hours: 3.0

In addition to the 5 core courses (15 credit hours) and the Capstone (3 credit hours) an additional 18 credit hours of formal Earth & Atmospheric Sciences elective courses (GEOL) at the 6000 level or higher must be taken.

Capstone Requirement

Students are required to complete a capstone project and report. Students may petition the graduate advisor to substitute an additional approved elective to replace the capstone.

• GEOL 7301 - Capstone Project – Credit Hours: 3.0

Approximate Costs for One Graduate Course Online

Online resident students.

The approximate cost of 3 hours of graduate coursework for a Resident of Texas student (as of spring 2022) is:

• Tuition and Consolidated Fees (mean): $1,100.00
• Mandatory Fee – Student Service: $226.00*
• Online Education Fee: $265.00*
• Professional M.S. Fee: $1,884.00
• TOTAL: $3,475.00

Online Non-Resident Students

The approximate cost of 3 hours of graduate coursework for a Non-Resident of Texas student (as of spring 2022) is:

• Tuition and Consolidated Fees (mean): $2,660.00
• TOTAL: $5,035.00

Fees with * only have a small increase per additional credit hours, hence price per course drops with a 3- or 4-course semester load.

For additional information or details, contact Dr. Don Van Nieuwenhuise at [email protected] .

Department of Earth Science & Environmental Change

Environmental geology online programs, certificate, environmental geology online graduate certificate program.

The Department of Earth Science & Environmental Change offers a graduate-level certificate in Environmental Geology. This certificate is designed to meet the existing high demand for advanced geology expertise to solve industry problems, including:

• Groundwater and Numerical modeling
• Contaminant Migration Characterization
• Water Chemistry and Bioremediation
• Environmental Geophysics
• Multi-scale Geodata analysis

The Environmental Geology graduate certificate is a highly-sought after micro-credential in a field that is ever changing. As with other micro-credentials, the Environmental Geology certificate is an excellent addition to a professional’s LinkedIn profile and resume, indicating successful completion of a number of advanced, graduate-level courses at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign taught by world-class faculty, researchers and industry experts. 

The Environmental Geology graduate certificate also provides a route toward graduate level education and Professional Geologist (PG) licensure applications. After successful completion of the Environmental Geology online graduate certificate program, the Department of Geology will issue both electronic and paper certificates for posting and sharing with professional networks.

Students pursuing the certificate must complete a minimum of 12 credit hours offered online by the Department of Earth Science & Environmental Change, which will be three or four courses (number of courses needed varies by the credit hours granted for each course). Once admitted to the Environmental Geology Online Certificate Program, students should consult a program advisor regarding course selection/sequencing based upon their particular area of interest and desired professional goals.

Tuition and Fees

Tuition and fees for the 2024-2025 academic year are $755 per credit hour. the certificate minimum requirement to completion is 12 credit hours.  estimated tuition and fees for the graduate-level certificate depend on the number of courses and hours taken. , see illinois online for complete tuition and fee information., prerequisites.

• Bachelor of Science degree (in a physical science discipline) from an accredited college in the United States or an approved international institution of higher education.
• GPA of 3.0/4.0 or higher for the last 60 semester hours of their Bachelor of Science program. Students who do not meet the 3.0/4.0 GPA criterion may still be eligible to enroll if they have significant experience outside of the classroom. Such students are encouraged to contact Dr. J. Cory Pettijohn, Online Program Faculty Coordinator at: [email protected]

Come join us!

Certificate application deadlines.

Spring 2025: January 10, 2025

Summer 2025: May 15, 2025

Fall 2025: August 15, 2025

• 3081 Natural History Building 1301 W. Green Street, Urbana, IL 61801
• Mail Code: MC-102
• Phone: (217) 333-3540
• Fax: (217) 244-5149
• Email: [email protected]

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