Program Overview

Earth Sciences - Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

The PhD in Earth Sciences program offers a quantitative and scientifically rigorous education in water sciences, sustainable mining, earth processes, and geohazards. Students will gain a deeper understanding of the impact of humans on earth's systems, both at the surface and deep underground, by exploring the mechanisms behind the currently changing climate.

Research Project Opportunities

• Coastal Processes and Landforms: An opportunity to work with the Waterloo Coastal Group examining the response and recovery of coastal barriers and other environments to changes in water level, storm activity, and ice cover in the Great Lakes and in the maritimes.

Program Overview

• Department/School: Earth and Environmental Sciences
• Faculty: Faculty of Science
• Admit term(s): Fall (September - December), Winter (January - April), Spring (May - August)
• Delivery mode: On-campus
• Program type: Doctoral, Research
• Length of program: 48 months (full-time)
• Registration option(s): Full-time, Part-time
• Study option(s): Thesis

Application Deadlines

• February 1 (for admission in September)
• June 1 (for admission in January of the following year)
• October 1 (for admission in May of the following year)

Admission Requirements

• The program is open to students who have completed a Master of Science (MSc) degree with a 75% average and who have outstanding academic credentials and a demonstrated ability to do original scholarly work.
• A normal requirement is a background in geology or geological engineering, but other experience relevant to a candidate's research interests will be considered.
• Candidates will be evaluated on an individual basis.
• Admission from the BSc degree to the Doctoral program: in exceptional cases where a student demonstrates academic excellence, including research potential, scientific maturity, and good writing skills, they may be allowed to proceed directly to the PhD degree from the BSc, without the completion of the MSc.

Degree Requirements

• Review the degree requirements in the Graduate Studies Academic Calendar, including the courses that you can anticipate taking as part of completing the degree.
• Check out Waterloo's institutional thesis repository to see recent submissions from the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences graduate students.

Application Materials

• Resume
• Statement of interest: A statement of maximum 500 words explaining your interest in and fit for the program you’re applying to.
• Transcript(s)
• References: Three academic references are required.
• Proof of English language proficiency, if applicable: TOEFL 90 (writing 25, speaking 25), IELTS 7.0 (writing 6.5, speaking 6.5)

Tuition and Fees

• Visit the graduate program tuition page to determine the tuition and incidental fees per term for your program.
• Review living costs and housing.
• Learn about the PhD housing guarantee program for admitted students.
• Review the funding graduate school resources for graduate students.