Program Overview

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Geological Sciences, PhD

The Doctor of Philosophy 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.

Program Description

The program allows students to work with world-class faculty on projects funded by NASA and the National Science Foundation in state-of-the-art laboratories and in the field on any of the seven continents.

At a Glance

• College/school: The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
• Location: Tempe
• STEM-OPT extension eligible: Yes

Degree Requirements

• 84 credit hours
• A written comprehensive exam
• An oral comprehensive exam
• A prospectus
• 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.

Admission Requirements

• General university admission requirements
• U.S. applicants | International applicants | English proficiency
• 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.
• Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.
• All applicants must submit:
  • Graduate admission application and application fee
  • Official transcripts
  • Statement of purpose
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Proof of English proficiency

Tuition Information

When it comes to paying for higher education, everyone’s situation is different. Students can learn about ASU tuition and financial aid options to find out which will work best for them.

Application Deadlines

• Fall:
  • Session A/C: In Person, Deadline: 12/01, Type: Priority
• Spring:
  • Session A/C: In Person, Deadline: 10/01, Type: Priority

Program Learning Outcomes

• Evaluate literature and current research in the field of geological sciences as it relates to their own research.
• Conduct independent, original scientific research and draw scientific conclusions that advances knowledge in the geological sciences.
• Effectively communicate complex scientific concepts, research findings, and their implications to diverse audiences, including scientific peers, industry professionals, and the public.

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.

• Career examples include:
  • Data scientist
  • Environmental consultant
  • Geologist
  • Geosciences professor
  • Instrument builder
  • Planetary scientist
  • Program manager
  • Research scientist

Research Areas

The program focuses on the processes and dynamics that shape the interiors and surfaces of the Earth and other bodies in the solar system, including:

• Field Work
• Landforms
• NASA
• Planetary Science
• Rocks
• Approved for STEM-OPT extension
• Earth
• Geology
• Minerals

Additional Information

This program may be eligible for an Optional Practical Training extension for up to 24 months. This OPT work authorization period may help international students gain skills and experience in the U.S. Those interested in an OPT extension should review ASU degrees that qualify for the STEM-OPT extension at ASU's International Students and Scholars Center website. The OPT extension only applies to students on an F-1 visa and does not apply to students completing a degree through ASU Online.