Doctor of Philosophy Degree Program

The general requirements for the Ph.D. degree are those of the Graduate School. All candidates are expected to have a background approximately equivalent to this University’s M.S. degree in geosciences or geography, although this by no means precludes individualized programs for those entering with special strength in another discipline. All candidates should be familiar with the current M.S. degree requirements. Additional requirements for the Ph.D. are as follows:

1. Establishing a Guidance & Exam Committee during the first semester in residence.
2. Ph.D. candidates are expected to gain some experience in teaching.
3. Establishing a Dissertation Committee within one semester of admission to candidacy.
4. Completion of the seminar GEOSCI 791A during the first fall semester of residence.
5. Completion of the seminar GEOSCI 701 during each semester in residence, and at least one oral presentation of dissertation-related research activities in this seminar before graduation.
6. Development, successful defense and submission to the Graduate School of the proposed dissertation research in the form of a Dissertation Prospectus,
7. Submission of annual timelines to the student’s Dissertation Committee describing research activities completed during the preceding year and anticipated over the next year.
8. A minimum of 10 credits of GEOSCI 899 “Dissertation Research”.
9. Completion of a Final Oral Examination in the form of a defense of the dissertation research before the Dissertation Committee and other members of the department’s graduate faculty.

Full details of these departmental requirements are described in the Ph.D. program manual available in the department.

Preparation necessary to successfully complete the Preliminary Comprehensive Exam, typically held during the student’s first year in the program, after which the student is nominated to candidacy.